Life of a Conservative

So, a few things happened over the past month that made me realize for absolute certain, I'm on the right side of things.

First about 3 weeks ago I was in a conversation with a close relative which I haven't seen in years. I knew from previous conversations with people she associated with that she was a highly motivated democrat. As we were talking she expressed her exuberance about her job. All though I'm not exactly sure what it all entails, she does work at setting up conventions, coordinating events and staying in tune with the democratic party. She's seems to be a bright and cheery gal, and I truly am happy that she's enjoying her life. While at this gathering I, as I often do, took in the surroundings and started people watching. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary, nothing that I didn't expect to find. While I was talking with this relative, one of her friends came up to announce she was leaving. She looked to be in her 20's, dark hair, subtle make up, but what caught my eye was what she wore on her shirt. I couldn't help but smirk and shake my head. This young gal was proud to support her candidate for president and made sure to demonstrate by wearing none other than a 'Hillary' button. This was the moment when I took another glance around and realized, I'm surrounded by democrats.

I was ready to take on a debate, preparing myself. I felt the urge to announce my opposing view, so I acted. I gathered around in a circle of people waiting for my chance to jump in on the conversation. Their topic....which candidate they like. Someone said, "I really like Hillary." Another agreed, and another. One person mentioned Barack. Here was my chance. I focused my comment towards my relative and said, "I'm on complete opposite ends of the political spectrum than you." Now, I wasn't cocky, or boastful. It was a simple statement just to let them know that their candidate selection wasn't one I shared. Her comment back to me, "Oh, you're a Republican?? That's just dirty and wrong." Interesting. Mind you, she couldn't look me in the eye while attempting to degrade my opposing view. With my defensive gloves put to the side I just gave her a smile, with a hint of a "you wanna go right now" look in the eye. I wasn't going to get into a battle of wits with her on this day that family and friends were gathered in celebration for her birthday. It can wait for another time. I did however advise everyone in this circle to make sure they are educating themselves on these candidates. And mentioned, "I can help educate you. Just go check out my blog." (Had to give myself some sort of pump to get people to read this dang thing). Before I send out my blog address to everyone I know, I'll need to make sure to write more on what the conservative/democratic candidates stand for. After all, I have a duty to educate, right?

So on to my next encounter. It all started with an e-mail forward I received. I read it, smiled and passed it along. The message was this.

"Rules for the phone. How ALL business phones SHOULD be answered! GOOD MORNING, WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Press "1" for English. Press "2" to disconnect until you learn to speak English And remember only two defining forces have ever Offered to die for you, Jesus Christ And the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. If you agree......keep it going
Amen"

A few days later I received an e-mail from someone expressing their disdain for this e-mail. The content of the message was one that read to me as...'how could someone like you, a supposed Christian send out such a harsh message'. I was also given a history lesson on the immigrants who came to Ellis Island and not all of them spoke English. I understand that this person wanted to let me know that this e-mail really upset them and wanted to know why I decided to send it to them. However, the emotion on the message I received was far from simply asking 'why' but rather 'how dare you'. With that, I couldn't let this one slide. I was obligated to explain myself. Here was my reply:

WoW.....Where to start.... I feel you may have jumped to a conclusion to which you should have asked rather than assumed what my "AMEN" was about in this e-mail. I clearly understand that you and I are on complete opposite ends of the spectrum on many things, and I promise that I will refrain from sending similar e-mails to you in the future. It is very apparent that this upset you greatly otherwise you would not have spent time on letting me know how you feel. So now I feel that after the little piece of a history you just presented along with you're passing judgement, I must explain myself. First, did you read the whole e-mail? Or did you stop after the "Press "2" to disconnect until you learn to speak English?" At the end of the e-mail it expresses those that have died for us, that being Jesus and the American Soldier, and to that I say AMEN! As for the "Press 2" message, yes, I do feel that for one to survive and live in our country, absolutely English should be learned. Of course we have a great diverse nation, and I'm proud to be a part of this country. But do you think all of the immigrants on Ellis Island refused to adapt to our cultures and learn our language? They came here to become American's and they worked very, very hard to adapt to our values while sharing with us their's. Today, the immigrants that are working to obtain citizenship also want to become American's to be a part of this great country. In no way are they asking us to change or modify our language, our values or are freedoms. And one of the requirements for one to become an American citizen is to speak English. Is that wrong of us to ask since that is our native language? I don't think so. It is still U.S. law that those wishing to obtain citizenship have some things required of them, for instance, "Applicants for naturalization must be able to read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage in the English language." http://www.us-immigration-attorney.com/citizenship.htm...Requirements for US citizenship...Language...Para-1...Sent-1. So clearly if this is still law, we're debating that which is already addressed by US Immigration code. Since our country is now dealing with the situation of 12 million ILLEGAL immigrants living here, we have had to make many adjustments. Not only are they costing us tax dollars and dealing with their protests in the streets, they want US to make sure WE accommodate them and post Spanish signs on everything. Would this have happened 50 years ago, again I don't think so. As for our family, yes I have a German & Mexican heritage and as far as I know all of them that live here in America speak English. Interesting that you said, "I still aspire someday to learn other languages even just a little so if I do have the opportunity one day to travel, I can show respect to countrymen I'm visiting by at least attempting their language." To want to converse when just visiting another country, to be able to flourish living in another country you would most definitely need to learn their native language. Hmmm.... well I think that is what this e-mail implies for living in America. If you're making you're home here, shouldn't you want to show respect to fellow citizens that you too want to learn the language? Now, I was pretty offended by the statement of "anyone who claims to follow the teachings of Jesus" implying that because I sent an e-mail that expresses English should be the spoken language of this country, I don't follow His teachings. You couldn't be more wrong. One last thing, I do have a pretty good head on my shoulders. I actually do pay attention to what's going on around me and come to conclusions all on my own, so don't assume that I'm jumping on some 'band-wagon'. We live in a right vs. wrong society today. I pray everyday that God will lead us in the right direction. Unfortunately, so many people have turned away from Him, I'm not sure how much longer He will allow our country to go on.

I did receive another reply, which I have yet to reply.

There will be more debate, more questions and I'm ready and willing to take on the challenge. I know without a doubt that where I stand, is where I want to be.

FOLLOW UP 10/30/07: I replied back to the second e-mail and explained to them that I understand our differences politically, and we may not always have the nicest things to say against the side we oppose. I'm not angry at this person for not understanding why people say or believe in the things they do. However, there is a better way to get into a Q&A instead of 'dumbing down' their reasoning. I'm sure in the future there will be more questions, more firey words between me and this individual, but in the end all that matters is the unwaivering friendship.