Keep your comments to yourself

In light of all the election talk going on, I heard someone say that people should keep their political views to themselves.

My question is: why?

That's like telling someone to keep their religious views to themselves. Why on earth would you not want to converse with people about things that make such a difference to the future of your country? Why would you not want to involve yourself in conversations with people who think differently than you and possibly learn something in the process? Why are people so afraid of telling other people how they feel about things?

I cannot vote in this country, and frankly that's starting to bother me. But because of that, I am even MORE interested in knowing what people think about the election because their vote affects me and I am annoyed when people don't take that seriously. From the perspective of someone who is not allowed to vote, it is unsettling when some people who belong to this country don't take it upon themselves to be educated about the candidates.

I learn so much from people who wholeheartedly support McCain and I learn so much from people who wholeheartedly support Obama. It makes me learn what's important to different people. And even though personally I support one candidate over the other, I want to know what other people think.

There IS a way to discuss politics without being emotionally involved. If you think Obama is inexperienced, find facts to support that thought. If you think Sarah Palin is hurting McCain's campaign, find facts besides SNL spoofs to support that idea.

There are only 10 days left.

Use this time to read all you can, educate yourself, talk with people who can handle mature conversation, and trust that your vote DOES count.