Why I Don't Declare A "Side"

(Yep, this sums it up for me.....)

So, me and politics aren't a good combination.  I don't know much about it, I'm not interested in it, and I don't like discussing it.  But, as an American, I am thankful for my privilege to vote and for my right to freedom of speech.  So, I realize that I have to make certain political stances in order to vote and voice my opinion.  But, I have a hard time with the whole bipartisan thing.  I don't fit in to either party--I am not a Republican, but I am also definitely not a Democrat.  I am registered as "undeclared" because I don't like to affiliate myself with any party.  I think it's annoying that we have to declare anything at all.  Just let us vote.

The reasons I don't fit in neatly into either party is because I have strong stances on certain issues, and these issues often are conflicting within a particular party.  For example, I am pro-gun-control, pro-public-aid, pro-ACA, pro-birth control, against the death penalty, support equality, and I am a proponent of clean energy and understand that climate change IS happening.  So, yeah, a Republican I am not.  However, I am pro-life--I think abortion should only be allowed in cases of rape, incest, young age, or if the mother's life is in jeopardy.  It's probably the biggest conflicting issue for any involvement in the Democrat party.  Both parties spend too much on military and not enough on schools.  Both parties have lying, cheating, law-breaking politicians.  Both parties have been guilty of treason and pretty much all other sorts of wrongdoing.

So, while I vote in every election, I don't declare a side.  I vote for people I think will best fulfill the duties of the job title.  And to pass certain legislation that I think will better my city, state, and country.  That's my prerogative as a US citizen over the age of 18.  And I'm grateful for it.  But, I don't need to take a side.  I just need to take a stance.