I far too often hear that one has to vote a certain way if they are a particular race, gender, sexual orientation, Because this politician votes in favor of your rights, or democrats actually "care" about your rights, or of course they give the allusion that they care. And of course no one in the GOP cares about women, people of color or gay people, right?
Well they may be half right, but they're also wrong.
If you honestly think that Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton care more about your rights than say any other politician, you're living in a fantasy world. They simply want your votes. Hillary panders (like everyone else of course) to the gay community, black community, and anyone else she thinks will vote for her.
Most people aren't single issue voters, but there are many who are. And the reason I know this is because most ignore Hillary Clinton's voting record, and focus on the fact that she's suddenly a champion for LBGT rights (looking at you Human Rights Campaign), even though she was for the traditional definition of marriage not so long ago. People seem to forget that.
I've heard a lot of people say how bad the candidates are this election cycle, but 9 out of 10 of those people will end up voting for one of those people they don't like. Something that blows my mind. If you accept the status quo as is, it will never change. The American people are voting for what they want, or are they? Do people really want Donald Trump to be President? I'm sure some out there genuinely like the guy and he is their first choice, and although I disagree with them, it is their vote and their opinion.
I'm implore you to not accept the lesser of two evils. If you don't like Hillary or Trump, by God don't vote for either! It is completely okay to vote for the third party or to leave the ballot blank. To me personally, a blank ballot option sends a message. It says, my choices are not to my liking, and I would rather vote for a tree stump. And do NOT let anyone tell you it's a wasted vote. Principles are a quality that is dying and is great to have. Most people do not have them. If they did, they wouldn't always vote one way.
Don't let anyone tell you that you have to vote a certain way just because of who you are. I don't care where you grew up, or who your parents are, or if you go to church or don't go to church, if you're gay or straight, black or Hispanic, etc. You vote the way your principles tell you to vote. It's the best advice I can offer someone.
So as you go to the polls this year (or today in NC), please keep these words of advice somewhere in the corner of your mind.
Remember, it's the best advice I can offer.
