So, I voted just like a majority of my friends and proud of it. But sometimes, the irony of politics gets the best of me. From very early on, when I was studying journalism in college and had discussions with fellow classmates on our freedoms, nationalism, self vs. community--it never ceased to amaze me how ironic some of the views and stands were, mine included.
Those who uphold the right to have an abortion, are also the same ones who fervently oppose most wars because you are killing innocent lives. While those that support right to life, also back up wars many of which innocent people die. Those who support abortion because we cannot dictate a women's right to choose what she does to her own body, are also the same that would like a more socialized system, where we are told what doctor we have to use, how much money we have to give to government programs, many of which we have no idea where they are going to and who they benefit. So is there a line that we do not cross? Should there be a line?
We're all part of this, and no one party has the absolute right answers. But believing that one way all the way is the right answer is what probably got us into the situation that we are in right now. Democrats, because in their belief that some rights are absolute--lost part of the voters that do not agree with them on social or economic issues. And Republicans, who have for a while now, lost their ability to balance their personal beliefs with those of nationalism and capitalism. Nothing should be absolute, yet we do have to stand up for what we believe in. So where does that leave us?
It's been noted that some of the most successful Presidents are the ones who are able to work with both parties with both ideologies without shutting down the views that are different from the ones of their own party. How does this happen in today's nano-second media where everyone gives you their opinion even before you've made a decision?!! Yet another irony, everybody has the ability to broadcast their opinion to thousands and millions at the click of a button: YAY for technology and democracy. But at the same time, our views and opinions, when not checked for tone and temperament, can incite violence, hatred, doubt, conflict--contrary to the objectives of an open and free press. Which brings another point: the Free Press. Today, the free press and journalists are threatened, newspapers are in danger of becoming extinct. You can customize the news you want to hear in today's society. If you want to live in a bubble--where the friends you have on Facebook deliver all the news you want to hear and you don't seek out opinion or views different from yours--then the time has come. In my belief the job of journalists is so important in today's society. But there are few media companies willing to report the news objectively, at a time when I think everyone, especially the younger generation needs to hear all sides of the story!!!
