Open Eyes

So, long before I was even a citizen of the United States of America, I thought for sure I would register Republican when I was able to vote. I thought that it was the party that more closely aligned it’s self with my thoughts and ideas. My morals and beliefs seemed to follow suit with what they represented. Now, as we approach the first elections of my citizenship, I find myself registering Independent and going to vote for, dare I say it, a Democrat.

I was speaking to the father of a friend of mine. I’ve longed to speak to him since the last elections because my friend told me that his father wanted to “tear me a new one” because I wanted to vote for G.W.B. When that day arrived I was thrilled to explain to him the reasons why Democrats are a godless and loathing people who only want gays to marry and teen mothers to slaughter their unborn children. Before I had my chance to dismantle his devilish political views, another man got to me first. His name shall remain nameless but his impact on me has touched me more than he knows. I saw it as a chance to sharpen my weapons before I went after bigger game. I was ready for everything he was going to throw at me except for what happened.

He began our discussion by asking me why I found myself leaning Republican. I replied that it was because Republicans closely aligned their views with my religious beliefs.
He then asked, “What religion are you?”
I was excited to reply, “Mormon!!” with my return missionary mentality.

He then schooled me as to what I believed. He explained that Mormons believed the Jesus Christ was the author of a great plan, detailed to give us, as God’s children, happiness. He explained that the fundamental corner stone of this plan was that we are able to choose for ourselves right and wrong, a gift called free agency. He then explained that the other plan that was presented to God’s children was a plan forcing us to do the right thing and not allowing us the chance to choose between the right way, or the wrong way. (Mind you he was not and is not Mormon) He then said based on that fundamental belief, he was surprised that I was picking a political party that was forcing the citizens of this country to choose what I believed was right verses allowing them to choose for themselves what was right or wrong. He ended the conversation because of a phone call and left me stunned and alone with my thoughts.

I am not saying I agreed with everything he had to say, but I was shocked that I had not seen that point of view.

Simply put, he opened my eyes.