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OpEdNews Op Eds    H2'ed 8/31/16

Can I Vote for Hillary and Still Have An Inquiring Mind?

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Message Dr. Cheryl Pappas

I recently received a Facebook notification that my political preferences are being monitored. Facebook, shrewd detective that it is, scientifically determines and then knows who I am voting for, and directs a campaign of ongoing presidential campaign pop-ups, tailored to moi.

To my jaded surprise, I have been "followed" electronically by the Trump organization with invitations and ads that assume I am voting Republican.

What an interesting summer.

First, let me disclose that my political identification has always been as a Democrat. Yes, although in my advanced age I insist on choosing any individual candidate who I believe will do the best job serving the citizens of our country.

I don't wear blindfolds while supporting a candidate, however. It must be a post-traumatic tick. No blindfolds when I can possibly avoid them.

And so, I don't click on the "I'm With Her" button easily, or at all. This means I am less popular and at a distinct remove from fellow FBers. It also means I don't enjoy the bond of spirited cheerleading from my seat in the arena. (Insert unsmiley face here).

You may be asking, "what causes her to hover, suspended in time over that brightly convivial "I'm With Her" button?"

I'll tell you.

I don't like the suspicion, rage, or dark cloud that reigns over the consequence of proclaiming, or not, that "I'm With Her".

There is a ridiculously rigid imperative to clicking and announcing unbridled support for Hillary.

It's not intelligent and it's devoid of democracy, this simple-minded test of who a person is, based on a set level of Hillary excitement.

I don't like the "you're either with us or against us" vibe that pours out of Hillary Facebook chats and pieces, or even in New York Times oped pieces.

As if having an authentic question mark over Hillary makes one a "collaborator" against her.

I also do not hate people who support Trump. Not every one of them is misogynist, homophobic, and pro-David Duke.

Where are we? Are we living in the 1950's American communist hysteria where questioning the government meant being a spy for the other side?

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I am a writer, media analyst, and psychotherapist. I'm interested in comedy, satire, politics, entertainment, pop culture, and business; exposing how the media powerfully spins the news we hear, and how this spin creates our feeling states and (more...)
 

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