[redwitch]

Srange, I posted a reply last night but it seems to have disappeared, so I'll try again.

First, I know it's hard to resist, but please try to not make this a political discussion. I'd hate to see this moved to the political forum and some of the responses have gotten downright close, if not over the political line. I really would like it to simply stay as a way to let people know there are others in TV who are not Republicans.

Second, I didn't include conservative because I've yet to meet a true conservative who isn't a Republican. I also agree with Challenger that most who claim to be Independents are anything but. As to why not more categories, I honestly didn't feel it necessary. I didn't even think of including Libertarians since I thought they easily fit the liberal category, ditto Tea Party/Republican. I know that wasn't 100% accurate but I didn't want it to go too far. Guess I was wrong. Something tells me many of the independent votes are really a protest for not including their parties. Sorry. I'm beginning to think I should have just made the poll as to who you voted for in the last national election. Oh, well, hindsight is beautiful.

Third, to my knowledge, the only Democratic politician who has set foot in TV while campaigning was Alex Sink when she was running for Governor, at least in the past 3 years. She met with Democrats for a fundraising at a private residence. There was no mention of the event in The Daily Sun until long after the event. No Democrat was invited to speak here during the national elections. To me, this is a shame since I really do like to hear all sides before I decide how I choose to vote.

Fourth, some of you think that political persuasion doesn't matter. You're right that it doesn't matter to your friends, but your acquaintances are another story. I know of a woman who has lived in TV for over 10 years, is a military widow, is very liberal and only 3 people in TV know her political viewpoints. She's not afraid of losing friends, she just doesn't want the arguments, which is what has happened when she "foolishly" (her word, not mine) told someone what she believed. There's something sad about being afraid to say what you feel because people will yell at you, call you names and so on.

I've been pretty open about being a liberal. I've also happily admitted to voting the Republican ticket a time or two. I'm exceedingly liberal when it comes to human rights. I'm also fiscally conservative (yes, the two can co-exist). I'm pro-military. No, I'm not confused. I'm not a child who doesn't know what she's talking about. I'm not an idiot who needs a lesson or two on American politics. I've been told all of these things since moving to TV. This makes it hard for people to admit to being anything but conservatives or Republicans. There are others here (both in TV and in TOTV) who have told me they wish they could speak up, but don't want the confrontations but are glad there are a few like me around who will speak up for them. That's just sad. People should feel free to speak up. Maybe seeing this poll will help them a little.