From Red to Blue

Last night, the President gave the State of the Union Address. It was probably one of his best efforts at public speaking I've seen, with only a few small slips and mess ups. That said, I still hated it. As always, that smug little half smirk was on his face the whole night and my hand itched to slap it off. Even at the most inappropriate times, Bush looked like this was all some farce, not to be taken seriously. To be honest, I couldn't believe he had the guts to mutter the words weapons of mass destruction. Why in the world would you remind everyone of the biggest, most obvious mistake of your entire presidency?

Hi, my name is Kim and I'm a Democrat. I haven't always been, but after finally waking up and paying attention to what politicians are saying, the realization came to me. Before the war and fall of Saddaam H., I claimed to be a Republican. Why? Cause my parents were. Good reason, huh? Whenever school would start a project or lesson that surrounded politics, I would ask my mom- am I a Democrat or Republican? Republican, she'd reply, but could never tell me why. Just that all my grandparents were, therefore my parents are, therefore I am. Only, not so much. The same story line was being played out at my husband's house. His parents were conservatives, so he was supposed to be. Again, not so much.

It took a long time for me to warm up to the idea of change. Everyday, Andy would come home from work a little more liberal-minded then when he left. Many evenings, we fought about it, but since I knew very little about the political party I was backing, he shot down all my logic. I got wise to it and started listening to the speeches and debates more closely. After a while, I began to understand what each party is about and what their intentions were. Slowly, but surely, I made the change to blue.

Nowadays, we don't discuss politics with many people anymore. Mainly, cause a majority of our friends are more right winged. It's become a constant bone of contention between Andy and his dad. Still, at least I have pride knowing that I am choosing someone because of what they stand for and not just cause my mommy said so.

Fast forward to last night's speech. When it began, the tv announcer stated that the Rep. folks were sitting to the right when looking at the President and Dems. were on the left (makes sense). Bush spoke about things we all want and are hoping for- an end to the war, more money for education, less dependency on foreign oil, a balanced budget and a utopia where all politicians are really 'representing the common man'. By the end, everytime Bush got a sentence out, the red side would give a standing ovation, while the blues sat back and waited. Finally, they got their chance when the President mentioned how congress didn't pass his social security privitization act. All of a sudden, the whole left side was cheering and standing. At home, I, too was clapping. And this time, I understood why.

When my child asks me if they are Reublican or Democrat, I'll try to explain the differences and leave he/she to make up their own mind. Whatever they choose, I'll support. So long as they know why and what they are standing for. That's the important part.