Daddy always told me that there are two things you should never talk about in discussions with other people, Religion and Politics. I’ve found that to be one of the truest bits of advice that he ever gave me. Every person has their own idea on what is right and contradicting them in even the slightest way can only lead to bitter arguments.
When I was young, I was raised in a deeply religious family and I learned to quote the Bible with the best of them. My God and I still walk pretty closely together but I’ve stumbled more times than I care to mention. Thankfully he has always forgiven me and accepted me back into his arms. I can’t say that about organized religion though. I’ve learned that some of the most hurtful people are the ones that are quick to tell you that they are "Good Christians". Woe be the person who questions the dogma of that particular sect. I’ve always wondered why we are taught that there is but one God yet it is necessary to divide up into different denominations. Is the God of the Baptists the same God of the Catholics or Methodists? Is the God of the Jews the same God of the Muslims? Inquiring minds want to know. I guess I’ll just keep worshiping my God in the same way I’ve always done and let the all knowing elders of the different churches argue out the specifics.
Politics seems to bring out the same caliber of fanaticism as religion. In fact, it can be even worse. When you argue your point of view with someone of an opposite stance, all of a sudden you are called stupid, ignorant or any number of different names. In my humble opinion, it is my responsibility to investigate all the particulars of a specific issue and then vote whichever way my heart and mind lead me. I try to measure the sincerity of the person running for office and how the issue at hand will affect me and the people who mean the most to me. I’m anxious to learn the benefits of a particular piece of legislation but if a person calls me stupid while touting my endorsement I’m probably going to vote against it. Personally, if I was going to be fanatic about anything it would be about the apathy of John Q. Public. Democracy only exists on voting day, all other times this country is a Republic. If you don’t take the time to know the person representing you, you will have to suffer through 2, 4 or 6 years until you get the chance to make a change. That person can cause a lot of damage during the length of his term of office.
People can argue religion and politics all they want but I’ll just sit here and not say a word. I’ll listen to every word you have to say but you’ll never know what I’m thinking. Who knows, maybe I’m thinking that you are the stupid one.