Passionate About Politics!

I should have known. She was so young, and yet already so passionate.

We took a “southern US” trip, back in 2006. Becca was 11.

We traveled to the panhandle of Florida, and visited family and friends in Texas and Arkansas.

When we passed through Hope, Arkansas, I told Becca that it was the birthplace of Bill Clinton. She insisted that she wanted to see his house. We stopped at a convenience store, and inquired about its location. And then we did a “drive by.”

But that wasn’t enough for Becca. She wanted to STOP. And visit the house. She was adamant about it. She wouldn’t take "no" for an answer.

I should have known then that my child was going to be passionate about politics.

Now, since she has parents with strong opinions, I’m not surprised that her beliefs (political and religious) pretty much align with ours.

But I never figured that she’d be as passionate as she is.

We’ve had to talk to her about “curbing her enthusiasm.” Oh, I want her to be passionate about her opinions. But I do feel there’s a line that must be drawn to keep from offending others.

We care a lot about our friends who have different beliefs than ours.

We may tend to be more “liberal” or “progressive” in our political leanings. But we’ve got friends who are very passionate in their conservative views.

And that’s OK.

We try to abide by a “live and let live” philosophy.

But, I am so glad that Becca is passionate about something as important as politics. It lets me know that she’s concerned with more than what she’s wearing, who she’s dating, or which party is coming next.

And having a child so concerned with the state of our country (and the world) gives me hope for the future.