You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs

Most people who know me know this about my personality: there is nothing that can get me to leave a conversation faster than bringing up religion or politics. It's not as if I don't have my opinions or beliefs on either of these subjects. On the contrary, I have very strong feelings about both and I like to hear different opinions, when someone is willing to discuss them rationally and not try to force them upon me.

I've voted every year since I turned 18. I sort of follow the ideology that if you don't vote, you shouldn't be allowed to complain. I am guilty of not paying attention to politics until it comes down to crunch time and I have to decide which bubble on the ballot to fill in. I don't lean left or right, as it were. I am simply stuck at a 90 degree angle right in the middle. However, I won't claim that I am an independent. No, that would be conforming to a particular political party and I have learned over the years that my political beliefs encompass tidbits from all the parties.

According to the typology test in our syllabus, I am an "Upbeat":

• Upbeats express positive views about the economy, government and society. Satisfied with their own financial situation and the direction the nation is heading, these voters support George W. Bush’s leadership in economic matters more than on social or foreign policy issues. Combining highly favorable views of government with equally positive views of business and the marketplace, Upbeats believe that success is in people’s own hands, and that businesses make a positive contribution to society. This group also has a very favorable view of immigrants.

This is true, for the most part. I am proactive when it comes to the environment. I believe that if I strive to succeed, I will. However, I wasn't a huge supporter of Bush or his administration. I didn't support the war, even though I was just as outraged by 9/11 as everyone else in the country.

Other than the fact that it is required for my degree, I am taking this class to have a better understanding of politics and government in Texas. Aside from visiting the Alamo a few months ago with family, I don't think I have actually sat down and read anything about it since 7th grade Texas History. Sometimes you get so used to having these relics around that you forget why they are there or what they stood for. I am hoping that by the end of this course I have a little more interest in politics, or at least enough to plant my feet long enough to listen to someone's opening argument before making a hasty exit from the room.