Politics

I usually ignore politics, because it's not really my thing. I dislike the general atmosphere, which you can only classify as pure hatred--the loud bickering, name calling and just basic craziness that goes with elections. Do I really think the Obamas once saluted with their left hands because they are secretly America-hating commies? Please. Do I really give a crap about Romney's binders of women? Not even a little bit. These men are just men--no one is perfect; they are going to make mistakes and unfortunately it's going to be in front of everyone. What human on this Earth has never misspoken or acted at the wrong time? It is actually kind of terrifying how maliciously their mistakes get passed around America in seconds, and it's equally as terrifying how angry some people get about their political beliefs. For me, it is exactly the same thing as religious extremism--close- minded people who believe so strongly that they are right, they could kill someone to prove it. In the comments section on political articles, I saw things like "You're so f#%*@ing stupid, I hope you die!" more than once. Seriously? I hope you die?! Because you believe differently than me, you should die. Hmm. This is horrifying. That's why I usually avoid politics--I don't like to get involved in something so emotionally bitter. Nothing you say will ever change the mind of someone not on your side---(no matter how many ridiculous pictures you post of the other candidate on facebook) and all it does is cause conflict and stress.

But I've learned a thing or two about politics from the French, and the first of them is that EVERYONE knows and talks politics here (and not just French politics but other countries too)--without all the name calling, photoshopped picture crap. At dinner, they like to debate, (even people on opposing sides!) and they do so without hatred and aggression. Upon realizing this, I knew that it was time for me to at least pay attention to the politics in my own country, since everyone here seemed to know much more about it than me! For the first time ever in my voting life, I watched all the debates, I researched both candidates, and I stayed informed on current events. Because no matter what day it was or who I met on the street, someone was going to ask me what I thought about the upcoming elections if they knew I was American. (And also, I had agreed to speak about it on the news, so I reaaaalllyyy couldn't keep my usual non-opinion.) My conclusion on both of these men was just this: they are both super wealthy Americans with ideas to help our country that may or may not work. We don't know if they will work, because we haven't tried yet. We can't try because there is so much division in our "United" States that nothing can ever get done. And so there it is again--the catch 22 that makes getting all riled up about politics worthless.

Honestly I can see the argument on both sides. The great thing about America is the attainability of the "American Dream." The idea that whatever you want--you can get, as long as you are willing to put in the hard work to get there. If you want to win, you can--and big; you are your only limit. The flip side of this is that it creates a nation obsessed with money and material things. Work and profit becomes the focus of our lives, because time is money, and if we aren't working, we are losing money. The other day, I saw some graffiti here that said "Capitalism is the new form of slavery." And immediately, I thought "Oh, you silly French people." But when I started thinking about it---it's kind of true. In America, we work through lunch to make a few extra dollars. We can't spend as much time as we would like visiting our families and friends, because we aren't allowed too many vacation days, and the stress of working to keep your head above the water is just exhausting.  But we have no choice. We take what work we can get, because times are tough, and so we resign ourselves to our destiny. Then we make fun of Europeans for their 2 hour lunch breaks and their month long vacations every year.

Not the classiest way to state your political opinions, but maybe i can see your point. 

 Also, Republicans like to cite the Bible and the Christian beginnings of America--but didn't Jesus (and every other religious leader) live to teach a different lesson than our current reality? Love each other and help your neighbor, even the bad ones. I know the argument--after living in France for a while I have seen the negative consequences of a more socialist government--ie. lazy people living off the system--and it definitely irks me, but I can't help but think it is more in the direction of where humanity should be moving. Because one day, like all Empires, America could fall. And all that time spent on making money and getting ahead would be for nothing. The only true thing in life, the only thing that keeps you alive, are the relationships you create with people and the time you spend maintaining them. I'm not saying that I hate money and we should start running towards the extreme left--I love a new pair of boots as much as the next girl. I don't have the answer and there's a lot of stuff about politics I don't know. I just think there should be a better balance, and that it wouldn't hurt us to reach out a little more to those who need help, even though if by doing that, it means that there will be those who take advantage.

Also, I prefer to live without judging others. I believe every human should have the same opportunites to live as they want and do what makes them happy. 

I think Obama could be a nice in-between of American ideals and the more European style of life. And get this---in France (and basically everywhere else) Obama is conservative. If you really think he is a socialist loon trying to ruin America, I invite you to come live over here for a few years. After seeing what I've seen here, I think he is decent middle ground when you consider where the rest of the world is politically. Maybe America has more money, more business, more celebrity and more glamour--but honestly...is that actually what matters?