In life, not everything can be seen as simply black or white. We experience a plethora of gray areas. So of course, when we debate sensitive subjects, there’s hardly ever a definite solution. However, I can’t help but hate when someone fails to take a stand because they don’t want to ruffle any feathers, particularly in a political light.

Initially, there has to be a common respect and level of consideration for whoever may be listening to you. To coherently form an opinion does not mean one has to hurl insults or chastise one’s listener because they have an opposing view. However, common respect and level consideration does not have to be a recipe for closed mouths. We all have the ability to form an opinion, whether popular or not, and if the time calls for an opinion, we shouldn’t keep our opinion to ourselves out of fear of how that opinion may change how others view us.

I remember in 11^th grade English, we learned about newspapers and how if they tried to cover information that offended no one, we wouldn’t have a newspaper to read. Not to mention, our other media outlets, TV, Twitter, the internet in general, are a breeding ground for offended people. That doesn’t stop you or anyone else for getting on every day, now does it? The society we live in isn’t meant to be a place full of constant happy thoughts and big smiles; this is not a brave new world. We have real problems and concerns. We have the capacity to vocalize these issues, give awareness to new perspectives, and possibly find solutions. Should we deny ourselves solutions for the sake of sour sentiment? Now, on to the politics.

“Talk less, smile more. Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for. You want to get ahead? Fools who run their mouths off wind up dead,” said Aaron Burr in Hamilton, An American Musical. Sir, even though Hamilton eventually did get killed, he is renowned for the country he helped build, and he’s a prime example of the importance of ignoring silence. He and his big mouth are a huge reason why we have the country we have today. Our politicians should value honesty towards the people over getting ahead because after all, they are here to represent the people. How can they represent the people when they can’t even honestly admit what they believe in? Who do you represent when you only say enough to get the position you want? Yourself; you only represent yourself. And ultimately that makes me think that politicians should be forced to take a side because it allows the citizens to see where they truly stand and can make conscious decisions. Even though the idea is unethical and will probably never happen, it’s a pleasant thought.

The current middle-field games that politicians play bothers me so much because it’s a slap in the face. When a politician who plans to represent the people can’t formulate a solid opinion for those they intend to represent, the act implies that the represented don’t have the capacity to understand. I’d like my representatives and country’s leaders to make coherent arguments and stand firm like they have an actual functioning audience, and in many cases they do. So it’s kind of sad when you hear two presidential candidates hurling insults and throwing shade at each other like they’re not applying to uphold some of the most important jobs that our society has in place. Catch my drift? If it’s not too much to ask, I’d like our politicians to be honest and speak to the public in an educated manner that corresponds to the fabulous education system that we all possess… ok, that’s a lie, but y’all get my point.

Signing off.