Elections, Facebook, and Opinions

It frustrates me to read so many statuses about people not wanting to see political statuses on their facebook news feed.  Now, don't get me wrong, I completely understand the frustrations of hearing petty, ill informed arguments and mudslinging, but c'mon people, this is America, and an election year.

We should ecstatic that we can post our thoughts and opinions without threat of imprisonment or retaliation from the government.  It's not only our right to do so, but I think it's our duty, our responsibility.  Where would we be if conversations about how our country runs stopped?  Communication, debate, disagreement, and conversation is what makes democracy work.

I was unfriended by a person because I updated my cover photo to a picture of Obama.  I cannot express my disappointment.  Have we really become a society that can't tolerate seeing or hearing opinions that are not our own?  I am probably one of the most patriotic people you will meet.  I love this country, I love our democracy, I love politics, all of it.  I get that I'm in the minority when it comes to loving politics, and that's fine.  My frustration lies with the fact that there seem to be more and more people everyday expressing how much they hate hearing about politics or the election.  I firmly believe that every single American that is eligible to vote has a civic duty to do so.  I also firmly believe that every voter should be informed of the issues on the ballot before they cast their votes.  Facebook has become a tool for people to inform each other of the numerous sides to every ballot measure and every political candidate.

In my opinion, this election could be one of the most important elections of my lifetime.  Posting things on facebook is a way to encourage conversation and get people thinking about the future of this country.  It's a way to get people involved and help people stay informed.  I will not apologize for posting information about the campaigns and I will not apologize for posting my opinions.

It might sound harsh, but if you don't like hearing about the election or politics, there is a lovely unfriend button next to my name.  I would rather see my facebook news feed full of political status updates than updates like "OMG!  My life is so terrible but no one ask me about it because I don't want to talk about it...."

This blog entry might seem like a negative post compared to all my other entries, but I feel like I had say something.  And as a closing not, I will unabashedly tell people that I will be casting my vote in November for President Obama.  I will continue to actively campaign via facebook for President Obama because it's the only way I can.  I welcome conversation and opposing views, because that's what keeps our system going.