Growing up, we didn’t talk about politics. It was considered impolite and inappropriate. Also, no one in my family was politically involved except if a friend ran for office — I have a vague recollection of holding a “Bill Poe for Mayor” sign when I was 14 on the side of the road in Tampa (I’m seriously aging myself) but that’s about the extent of it.
Breaking Tradition
I was raised Republican, but many years ago as I determined what was important to me, I broke from my tribe, registered independent, and now regularly vote left of center (read how well that went over here). After an accidental political discussion, a family member once accused me of turning into a liberal feminist. I replied, “I know you think those are insults, but actually, I’m quite flattered.”
Despite my left leanings, I pride myself on having an extremely diverse circle of friends gathered over many years and many different locales — liberal Christians, fiscal conservatives, struggling artists, members of the one percent, a variety of races and religions — and because of that I’ve spent most of my life telling my Republican friends that not all Democrats are demonic, and telling my Democrat friends that not all Republicans are evil. Sadly, I’m not so sure my opinion makes a difference.
The Times They are a Changin’
So between my upbringing of not talking about politics and my futile attempts to make sure everyone gets along, I rarely express my own political views, and certainly not on social media. But as with so many Americans, this year changes everything.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, over the course of a decade I was both sexually harassed and groped by a college professor, two bosses, and a respected leader of the community — all men in authority and supposed role models. Like most women during that time, I didn’t understand how abusive these acts were, and put my feelings of confusion and shame in a box. The revelations of the past several weeks released those feelings again and ignited a deep anger at their sense of entitlement.
There are women in this world who have it much worse than I did and I do — enduring unspeakable sexual assaults, no access to education, no ability to travel without a man’s permission, and no opportunity to make their own choices without fear of humiliation and in some cases death (e.g., honor killings). As Michelle Obama so eloquently stated, the United States is on the forefront of advocating for women’s rights worldwide. We will completely lose our moral authority with a president who treats women with complete disrespect and disregard. The ripple effects will be felt far and wide. For that reason — and for many more that override the flaws that she has — I’m voting for Hillary Clinton.
I’m With Her
As a woman, I’m with her.
As a Christian, I’m with her.
And as an American who is dedicated to the melting pot that is this country, I’m with her.
No doubt I may lose some blog followers, which will make me sad. I hope you’ll stick around for the majority of my blogs that don’t venture into politics. But I’ve learned you can’t win — I’ve lost followers because I’ve mentioned religion, and I’ve lost followers because I wasn’t religious enough. I’m just going to write what I write.
To my conservative Christian friends, please read this article about Christian women speaking out about Donald Trump, including prominent evangelicals.
To my liberal friends who voted for Bernie and who are considering not voting or casting a protest vote, please watch this:
Regardless of who you support, please vote. Courageous women and men fought long and hard (literally) so we can exercise this right.
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