If we were to think about life even just 10 years ago, I bet many of us would remember the days that politics weren't really spoken about. A lot of us were probably raised with the same standards; don't talk about politics and religion. Hell, I use to waitress and bar-tend and that is the unspoken rule of the bar. Don't talk about politics or religion, especially when alcohol is involved. As my dad always told me, you're not going to change their opinion, and they're not going to change yours.
Fast forwards 10 years, you now know everyone and their mothers political opinion. You can't get on Facebook for one day without a political post. Just about everything on the TV mentions politics in some form or fashion. Talking about politics has become the new social norm. Unfortunately, bullying has also become the new social norm. You're no longer allowed to have differing opinions. And this comes from both sides of the political spectrum. I've seen it from the extreme left as well as the extreme right.
Free speech for all!
.....Except for those who disagree with me!
Now, what stereotypes do you associate with those in the Republican party? What are the usual go-to's?
Racist.
Homophobic.
Islamophobic.
Any other word that ends in 'ophobic'...
Misogynistic.
War-Hungry.
And so on and so forth.
Well, I'm here to say, for those of you who are willing to listen, we're not any of those things. Do those people out there exist? Absolutely. But they're not limited to the republican party, or even the democratic party. There are assholes everywhere. On both sides.
But just because I'm a registered Republican, doesn't mean I'm any of those things. But I will tell you what I am. I am a young woman, mother and student who was raised by amazing parents who taught me the importance in respecting everyone. No matter their race, or their beliefs.
I was raised to treat everyone as the human beings that they are, because while we may not all have the same beliefs, we're all still human beings. Going day by day trying to figure out life and do what's best for our loved ones. We're not all going to do it the same way, and that's okay. We're not all going to vote for the same people, and that's also okay.
We can have different views. But just because we have different views, doesn't make me any of those things you assume that I am. You probably saw the title and instantly thought about how racist I must be. Or how I hate women. Or how I'm just probably so full of hate.
But I'm not.
I'm full of love. As a new mother especially, I'm full of a love I've never felt before. I don't hate anyone (except the San Fransisco Giants but that's just because I was #RaisedRoyal and I'm also #StillBitter).
I want what's best for most importantly my son, my family, my friends. But also for you, whoever reads this.. No matter your views, I value your safety and your future. Because at the end of the day, we're all playing for the same team. No matter who you are, what you believe, who you love; I will always treat you with respect unless you disrespect me.
I'm no longer ashamed of saying I am a republican. Because I'm confident in the values I was raised with. I'm confident in the respectful, loving person I am growing up to be and will raise my son to be. And because quite frankly, republicans aren't the ones out destroying buildings and assaulting people in alleged, 'protests' which are actually 'riots'.
I'm a republican and that's okay.
Maybe you're a democrat.. and that's okay.
Maybe you're an independent.. really, that's okay.
As long as you treat everyone with love and respect no matter their differences?
It's okay.
Recommended for you
1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
Trending Topics
Trending Stories
Best of Politics
![12 Things To Do On A Snow Day]()
![April Ludgate]()
![a room with boxes and a window]()
