On being passive aggressive

(I have lots that I should be doing right now, but I wanted to post this before the thoughts flew out of my head)  And, while I do share my beliefs below, I'm not looking for any sort of argument about them.  This is  above issues and political parties. 

I am a naturally passive aggressive person. I shy away from confrontation.  I've gotten much better about this since I've held leadership positions for over five years now because sometimes confrontation is absolutely necessary.  I don't get into heated arguments with friend. We don't talk about politics or religion or money and honestly, I'm ok with that.  If we wanted to have these discussions, we would do so in a civil, friendly manner.  I have the best friends in the world regardless of who we vote for. 

BUT...the whole election/social media issues have really got me fired up.  Stirrup Queens wrote a wonderful blog post a couple of days ago regarding this same issue.  I realize that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and their own way of expressing their opinions.  We live in America and I wouldn't change freedom of speech or expression.  I value this about our country, even if I disagree with your opinion or your way of expressing it.  However, I think social media has taken this to a new level.  When we are able to hide behind computers and spew out garbage about other people, we are in no way preserving their right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  I will flat out say I am a conservative.  I don't push my values on anyone nor do I write inflammatory posts about differing opinions.  I do not write about the results of the election last night.  I exercised my right to vote and did what I thought was right.  I don't need people on facebook to tell me how stupid I am for my vote or what I should believe, or gloat for any reason.    People don't realize that when they criticize a candidate or praise a candidate in a certain way (such as this post this morning: "just go cry in your pillows" implying that no one cares what you think REALLY we just care about the results), they are criticizing their friends and their friends' values, and in my opinion, these "bashers" are usurping people's right to the beliefs that they have.  

We share our country. Blue state or red state, really? If we are ever going to get anywhere, at some point we have to work together.  Many of you who read my blog are pregnant (yay!) or hoping to be pregnant soon. Is this the world we're bringing our children into, a divided country where people continue to polarize each other based on beliefs?  It's completely naive to think that we can all "just get along," but if we don't actually examine and respect others' beliefs before we bash them--even through social media--we definitely aren't taking steps in the right direction.  I hope that my son forms his own opinions and is proud of what he believes, but I also hope that I teach him enough to respect others.  The problem with facebook statuses, as Stirrup Queens mentioned, is that we are bashing people we call our friends.  Would you say those things to my face? If we've never discussed politics before and you wouldn't dare say those things to my face because you respect me, my friendship, and my values, then don't post them on facebook. 

Though I hesitate to write this, I feel much safer writing it on my blog than on facebook.  I wanted a different outcome from last night's election.  As I said before, I voted and did what I could.  So what will I do now? I will become involved in the issues that matter to me and do what I can to speak up for my causes.  I will be informed, and I will pray for my country and my president and all of the decisions that are made.  I will live my life and raise my son as best I can.  I will NOT push those away who don't believe the same way.  I will not engage in criticism for the sake of criticism.  I will not move to Canada ;-) .