Daily writing prompt
How have your political views changed over time?

How have your political views changed over time?  Good question.  I’ve never considered myself a political person. When I first began to vote, there was finally someone that looked like me running for president.  I didn’t watch the news to learn about his policies, I relied on what others had to say.  I based my vote on the many positive things I heard about him. The fact he and his family were black was an exciting bonus!  It felt like Black Americans were finally being seen as more than entertainers….

I’ve never been able to say that I’m a Democrat or I’m a Republican.  Nor Green or Libertarian.  They all have points I agree with.  Politicians haven’t shown me they truly care for “the people”.  It seems the ultimate agenda is to say what is needed in order to get the necessary votes to achieve their goal of obtaining the political position they want.  Politicians say a lot of fluff.  They make a lot of promises…The expectations, desires, and needs of the American people seem a farce in the eyes of presidential nominees.  The trust and belief in the “powers that be” are lost.  I feel that casting my vote and making my voice heard is pointless. However, not voting is a disservice to the lives lost in the fight for African Americans to have the vote.

Now that I am older, race, gender, or the thoughts and opinions of others no longer influence my political decisions.  So yes, my political views have changed. I make an effort to pay more attention to how candidates are as individuals and with others. I try to focus on which person aligns with my ethics and beliefs.  I consider which person’s policies are best, not only for me and my family, but for all of America. I vote for whom I believe is the best representative of the U.S., and pray that the rest of the country votes the same.