Who knew politics could be so fun?

I have never voted before. Ever. I'm twenty-seven years old and I have never voted in any election for any position. Typically, I would be embarrassed to admit that, though I believe my reasons for not voting are sensible. I've just never been motivated to research candidates before and, in my humble opinion, it's better to not vote than to cast an uneducated vote. See County Commissioner race. If the stupid dick wins just because people are looking for CHANGE! CHANGE! CHANGE!, I will quit my job. But I digress.

This year, I have done some research and tuned in to portions of both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and, for once in my life, I can say with confidence that I will be casting a vote in November. I just so happen to support John McCain and Sarah Palin for reasons we won't even get into here, except to say that Barack Obama gives me the heebie jeebs, and that's just in addition to my not agreeing with his stance on important issues.

I have kept my opinions about the Presidential race very quiet because all of the Democrats have been the opposite of quiet. They're all screaming, "CHANGE! CHANGE! CHANGE! Sarah Palin kills animals (and animals are more important than human fetuses?)! Eight more years of the same (am I voting for Bush? Because I didn't think he was running this time around?)! Europe is laughing at us!" And, I tell ya, it seems like I am extremely outnumbered...but that's probably just because the Democrats cannot stop the diarrhea of the mouth no matter how hard they try.

The other day, I had two margaritas while I was hanging out with Red (also a Republican, or at least definitely NOT a Democrat) and I mustered the courage to "officially" become a supporter of McCain/Palin on facebook. I knew this would irk some of my "friends" but I didn't realize how much. The following conversation transpired shortly afterwards between me and my cousin Mary. Those things I wanted to say but refrained from are in italics.

MS: Just curious. Why?
ME: OBAMA? Seriously, America can do better (I admit I was plastered when I composed and sent this reponse, but that doesn't mean I don't believe it's true.)
MS: What is wrong with Barack? Tell me what issues you don't agree with him on? As I said I am just curious because most people I talk to who aren't supporting him it is not because of the issues but because he is black. I have had people tell that to my face. That in itself is a problem this nation needs to get over.
ME: Trust me, it has nothing to do with the color of his skin. NOTHING. I don't agree with him on any of the issues. (I know there are people who would not vote for Obama even if they agreed with him on all of the issues, solely because he's black. I understand this. I'm closely related to some of them. But the color of his skin truly has nothing to do with my decision. I would still be voting for McCain if he was a black homosexual midget amputee with a speech impediment.)
MS: What you don't agree with a 4000 tax credit for kids going to college, you don't agree with health care for all. Let me tell you that as a single parent my health care for Kiran was 300 a month when she came home. Today she doesn't have health care because it would cost me $600 a month through my work. SOmething on the health care front has to change. I use prayer everyday so that Kiran doesn't get really sick. You don't agree that Vets should be taken care when they get old or when then come home from a war that should never have happened. You don't want a tax cut being in the middle class? You would rather our senior citizen have to decided whether to eat or take their medication. Just wondering.....
ME: Didn't change my mind. Just sayin'. (Also, please learn to use grammar, spelling, and punctuation correctly if you're going to try to persuade me to switch sides. I cringe to think that you are teaching the future of this county. And, why on EARTH would you adopt a child who you can't afford health care for? Are you fucking crazy? Isn't that like buying a car that you can't afford the payments for, except with a whole lot more responsibility?)
MS: I never knew you were so selfish and uncaring.
ME: I'm not pushing my beliefs on you. I think that's caring. (Bitch, you sure oh-snapped me something fierce, didn't you? Still not voting for Obama!)
MS: The difference is I not pushing beliefs I am sharing issues. You haven't given me one reason except that you don't believe in anything Barack stands for. Those where just a few of the reasons why I am supporting him. If McCain gets elected this country is going down the same path that we have been over the last 8 years. Is that what you want?
ME: I completely respect your right to support Barack. We just don't see eye to eye. Let's agree to disagree. It shouldn't cause a personal rift. (I refuse to give you the satisfaction of thinking you've destroyed all of my reasons for supporting the Republican party. If I had to choose between the past eight years and living in a socialist nation, yes, it is what I want.)

She gave up after this and I think it's a damn good thing she did. I don't know how much longer I could have been nice. I don't expect to ever be asked to hang out with her again again, nor do I even expect her to be friendly to me the next time we are forced into the same room for a family gathering. Those Democrats take this fucking shit way seriously. I'm going to sign her up for McCain's mailing list now.