Taking the middle road

My lovely vacation wasn't exactly something that you would describe as either classy, luxurious, or even restful. All of that is okay because when it comes down to it I am
pleased by the most simple things like light beer, Hawaiian pizza, and porn. Though my
lodging probably wasn't up to par with local building or even health codes I did my best to enjoy the time away from home. I made the adjustment to living with fifteen young men quite easily, as I am experienced with communal housing among the other gender. After getting over the bug invested bathrooms, the lack of toilet paper, and the near constant
stench of urine and vomit I began to enjoy myself. I guess I've always been the girl with a lot of guy friends. But just because I can play video games, am able to follow a
basketball game, and talk cars better than the boys from shop class doesn't mean my shoes don't match my hand bag.

My first day there one very zealous young man questioned my political orientation. My best friend, who was sitting next to me, rolled her eyes because she knew what was coming. Innocently, okay maybe provocatively I replied, "Guess!".
Almost immediately he exclaimed "Democrat. You're a democrat."
Since I'm a fan of games I just couldn't help myself and conceded the victory "How did you know?". He claimed that he "just could tell".
Laughing on the inside, I questioned his political identity, to which he replied "I'm middle of the road, socially liberal, fiscally conservative".
Trying to withhold the mocking hysterical laughs trapped inside, I mustered the composure to ask "What do you mean by that?. And on he went about how he wanted to see tax cuts for the middle class, increased social security benefits, government health care, a more
comprehensive welfare program, and a larger military budget. I won't lie, I was alarmed by the utter confusion that existed inside this boys mind, but the expression on my face when I asked him whom he endorsed for the presidential race must have been priceless. When he proudly announced, "Senator John Kerry", I almost died. Though it might have been mean spirited I couldn't help but ask "So how would you balance a fiscally conservative budget on a socially liberal agenda." My victims answer was paramount and I believe it sums up the problem with liberalism today. He said (no lies) "Well I guess I'd have to raise taxes or cut spending".

I couldn't help but feel sorry for his poor soul, and this my friends was a political science major. Just imagine the millions of young men and women who are confused and misguided. I didn't have the heart to grill him further, though days later the truth came out about my political leanings. He was a good sport about it and agreed to read some books and articles I recommended. Really, this was not my first experience with someone who thought they knew what they were talking about and really didn't. It scares me a lot to think that people like this will be voting, people who don't really understand the differences between left and right and people who haven't taken the time to actually investigate Dubya or Krazy Kerry. I don't hate democrats who have good reasons and explanations for voting that way, I hate people who aren't responsible citizens.