by Claire
Politics stress me out. I will offer you an opinion on almost anything, except politics. I attribute this to growing up with much older siblings who were (and still are) bitterly divided on politics. My parents have very strong opinions as well and so somehow along the way I decided to only share my politics with the voting booth. I DO vote in every election so please don’t think me apathetic, but when it comes to voicing my opinion I just do not go there. This reality has earned me the funny reputation of “Political Pat.” Do you remember Pat from Saturday Night Live? We didn’t know if Pat was male or female and the material for comedy was just great! My very political charged family members and friends have taken to seeing me as the political version of that androgynous character.
At my 40th birthday party last year, my Mom brought a scrapbook with various keepsakes from my childhood. One of them was an essay I wrote in October 1980. I had just turned 8 years old. It was a report on voting as we were learning all about the election that year. The entire thing screams of “Hey! You have your views! I’ll have mine! No need to yell about them!” I closed with “And so I incurage (sic) everyone to vote! Vote for Reagan or Vote for Carter! Just vote!” My friends really could not stop laughing that even in the 2nd grade I was “Political Pat!”
Fast forward to this election and I find myself living with two very politically aware children. The last month has been brutal for me as they regularly bring up politics (national, state and local) and just want to discuss. The kids were both undecided on many races so the conversation was one of information gathering for them. I was blown away though by their awareness and like to think I stepped up to the challenge of at least a good dialogue about politics. I did take DD with me to the voting booth for the experience and the lesson.
It all came to an entertaining end last night as we drove home from DD’s first basketball practice and the radio had results information. She asks me if I was born in the United States and if I am a citizen. She tells me she knows I’m old enough to be President and she thinks it will help that I am a lawyer. She even said I might be good at the job. But the best part of this conversation was when she said “and if you’re the President that means I’d be famous and I’d definitely be good at that!”
Now please don’t go turn this fun story into a platform for political discussions! I share to make you laugh!
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
I don’t blame you for keeping your political views to yourself! I give my views if asked, but I avoid any major debating. I hate it, partly because I’m not good at it – I can’t pull up facts and figures on someone’s record from 5 years ago to either support my view or rebut someone else’s. And, given how crazy some people get about politics I just don’t want to engage 😛
Has DD picked out what dress she’d wear during your acceptance speech? And the Inaugural Ball? 🙂
It is really exciting to see the next generation take interest in politics and get exited during elections.
The discussions in my house would make your toes curl. We are all on the same page, for the most part, but my kids, at 16 and 18, have very, very strong opinions, and express them freely. My son (the 16yo) really got into it last night with some people, and he held his own. Makes this non-political mama proud. 😀 I vote, also, but really hate to discuss politics, unless I am back-against-the-wall.
My older kids (15 and 16)seem to want to talk politics all the time. They speak to me, speak to their friends, follow political blogs, etc. They have friends with conflicting views whom they engage in pretty vigorous debates (while still remaining friends!). I think it is wonderful. It gives me such hope for the future of our country.
Political Pat – I LOVE that!
Our 17 year old is so well read that he can debate my husband and me under the table. We keep our mouths shut as he knows way more than we do! 🙂
So, Political Pat, which of the three remaining debts are you targeting first?!
Hope you get some closure this month! (Although I know it is still hard).
You and me both debt haven! Wow. Sick of this limbo and it hasn’t really been all that long. I’m about to post on the latest-which isn’t much given that Steve is not communicating with me at all.
Also, I need to catch up on emails! 😉