Politiks

Tonight health care reform was passed in the House. Admittedly, I'm not too sure of what that really means for myself so I'm watching FOX News to hear the conservative reaction.

I often describe myself as complicated when it relates to politics and religion. I'll save the latter for another night, but the former is a bit less about complications and more so a result of my lack of political know-how.

In short, I tend to be socially liberal and fiscally conservative. I definitely support marriage equality and equal rights, educational support programs and accessible health care regardless of socioeconomic status or privilege. I'm a bit less sure about my thoughts on international affairs (except for Israel, though I could use some brushing up on this), a woman's right to choose, welfare reform, immigration reform, and much more. Typically though, I try my best to speak with others and do significant research when issues such as this one arise so that I can feel confident in my political representatives.

One thing that I cannot and will not pretend to do is provide solutions - a major reason why I can't foresee myself running for political office. Though, as with most other areas of public opinion and the like, I strongly feel that those who choose to not make an informed decision about their political stance should have a reduced ability to complain about the decisions being made on their behalf.

It's a bit harsh, I know, but as a friend once told me, "Find the most important issues for yourself and pick a candidate that best aligns with your beliefs." There is hardly ever a politician with whom I agree wholeheartedly on every issue. Despite this, there are many that I feel have it right on a few different areas and I support them as I can.

Finally, this health care issue brings to light a personal shortcoming. I mentioned my lack of political know-how previously which is definitely something that I must work to overcome. I have friends at many levels on the political spectrum who I turn to when questions come up, but it simply isn't enough. I think that over the next few months leading up to the midterm elections and in the next 2 and a half years before the 2012 presidential election, I'm going to make an effort to become more aware of not only what major issues exist in this country, but also to better understand how they affect me, my contemporaries and the nation as a whole.

I tend to consider myself open-minded and readily admit that I have a great deal to learn about politics. At the same time, I truly enjoy having conversations about others beliefs and rationale for their political leanings and welcome any opportunity to learn just a bit more about my fellow Americans.