Surprise?

I'm going to say a few things that may shock some people.  Not the ones that know me really well, but some will definitely be surprised.

Ready?

Okay, here we go.

I am a 

Republican

No, that does not make me (a)

    

Bigot

Racist

Unintelligent

Misinformed

I am a 

Christian

No, that does not make me (a)

    

Bigot

Racist

Unintelligent

Misinformed 

I watch

Fox News 

(gasp!)

Again, that does not make me (a) 

     

Bigot

Racist

Unintelligent

Misinformed 

Shocked?  

No?  

Good.

I am so tired of all the hateful comments I find on news sites.  I'm saddened by the main stream media's attempts to get Democrats and Republicans to hate each other.  I can tell you first hand that it works.  And how sad is that?  Isn't it awful to live with so much hate for other people whose views are different from theirs?

The beautiful thing about facebook is that you can unsubscribe or de-friend someone.  The wonderful thing about blog posts is that you can pick and choose which ones you want to read.  It won't hurt my feelings if people decide they don't want to read what I have to say.  But, it'll hurt my feelings (at the beginning) if someone de-friends me on facebook because of what I believe.  

I have so many friends that span across the political and religious spectrum.  Let me tell you, I may disagree with what they believe sometimes but that doesn't make me not want to be friends with them.  I surround myself with those who like carrying an intelligent conversation and can (and) will listen to someone else's viewpoint without getting upset or angry if they oppose them.  

Isn't that what everyone wants?  To be respected, heard, and have their opinions valued?      

Of course!  We all want to know that what we have to say has been heard!  Facebook and my blog are my outlets and I am completely okay putting myself out there and letting others know how I feel about things.  All I ask is that I am not attacked for my beliefs or feelings.  Yes, I know.  I open myself up to that kind of stuff by writing about it or commenting on news sites.  But I think people forget that differences of views does not give them the right to attack others.  

Don't let your personal beliefs or what the media tells you influence your opinions of other people.  If you write someone off just because of their political or religious affiliations, you may miss out on a wonderful friendship.  And you can't let your hatred for a political or religious group consume your life.  It's not healthy and it honestly won't do you any good.  Plus, it'll make you age faster.  And who wants that?  :-)