I Don't Want To Be In The Room Where It Happens | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I Don't Want To Be In The Room Where It Happens

I am the one thing in life I can control.

79
I Don't Want To Be In The Room Where It Happens
Portland Press Herald

I've been aware of presidential elections since I was eight, when George W. Bush was running for re-election against John Kerry. The first one I remember in more detail is the 2012 election, though. I had an active opinion (even though I was too young to vote), and I watched the debates. Back then, politics interested me and I even considered minoring in political science when I got to college (something that never came to fruition).

This election season has changed a lot of that. The primaries didn't shape up at all how I wanted them to, and the last few months have felt like a nightmare we can't wake up from. Any time politics came up in my own house, I would end up fleeing from the room because I knew the conversation would take a turn that would stress me out. Deciding who to vote for has left my stomach in knots on more than one occasion.

Ironically, I decided to take a 100-level political science class this semester as an extra gen-ed. I knew it would be extra interesting because of the election. Most of the time during class, though, I end up hunched over my computer, just trying to avoid the fray. Controversial opinions are voiced, ones I vehemently don't agree with, but confrontation scares me. I stumble over my words and forget my well-formed thoughts any time I engage in debate. I would love to push back against opinions I view as wrong, but I never have the courage to do so.

And I most certainly, unlike former Vice President Aaron Burr, do not want to be in the room where it happens. Learning even more about our political system has taught me that. I could never be a senator or state representative, let alone a president. To avoid arguments, I often concede to another person when she expresses her opinions, even if I disagree. I'll usually say, "Yeah," or "No, I get it," or something along those lines. It's not like I change my mind with every new person that comes along; I just worry so much about starting something I can't finish that I'd rather not even get involved in a heated discussion. I'd be a great bipartisan politician but terrible at representing my constituents.

This all doesn't mean I completely ignore politics. I believe in the power of voting. I discuss issues with one of my best friends, and we always stay civil. Sometimes I have random fantasies about what I'd do if I were in Congress. And I often stress about the decisions our nation's leaders are making and the people who are about to be in power. I want our leaders to be wise, caring, and smart. I want them to, as the great Peggy Carter said, "Compromise where you can. Where you can't, don't." If you aspire to be in politics someday, hold firm to what you believe, learn from your mistakes, and work to better our nation.

But, at the end of the day, I have to remind myself that no matter what happens, God is in control. He knows what will happen, and He will use it for the glorification of His kingdom. I can't control the outcome of this election or how people vote, but I am the one thing in life I can control. I will vote. I will have opinions. I won't always voice them, but I will hold firm to them. I will dream for America's future, even if my wishes are hopeless.

As T. E. Lawrence said, "All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible."

So if you want to be in the room where it happens, props to you. Just don't be Hamilton or Jefferson. Be the Washington in that room.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180769
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7724
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452849
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23504
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments