I can’t wait for November 4th to come and go. At first, I was interested and excited about the upcoming Presidential election, but my excitement has wavered and my interest has turned into irritation. I support Barack Obama because I feel his values are closer to my own than John McCain’s. I also believe that Sarah Palin is not qualified to be one 72 year old heartbeat away from the Presidency. Normally, I wouldn’t say such things aloud, but since I am online and my blog doesn’t garner a large readership, I feel more comfortable making my opinion known. In real life, it is quite different.

I do not like conflict, or even heated discussions. Therefore, I don’t discuss some topics unless I am sure that the person and I are on a similar wavelength. This may seem a little boring and unhelpful, but I believe there are a few subjects that people are unwavering and unwilling to change their minds about, namely religion and politics. I don’t feel that offering my opinion will bring about much change, and it will only cause me anxiety.

I have always been this way. In fourth grade my class was having a debate, the topic now escapes me, and when it was my turn to speak, I was clammy and stammering. The rebuttal was harsh, the other student kicked my ass. I felt like it was a personal attack, my face turned red and my eyes welled up with tears. I ran from the room and down the hall, my teacher quickly followed me. When she asked what was wrong, why I was getting so upset, I told her, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

Religion and politics affect me so personally that I generally refuse conversation if I know they’ll disagree. Any disagreement makes me feel like I’m being attacked, and makes me want to flee the room.

I obviously have issues, but not issues that will be discussed in any debates.