Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Expressing My Freedom Of Speech

Preface: This post involves the topic of politics. Please know that if this is something you don't care to read, I will understand. Also, don't feel the need to comment or share who you voted for, or even if you chose not to vote. This post is not about debating or defending why I voted the way I did. I'm not here to change your mind, nor will my mind be changed. This post is simply an expression of my freedom of speech.

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My Views On Politics - 

I rarely post about politics on my blog. And if I have, it's only been a few times. However, this past presidential election affected me deeply. 

I will start by saying I'm neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I'm a registered Independent. I don't vote for a party; I vote for the person and the issues they address. People automatically assume because I'm gay, I am a hardcore, straight-down-the-line Democrat, which I'm not. And that makes me very unpopular with the gay community. But that doesn't bother me because I've always been secure in my identity and see myself as part of the whole human race community. 

I'm also neither liberal nor conservative; I'm both. I'm liberal about some things and conservative about others, and I believe that most people are that way.

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About This Election -

I almost didn't vote in this election because I wasn't thrilled with either candidate. However, about two months ago, I began feeling more and more that I needed to take an interest in both contenders because if I didn't like the results in November, I would think I didn't do my part.

 

As many of you know, I haven't watched "the news" in over three years. Therefore, before voting, I only watched each candidate speak at their rallies and whenever they were interviewed, to get an honest sense of their game plans before mainstream media edited and slanted their words. 

Around mid-October, I finally decided who I would vote for. 

Mind you, Philadelphia is a VERY, VERY, blue city. They wear their blueness as proudly as their Eagles and Phillies T-shirts. Therefore, leading up to election day, there were people out on the streets, walking up to everyone, asking if they had plans to vote, all the while wearing Kamala Harris shirts and pins. Our city was plastered with posters and signs that read Harris/Walz. So yes, the city of Philadelphia voted for Harris.

However, not all of us did. 

As I'm sure you can tell by now, I voted for Donald Trump. 

Yup, a GAY man voting for Trump - "Hissssssssss!" But since the election, I've spoken to other gays from Philly and NYC who voted for Trump as well. And they did so with no hesitation. 

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My Thoughts And Feelings About Donald Trump - 

Do I think Donald Trump is perfect? Hell no! Does he lie? Hell yes! But there isn't a politician in this world (Right or Left) who doesn't lie or is without dirty laundry. There were moments during Trump's first term when I wanted only to scream, "Would you PLEASE shut up and stop talking!" "And would you PLEASE stop acting like a bratty little boy when you don't get your way!" Yes, Trump has a MASSIVE ego.   

However...

It's his ego that makes him who he is and why he fights with such unending drive, determination, and force as a president. 

Even after an assassination attempt, he still moved forward. Nothing stops him. He's fearless. 

Does he act that way because of his ego? Yes, of course. But he also acts that way because of his love and pride in America. Underneath all his egotistical and verbose exterior, I see a soft and kind heart in Trump. He will simultaneously fight for himself and the American people. Without a doubt, I can tell that he loves this country. 

I realized a long time ago that I don't have to like someone's personality to admire them for the good they do.

That's how I feel about Donald Trump. At times, he truly irritates me. But he also makes me feel safe and secure.

I voted for Trump because he says what he thinks and feels. I wasn't looking for someone who was politically correct and polite. I was looking for someone who's not afraid to upset the apple cart and get things done. And right now, that's exactly what America needs.  

I don't believe for one second he hates gays, or blacks, or Asians, or legal immigrants, or women, or Latinos, etc. However, what he does hate is anyone who fucks with America. And so do I. I'm sick and tired of this country and its people being used, manipulated, and treated with disrespect. And not only from the outside, but from the inside as well. 

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The Day After Election Day -

One week out, I had a strong intuitive feeling Trump would win this election. Yet I also knew that anything could happen. 

When I woke up Wednesday morning, I made myself a cup of coffee, sat down in front of my desktop, and then Googled who won the presidential election in 2024.

And when I saw the results, I broke down and cried. I cried from relief, and I cried from pride in America and the American people who awakened from a deep state of woke, came together, and took back their country. Black, white, men, women, young, old, Latino, Asian, Amish, and even people who in the past didn't vote for him, voted for Trump this time.

He didn't just win. He won HUGELY. 

And I am beyond happy that he won back Pennsylvania because I love this state and am proud to be a native. 

What also touched me were the comments I read on the internet for days and days after the election, by people from all over the world who congratulated America for electing Trump. I don't think I ever realized how many other countries are dealing with the same issues as America.  

Here are some of those comments:

"Every country needs a Donald Trump. I'm from Ireland and we are crying out for someone of his caliber to take over here and clean everything up."

"BRITAIN NEEDS A DONALD TRUMP TO FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS AND OUR FREE SPEECH."

"The US public has scored a massive victory for common sense and rationality. To my American brothers and sisters, I salute you and I thank you. Britain is in a dark place at the moment, but you have given us a guiding light to move towards."

"The Indigenous people of Britain 🇬🇧 welcome Donald Trump. Thank you, AMERICA. 🇺🇸"

"I'm a 20-year-old dude from the suburbs of Philly and I am a PROUD Trump voter. Thank you to all who did their part. Here's to the future of America!"

"I'm an Australian and I've been more invested in the US election than the state election we just had. The world needs Trump more than ever."

  

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I would like to conclude this post by reiterating what I shared at the start. I will not debate or defend my presidential choice because, like all Americans, I have the freedom to vote for whomever I decide and for whatever reasons. And if you feel the desire to unfollow or unfriend me for my choice, so be it. I am no longer keeping my political opinions to myself, just because it's not in sync with the people who are permitted to say whatever they want. 

Yes, I know many Americans are unhappy with the outcome of this election. And so much so that they have dissociated from friends and family members because they voted for the opposite candidate. And this has been on both sides. However, there have been several times in past elections when I was unhappy with the outcome. Yet, I knew there was nothing I could do to change it, so I accepted it and moved on. 

Several days ago, I met up with my good friend, Kelly, who did not vote for Trump. What I love about our friendship is that she and I can disagree on things but we also allow one another to have our own opinions without getting into an argument. She and I had an open, calm, and honest conversation about not only our choices, but what we also saw as the "pros and cons" of each candidate. 

As I sat across from Kelly, I thought to myself, "This, right here, is why I love America. As Americans, we have the freedom to express our ideas and opinions without fear of government retaliation, censorship, or legal action."

And frankly, that's the way I want it to remain.