I voted for the first time this last November 2nd. It was a glorious day for me and a historical election.
After I voted I felt like I was standing up for what I believe in, and that's listening to The People. Because that's what voting is, the People's Voice, and it can overturn the country.
It was such a stark contrast to what I am used to in the Watchtower. If you feel outraged about something that is going on at the top, you keep it to yourself for fear of ostracism. You "Wait on Jehovah(tm)" so-to-speak.
Well that's not the way America works. Instead of waiting on Jehoavh, we wait till the next election.
Now don't get the idea that I feel America is all sunshine and lolly pops cause it aint.
But the fact is, American politics is a breath of fresh air in comparrison to what I am used to. I remember something my family said to me once I announced I didn't want to be a Witness anymore:
"We're fine with your decision as long as you never speak your opinion when around us."
My father-in-law's BEST friend is a Democrat while he's a Republican. They have fundamental conflict with the way they feel things should be ran, but they have found common ground, enough to be best friends for decades.
Obama said something in his press conference that was profound to me, he said "We need to do a better job in Washington."
When I heard that I felt like grinning ear to ear. A public recognition of failure and a vow to make it better. I am not a big Obama supporter but he gained some of my respect saying that on National TV.
It's so different than the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. When their shit hits the fan they sweep everything they possibly can under the carpet and say "We are Jehovah's people, we have a tranquility unknown to the outside world."
It sickens me.
And I am glad to be in a society where The People have sizable control as to who represents our interests.
-Sab