For the first year or so I would defend the JWs even though I could not believe in their bullshit. Thats a symptom of leaving a cult, right? It took 2-3 years to actually break myself from defending the JWs in some way. I realized that all through high school I believed that I did not need to go to college, and I believed that until we had our first child. I realized that my view on going to college was because of the bOrg's brainwashing bullshit.
Up until this year I thought that politics and voting was useless and I wanted no part of it. Sometimes I would catch myself, when I would think of voting, using similar arguments that I would use when I was associated with the JWs. I try to constantly search for truth on any topic. This search has made me realize that part of my choice to stay neutral with politics and to not vote is influenced by the crap I was told growing up. This search also made me realize that I have strong viewpoints when it comes to politics. This year I realized that if I don't vote then I am not sticking up for my political views.
Wisconsin primaries are going to be next month and I decided to start researching the candidates and the issues. I want to be ready for November. This will be the first year that I will vote in any election. I want to be ready and make sure that my vote is well researched and based on what the candidates' view on the issues are and what they plan to do. I know a lot of people who do not actually research every candidate in the election, and instead vote based on the party that they are affiliated with or what their friends have told them. I know people who vote based solely on media coverage, here in Wisconsin its mostly based on what Fox News or conservative talk radio has told them. I want to hear it (or read it) from the candidates themselves and I will be my own interpreter of what their viewpoints are.
I have also decided that any candidate that uses their personal religious beliefs in their political campaign, or any that I feel (based on thorough research) will use their personal beliefs while in office, I will not vote for. I believe what our founding fathers believed about the separation of church and state. The first amendment to the constitution includes, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
I believe that everyone has the right to exercise their religion but I also believe that religious beliefs have no place in government.
Sorry if I went off my main point a little. I am just really excited to vote this year and prove to myself that the bOrg does not have a hold on my life anymore. I love new experiences and I love learning. Damn I'm in a great mood
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