Our good friends were over the other night, and we had some interesting conversation. Oddly enough, we are just as different as day and night from them; yet our deep friendship remains intact and beautiful.
I am, to boil it down, a Buddhist, who eats organic vegetarian food, and is voting for Obama. I am a working mom whose kids are in public school. She is a Christian Scientist who eats organic meat which a friend of hers hunts, and is voting for McCain. She is a stay at home mom who is homeschooling.
One of the things I love the most about our friendship is that we are open to learning from each other even though we are so very very different. I have been to church with her, and really enjoyed the experience, because it was an opportunity for me to learn more about this person whom I love, and what matters to her. Her church was welcoming and open and interesting. She listens to me wax rhapsodic on the benefits of Vapassana meditation, because being here now i is something that is important to me and gives her a similar opportunity.
We are careful not to judge each other, although sometimes its hard for both of us. I am a fan of Palin's amazing political savvy in the Politician Game, but I don't think she's qualified to run the country. My friend says she technically has more executive experience than the other candidates, and off we go!
The political discussion was careful, and had it not happened at the end of Bodhi's birthday party when my mind was fried, it probably could have gotten VERY interesting.
In the end, the point is this: you have the right to choose the person you feel represents you. The person YOU feel can care for this country and steer it in the right direction. In the end, this is YOUR choice, and there should be no judgment. There can be healthy argument, and good, intelligent conversation, because the choice YOU MAKE should be informed.
I believe you shouldn't go to church (or not) because your parents did (or did not), I believe you should go (or not) because you've made a choice, after having studied, continuing to learn about and have decided is a meaningful, positive choice in your life.
Voting is the same. The booth is private. It doesn't matter where you were raised or who your neighbor is voting for. It doesn't matter if you have a McCain sticker on your car, if your heart feels its not the right choice, you can choose a different candidate. There are plenty on the Ballot. (Okay, to be fair, and vice-versa).
But make your voice heard, get out there and say what you feel is right for you!
GO VOTE!
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