COLUMN: Don’t vote blindly
I went to my dad’s for Christmas this weekend. I know, it’s January, but my dad figures Christmas in January is cheaper; you get more bang for your buck.
So it’s Sunday, or Christmas morning, and the family is sitting at the table eating the traditional Christmas breakfast of hash browns and monkey bread with caramel sauce when the phone rings.
It’s for my dad. It’s the Democrats and they want money.
Now, my dad is the biggest and most loyal Democrat I know, second only to perhaps his wife. But there’s a problem. My dad and his wife live in Idaho, one of the most red states in the nation.
A Democrat just can’t get a fair shake in Idaho. That doesn’t stop them from calling you up on a Sunday and asking for your money.
After my father’s polite decline, the caller went into the speech about how donations from party members are a way for voters in Republican states to get their voice heard. My dad laughed then indignantly hung up the phone.
The phone call brought on a sparkling conversation between the family members, ending with my stepbrother saying, “Are you a Democrat first or an American?” to which his mother responded, “Now you’re getting nasty. Let’s not ruin Christmas.”
The conversation ended, but I haven’t been able to get the thought out of my mind.
I’ll admit: I am a registered Republican. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But I wouldn’t say I’m a hard core conservative. Two years ago, when I entered a columnist contest at The Herald Journal, my dad told me there was no way I fit the criteria. They were looking for a hard core Conservative, someone who will shoot down abortion and gay marriage, and all that being a true blood entails.
I suppose he was probably right. I am one of those sitting on the fence. I like to look out, watch what’s going on then fall on the appropriate side.
For me I guess the answer to the question is simple. I am an American first, and I guess maybe always if that’s what it means not to care if you are a Democrat or a Republican. I’m for whoever is going to fix the problem I have, whether it be Social Security, immigration issues or education.
Maybe that sounds a little selfish or indifferent, but I think it’s the opposite. When I look to elect a leader, being free from a serious party affiliation, I am free to make my own choice. I get to pick the man, not the money or the party. I get to pick the idea and what I feel is a better plan for the country.
I think this works better. Unless you live in Idaho, of course.
Mikaylie Kartchner is a senior majoring in print journalism. Comments can be sent to mikayliek@cc.usu.edu.