This is the first year my grandchildren have 'really' paid attention to the presidential campaigns. It is interesting to see how they make their choices of who they think should run our country. Darian is now old enough to vote. So, he is more interested thanHarley. She pretty much bases her beliefs on what her friends are saying. Or things she has picked up from her teachers. Or the exact opposite of what her granny believes. Because that is the way of a teenage girl, isn't it? Paige usually sides with what her mom or dad are saying!
Darian recently 'unfriended' one of his aunts from Facebook. When I asked him why he said it was because she was flooding his page with support for Bernie Sanders and he isn't a supporter of Bernie!! Interesting, huh?
We talk about the issues. What each candidates beliefs are. It has been a fascinating time for us. Darian leans very heavily to the Republican beliefs; while Harley is much more liberal. They know which way granny leans but I won't discuss that here. Have you noticed how any of the young people around you are paying attention to this years campaign process? Do you try to influence their decisions? Have you ever based your decision on just plain 'not liking' a candidate? And this has probably not been a good year for the youth of America to decide which way they are leaning!! Some very childish candidates out there, in my opinion!
in 2007 my married daughter and her husband asked us how we were voting and asked us to give some good reasons why. They also asked on his side of the family. It was good to be asked for an opinion instead of talking to people who had already made up their minds. They ended up agreeing with both sides of the family and we all voted the same way. To me there are some very basic philosophical differences between the major parties both in America and here in Australia which go beyond individual personalities. As I tried to tell my daughter and hubby it is about policies, not personalities and the greater human good for now and the future.
ReplyDeleteI think it is okay to ask for opinions. That is how we form our own opinions sometimes! It should be about the issues and not the personalities. But here in this country it seems to be about the personalities anymore!
DeleteMy boys were all in grade school when I entered politics. They grew up seeing and understanding more about the political process than most. They learned early on not to believe or trust the media. They also learned that a lot of folks vote who have no idea what they are voting for.
ReplyDeleteIt has to be tough for kids to have a parent in politics!!
DeleteGreat post for the letter 'P'. You're a good gram! We take on a lot when we take in the grands. GN is old enough to vote now, too. I won't try to influence her vote because I want her to own her opinions and to own her vote. She has paid attention to issues that are important to her and then paid attention to what candidates have said about those issues. She has been giving this vote her best considerstion and I respect the attention she has paid to issues. She chats with some of her friends about the election and that's okay. Adults do that too. Not all of her friends are paying attention to the candidates and not all of her peers will vote. I took her to a caucus so she could understand the delegation process prior to the national conventions. I won't tell her who to vote for, but I will drive her to our polling place and enjoy the moment of her first election.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't change their minds even if I tried! They will do the opposite of me just to harass me! I would have liked to take them to a caucus but I didn't!
DeleteI remember when i got to vote for the first time. I was a sophomore in college and i got to vote for Ann Richards to be governor of Texas. She won!!
ReplyDeleteI remember Ann Richards. She was quite the feisty lady!
DeleteI "hid" my one brother (for now) - but it still shows us as friends. So he won't know! But I got so tired of the stuff he was sending me. Same for my sister - but haven't hidden her - yet - HA!
ReplyDeleteLinda in VA (who will be so glad when this election is overwith)....
I don't think Darian was happy with the 'hiding'. He wanted to make a point! Ha! Ha!
DeleteUnlike my hubby "unfriending" two of his grands(!), I've serious misgivings about unfriending anyone. It's so difficult not to get caught up, particularly with all the mudslinging.
ReplyDeleteI've no young people near, but if they take time to understand the big picture and acquaint themselves with the candidates' positions, I'll applaud their willingness to participate.
I don't mind unfriending. Depends on why one is doing it. I did it and only stayed with grandkids! Don't need the hassles of family problems. Politics especially can be a touchy subject
DeleteNot sure how I missed this post. I think it is wonderful Harley and Darian are at least aware that there is an election going on and that Darian will be able to vote in the election this year. I still remember who I voted for the first time I could vote for President (Gerald Ford in 1976)
ReplyDeleteIt is a great discussion to have too with what the candidates stand for, why something may sound good but isn't, etc. A well informed person is a better voter I think!
betty
Thank you Betty! I don't remember my first presidential election. Isn't that crazy?? My mom was never into politics so voting didn't really become that important to me until my later years.
DeleteI have four children between the ages of 21 and 27 and as they were growing up, I have always tried to explain both (or all) sides of different issues and encourage them to do their own research and make up their own minds. I have been very proud and gratified to see them making their own decisions and each getting involved in ways they feel comfortable.
ReplyDeleteIt is really interesting to see how the teens are reacting to politics this year!
DeleteThis is the saddest group of candidates that I can recall. A terrible time for our younger generation to learn about politics.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Wendy!
DeleteA certain member of the family put up Presidential candidate campaign signs in front of our home (and another in the front window). Did I mention we do not back the same candidate?
ReplyDeleteCannot wait for mid-November, when the battles may have settled down.
Added your site to my Blogger FOLLOW list. ;-)
I am happy to have you following me Linda!
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