Who I am voting for in 2016, and why you should too.

It's been a tumultuous year so far in politics. But only now is it really getting fired up. The majority of us use Facebook daily, and I have been noticing more and more hateful comments and articles shared lately, especially since the conventions have now taken place. So I thought I would share with you who I am voting for since it seems like everyone else is doing it. Okay are you ready? Here you go... None of your business. And not just none of your business, none of your damn business. That's right folks. I share a lot on Facebook, probably way too much sometimes. Sometimes I regret things that I have shared. When I regret those things, it usually means I shouldn't have shared them in the first place. I know that those things that I regret sharing probably hurt someone. I might have hurt a family member or a friend when I hit that share button without thinking. I know some people don't care, and that is fine because we need those people in life, but I do. I do very much care. I care, and I am not ashamed to say it. I have tried to be uncaring, but I just can not be that. In fact I would like to think that the majority of people are the caring type. Because as much as we need the people that don't care, we need the ones that do. Would I like to type out a five page essay on who I am actually voting for? Of course! But here is why I am not. Politics seem like a deeply messy business. And it is just like I said, a business. The public doesn't get to see a lot of the business part, just the polished, rehearsed show part. And from that polished, rehearsed, and very much planned show part, we usually think that we can base an opinion on just that. We sometimes and a lot of the time think we can make a judgement on just that. And a lot of us do. I personally think research and more research is the best way to make a decision, but that is just how my brain works. Regardless of how you make a decision, it is up to you. But here is the kicker. We should not be spouting out our opinion to the point of hate all over social media regardless of how right we think we are. Why you may ask? Because it is just damn mean and ignorant. You are entirely and completely entitled to your opinion, just as I am to mine. But if your opinion becomes a manifesto of hate, you should just shut up. A bunch of arguing and bickering and name calling is just worthless. That hurts relationships and hearts. Let's leave it to politicians to do that. You are also more than likely not going to change someone's opinion by the amount of political articles and comments you put on Facebook. Most people know who they are going to vote for. No matter what you share or say, it is probably not going to change anyone's mind. My mama used to say to me... "Emily don't ever discuss these two things with people, politics or religion." And as much as it pains me to admit it now, she was right. So I am giving up on sharing my opinion on politics on social media and you should too. It is not needed. We have too much hate and hurt in this world already. Let's not add more by using careless thoughts and careless words. Let's lift each other up where we can. Let's offer words of kindness regardless of whether you are voting Republican or Democrat. If you think it is going to hurt someone, don't share it regardless of what it is. And if it's that important, tell them in person, sign a petition, or lobby your representatives in office. Let's remember that someone is sitting behind that key board. Let's take our strong opinions to the places where it matters (voting booth) and let them go there. Make your change there, because that is where it starts.