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It's called democracy
Nise Note's
By Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
November 10, 2004
I have a hardfast rule: never discuss politics or religion. I stick as close to that rule as possible, as those are two topics that are loaded with landmines. However, for the last month, the recent election has been the top story on all newsfeeds. Who will be president for the next four years was the question on everyone's lips.
Now, here it is, a week after the elections, and the votes have been counted. Still, the election is a hot topic. As a result, I feel more weary this election than I did the last after hanging chads, recounts and Florida.
My feelings do not stem from who did or didn't win. No, the winner has been chosen, and now we strive to do the best we can for the next four years, just like after every election. I feel we should have respect for our president -- whether its George W. Bush, John Kerry or Mickey Mouse.
My weary feelings stem from the reaction of many Americans to the results of the election.
For the last week, I've time and time again, no matter where I turn, found myself bombarded with rants over who won, who didn't win, and the act of voting itself. I've been reminded why I never talk about politics.
I'm saddened by the intolerance of people towards those who didn't vote like they did. I try to respect varying opinions, but over the last week I actually have taken offense to many things that have been said... on both sides of issues, campaigns and candidates. Time and time again I've felt looked down upon and been offended by friends, family and peers.
I will not speak of who I voted for or why. That is between me, God and the piece of paper I drew the line on with the black marker. I went in with what I believe to be a clear knowledge the candidates and I weighed the pros and cons of each. In the end I made the choice my concience told me to make. Others voted differently, and I begrudge them none for it. They, too, voted as their concience directed them to vote.
It's called democracy. It's part of what makes this country so great.
To everyone who has disagreed with my making the choice I did, I have only been able to say, "Welcome to having the freedom of choice."
The key thing to remember is that this freedom of choice doesn't mean everyone will think the same way. It means everyone has their own opinions, values, and points of view. It means that as you may wish people to see as you do, you must respect that they won't. And they in turn they can not expect that you will think as they do.
I'm honestly glad the election is over. I just wish this anamosity between the camps would cool down just a little bit. We're a country divided right now, and that scares and saddens me. I hope some of this rift will close over time, beause I believe we need each other -- Democrats, Republicans and Independants -- to make this country strong.
United we stand is more than just a saying -- it's truth.
Nise Note's
By Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
November 10, 2004
I have a hardfast rule: never discuss politics or religion. I stick as close to that rule as possible, as those are two topics that are loaded with landmines. However, for the last month, the recent election has been the top story on all newsfeeds. Who will be president for the next four years was the question on everyone's lips.
Now, here it is, a week after the elections, and the votes have been counted. Still, the election is a hot topic. As a result, I feel more weary this election than I did the last after hanging chads, recounts and Florida.
My feelings do not stem from who did or didn't win. No, the winner has been chosen, and now we strive to do the best we can for the next four years, just like after every election. I feel we should have respect for our president -- whether its George W. Bush, John Kerry or Mickey Mouse.
My weary feelings stem from the reaction of many Americans to the results of the election.
For the last week, I've time and time again, no matter where I turn, found myself bombarded with rants over who won, who didn't win, and the act of voting itself. I've been reminded why I never talk about politics.
I'm saddened by the intolerance of people towards those who didn't vote like they did. I try to respect varying opinions, but over the last week I actually have taken offense to many things that have been said... on both sides of issues, campaigns and candidates. Time and time again I've felt looked down upon and been offended by friends, family and peers.
I will not speak of who I voted for or why. That is between me, God and the piece of paper I drew the line on with the black marker. I went in with what I believe to be a clear knowledge the candidates and I weighed the pros and cons of each. In the end I made the choice my concience told me to make. Others voted differently, and I begrudge them none for it. They, too, voted as their concience directed them to vote.
It's called democracy. It's part of what makes this country so great.
To everyone who has disagreed with my making the choice I did, I have only been able to say, "Welcome to having the freedom of choice."
The key thing to remember is that this freedom of choice doesn't mean everyone will think the same way. It means everyone has their own opinions, values, and points of view. It means that as you may wish people to see as you do, you must respect that they won't. And they in turn they can not expect that you will think as they do.
I'm honestly glad the election is over. I just wish this anamosity between the camps would cool down just a little bit. We're a country divided right now, and that scares and saddens me. I hope some of this rift will close over time, beause I believe we need each other -- Democrats, Republicans and Independants -- to make this country strong.
United we stand is more than just a saying -- it's truth.
