By:Elizabeth Edmonds
For 20+ years I was registered as a Republican Party member. I don’t really remember what made me choose that party the first time I registered, but I’m sure it had something to do with a dislike of President Clinton or something else that seemed important to my 18-year-old brain. Over the years I have voted in every election, but not always straight down party lines. I tried to choose the best person for the job and sometimes I thought that person was a Democrat instead of a Republican.
But this year when I renewed my driver’s license and they asked for my political party, I changed mine from Republican to No Party Preference (aka Independent).
It’s been a gradual transition, but I have come to realize that I no longer felt represented by Republican leadership, or any party for that matter. The Republicans and Democrats are both guilty of hyper-partisanship behavior and are focused on keeping their bases agitated and outraged. They are more interested in positioning themselves to be reelected, than actually helping the country be a better place. The constant bickering and negativity has left a sour taste in my mouth, and I don’t want to be a part of it anymore.
In addition, my views have become more nuanced over the years, and while I still fit mostly in the Republican viewpoint, I also have some Libertarian and even some Democratic beliefs. I guess that makes me a moderate. But the current political atmosphere has become so volatile and extreme recently, it seems as if there is no place for moderates in either party. Latest polls show that 42% of Americans identify as independents, so I suppose I am not alone in that feeling.
And it’s not just the parties that have become more extreme, people I come in contact with everyday have become more and more outspoken in their politics. People I used to respect and admire have displayed irrational and angry behavior towards people with differing viewpoints. Living in a predominantly liberal area, if someone finds out you are Republican, there is a good chance you will be verbally insulted. At the very least assumptions about your moral character will be made. You will be labeled, sorted and put into a preconceived box that they have created in their mind. I prefer to be treated as an individual, with unique life experiences that have shaped my beliefs and political views. If you want to know my politics, all you have to do is have a civilized conversation with me, and I’ll be happy to share.
