You're A Republican Aren't You?

First – let me start by saying that this post is not intended to a platform for me to preach my political opinions.  It isn’t intended as a bash on our nation’s current leadership or any political party.  I’m simply sharing a revelation that I had yesterday.

While browsing my FB newsfeed yesterday morning I noted a rather strange status update from one of my best friends (we’ll call her EBT).  It read, “Mr. Obama, I got you!”  I’ve been friends with EBT for seven years and although she has never expressly stated it, I’m almost positive she’s a democrat – but still, this status intrigued me.  So I shot her a text.

Me:  So why exactly do you “got” Mr. Obama?

EBT:  Umm…you’re a republican – right?
I was tempted to reply, “EBT – we’ve been friends for seven years.  You know I’m a Southern Baptist pastor’s daughter from Alabama and that I married Steven (if you knew my husband - you would understand)…..of course I’m a republican!”  But I’ve been trying to avoid stereotyping lately – so instead I simply said…
Me: Yes.

EBT: Well, I’m a democrat – so I was just saying that I agree with what Obama said in his speech last night.  And I guess this means we can’t be friends anymore!
I was tempted to reply, “EBT – you’re a teacher from Boston of course you’re a democrat.” But again…stereotypes….so I replied….
Me:  I see.  I agree that he made some valid points.  I don’t exactly think he said anything new – but rather simply admitted that somehow we have allowed things to go too far and we have to find a solution to the problems facing Americans – but again, that’s not exactly anything new.  And of course we can be friends!
EBT:  True.  I agree with some things that republicans believe – it’s just that I believe that we should all do our part to help those in need.  I believe that we all have a responsibility to one another. 
Me:  I’m not a republican based on religious or social reasons.  Don’t get me wrong, I obviously agree with the republican party on conservative issues; however, I know how often I fail in my faith and how rarely I live the lifestyle that I should according to my faith so I have a very difficult time believing that politics should dictate lifestyle choices for others.  I’m a republican based on pure economical beliefs.  I’m a capitalist!  Allow the markets to regulate themselves.
EBT:  And I agree with many points the republicans make.  I’m not all democratic.  But it’s rather hard to work in the education system and not be a democrat.  To see the needs of others and not support government programs.

Me:  Don’t get me wrong.  I absolutely believe that we have a responsibility to help those in need.  I just believe that help should come from charitable organizations and the private sector – not the government.  I believe that if the government decreased those programs and as a result decreases taxes levied on Americans and increased tax incentives for contributing to charitable organizations designed to provide relief to those in need then we would be able to provide better programs and more assistance than the government currently does.  That may sound too ideal – but I at least believe there should be more restrictions placed on welfare programs to ensure the truly needy are being helped.

EBT:  Oh I completely agree that the system needs a major overhaul – many times it the wrong people entirely who receive aid – but at least something is being done.  But you may know more about this than I do…..

Me: Hey!  At least you watched the address and are trying to stay up on current events!

Me: WAIT A MINUTE!!!  ARE WE HAVING A SERIOUS, INTELLIGENT CONVERSATION ABOUT POLITICS??!?!

EBT: OMG – WE ARE!
Me: If only our husbands could see us now!!!

And that was pretty much the end of our intelligent conversation.  It surprised me though.  Like I said, I’ve known for years (or at least suspected) how EBT felt about certain issues.  As a result, I’ve always avoided topics regarding religion & politics.  I guess it was for a fear of offending her or seeming like the “pushy conservative”.  I mean – this is one of my best friends.  I share details about the most intimate aspects of my life with her: my marriage, my family, my career, my sex life – and not once have I thought twice about any of it. 

So why in the world am I afraid to talk about the other factors that make me who I am?  My conservative ideals – whether they be political or religious.  Why do so many women fall back on talk about celebrity gossip, recipes, latest fashion trends or the new miracle product.  I mean – just look at our blogs – look at my blog!

I’m not saying we all need to blast our opinions as if they were the gospel or that we need to write weekly posts about our take on the current political climate – but I’m starting to realize that there is a way that you can express your opinion without being condescending or overbearing.  It is okay to disagree with “the other side” but at least have the conversation!  You may just find that you have more in common with “the other side” than you think and you might actually gain a new appreciation and respect for your friends!