I support Obama for President in 2008.
If you know anything about me, this is a major anomaly. I am homeschooled, Christian, conservative libertarian, and it seems to go against all logic that I would support such a liberal Democrat. Literally, I've met my share of people who audibly gasp when they hear that I support Obama.
But this is about me, not Obama. Or specifically, what's it's like to be part of an ultra-conservative community and an Obama supporter.
My parents are fine with it. My dad forsook anything good coming from the 2008 elections when Alan Keys dropped out. And my mom just thinks me supporting Obama is funny. She tells her friends and laughs at their reactions. In addition, it's not like I can vote, nor am I campaigning for him, (outside of discussion with my voting age friends) so they figure the "damage" I can do is minimal.
My friends' reactions, however, well, I'm smart enough to not mention it to some of them. When one friend found out he asked, "Are you high?
"No, Tim, I don't do drugs."
"Well, are you drunk?"
"Do I look drunk, Tim?"
"Are you feeling okay? Cos you look like you're out of it . . ."
"I'm perfectly sane, Tim."
"Then what the heck is your freaking problem?!"
Yep, it went exactly like that. He was in a state of disbelief the entire evening. And I haven't seen him since. That's just a coincidence, though. Many friends just couldn't wrap their minds around the fact that I could support someone who held beliefs that were in direct contradiction with mine. They didn't understand that he was the least of the evils, that he would preserve the political equilibrium, that he was inspiring a nation with a message of hope and unity. The guy is idealistic, and I love it.
My friends love me enough not to alienate me because I support Obama, and my family finds it amusing, but I'm still hesitant to share my conviction with my community. Because frankly, and here is the crux of contention in this blog, I don't think they'd regard me the same. I can't fault them for that, but it still bothers me that a complete expression of my opinions would get me alienated from them.
A few weeks ago, I engaged in a discussion of drug liberalization with my friends, and I, naturally, was in favor. But throughout the discussion, I was soundly rebuked for my viewpoint by an older friend of mine that I profoundly respect. He meant well, and I can't count it against him, but I can't say it didn't sting either.
So here's to the land of open expression of opinions.
Yes we can!!!