As the results came in last night for the Alabama Republican primaries, there were quite a few of my so-called liberal facebook friends gawking at the winner, Rick Santorum. Things were thrown around like "is the whole state stupid?!" and "if you voted for Santorum we can't be friends".
Firstly, I feel as though I should point out that I do not live in Alabama, and so had nothing to do with the results of that primary. Secondly, I think it necessary to stress that it was just, in fact, a PRIMARY for the Republican party. Those voting had a choice of Republican candidates. That means that anyone of the liberal stance already disagrees with them. It doesn't matter who wins that primary, there will always be opposition from the other side. That is ok. That is why we have different political parties in our great country. The great thing about living in a free country is that we all, as humans, have the right to have our own individual beliefs. It is a beautiful thing.
However, I would like to point out that liberals are those people that pride themselves on being the most open-minded of our population. By definition, a liberal is favoring or permitting freedom of action, especially with respect to matters of personal belief or expression. I find it quite ironic that those people who always call for, nay demand, respect for everyone's beliefs and lifestyles, would be so quick to judge those whose beliefs don't mirror their own. Since when is "if you don't believe what I do, then I can't associate with you" a liberal thought? That sounds awfully close-minded to me.
I don't care if you are republican, democrat, conservative, liberal, black, white, green, or purple. I don't care what you believe. I don't have to agree with you, and thank God we live in a country where I can voice that. I do, however, have to respect your belief. It is my job as a human to respect everyone. It is my job as a Christian to love everyone. If I disassociated myself with anyone who didn't believe everything I do, then I would be a very lonely person.
So to those of you who don't agree with voting for Santorum (or any other candidate that you don't like), you will have your chance to voice that come November. Until then, play nice. There is no place for hate in the world today. We have enough of it around every corner to add petty things like political differences to the mix. Besides, the candidates do enough mud-slinging for all of us.
Love,
Whitney