Hi, my name is Paula and I am a Democrat...

I remember the first election in which I got to vote. I had lived mainly outside of the United States because of my parent's work in Latin America. It was so exciting to see how the elections played out and who the candidates were at that time. Early on, I knew I wanted to vote for Bill Clinton. I had seen him speak on T.V. on several occassions and felt that he wanted what was best for the people of the United States. He was in my view a people's President.



Both my brother and I were so excited about Bill Clinton and Al Gore that we wore our campaing buttons to youth group one night. As soon as we came into our meeting room, one of youth leaders approached us and asked if we had "backslidden." I am not from the South, so I had no earthly idea was he was talking about but I knew it wasn't good. The whole rest of the night, we got weird looks and stares. I went home not knowing what I had done wrong.



After that incident, I found out what backslidding was and why we had gotten such ugly looks and stares. I was so angry! I couldn't believe that people would think I was not a Christian because of my political views! At that time, I did not understand what politics had to do with being a Christian-I still don't. I guess after that, I definitely felt that I needed to stand by my candidate and so on election night, my brother and I went over to a friend's house and celebrated our victory.



I quickly realized after this, that if I was going to keep friends, I needed to keep my mouth shut. So I just didn't say anything to anyone. When people would talk about politics, I would politely excuse myself from the conversation. If I did happen to talk to anyone about my political views, I made sure it was someone that was going to show me the same respect I would show them. I certainly didn't want to talk to anyone who thought I was a "baby killer" or whatever else they associated with being a Democrat.



Throughout college, I found friends who shared my views and friends who didn't but I never openly talked about being a Democrat. When I moved to New York to pursue my Master's, I was shocked and amazed that everyone I met was a Democrat!! It was heaven! I could talk openly about my views and share ideas with people. I met so many people in New York and had many life changing moments. This experience only solidified my views.



When I came back to my hometown, it was back to normal. I kept my thoughts to myself and only shared with those people I knew were not going to judge me. I have been quiet until now. This election for me as for many has been historic. I proudly voted for Barack Obama. Although I liked McCain, I felt once again that Obama was going to be and is a people's President.



The night of the elections, I could not believe that at 11 p.m., Obama had already won the election. I was so excited and wanted to share this. As soon as I got on Facebook and Myspace, I saw comment after comment about Obama being the Anti-Christ, and that people wanted to move from the United States and so on. I couldn't believe it! I love the Lord with all my heart but I was made to feel like I was not a Christian and couldn't be if I voted for this man. I got angry and have to admit that I deleted many friends from my accounts. I felt and still feel that I don't have time for that and don't really need friends who are going to be disrespectful to me and my opinions.



I have many friends who don't agree with me or my views. In fact, most of my friends are Republican but my true friends have always respected me and have never questioned my relationship with God because of my political views. I appreciate and cherish those friendships.

So, I have made a decision. I am done with keeping my views to myself. I want to share with other people and have interesting conversations about what we believe but I won't waste time doing this with people who are disprespectful. I know in my heart that I can love the Lord, have a relationship with Him and still be a Democrat!