My mom is an evangelical and she voted for Bush in 2004. When I learned of this, I was horrified. I had just came back from Florida working as a volunteer and drove to her house the next day. I was already feeling totally deflated, but the nail in the coffin - my own mother voted for Bush. I cannot even describe the anger I felt. I had not talked politics with my mother before then. In fact, I had not discussed politics with my mother for quite some time, perhaps years. So, I had no idea that she had switched party affliation. Tears of anger is all I remember about that day.
But this time I was determined to turn my anger into something positive. So, I made it a point to talk to my mother about Obama. Every visit I would bring hard core information. My mother was impressed and began to really like Obama a lot.
We watched the Dem Convention together and she was excited about Obama. We both waved our small American flags as Obama gave his speech. We had fun talking about the Convention all night. Every time I phoned mom I would throw in something about Obama. She always responded with high praise and interest. But, when I called last week to ask if she voted, she said she was going to pass this year. PASS?@#?
In a way, I am happy that she is at least not voting for McCain, but I am so heartbroken that she is not voting for Obama. I am sure her church got to her and now she is staying home. This should not be happening in a free society. I am so disappointed and angry. Why do these churches do this? Why isn't this a form of coercion? People should have the freedom to worship and not be told that it is a sin if they vote for one candidate versus the other.
I am so hurt. My mother is so conflicted that she would rather stay home than vote.
This is just not right.