...ok, so maybe Cornell University's, special zip code puts professor and blogger William Jacobson in a different grouping than those of us on the South Hill... but you get the picture.
Throughout my schooling, both in the stereotypical land of higher education as well as during my elementary and high school years, I was always the odd man out when it came to politics. Although I don't align myself with everything the Republican Party stands for (especially at the federal level), I have always seen myself--like Jacobson--as a progressive conservative, particularly in terms of economics. I've always derived my political status from my parents' position as the owners of their own business--and my mother's position as a general dentist: I have always been a fan of privatization and allowing people to build themselves, and their business, as they so wish and based on their own merits. Socially, I am more moderate, and I am technically a registered independent, but, as a resident of New Jersey, I am an avid supporter (and former intern/employee) of the Republican Party of New Jersey and the Christie Administration.
For whatever the reason, it just so happened many of my classmates did not share the same views as me. Thus, it was common in my International Studies honors program in high school for me and the other two, more right-leaning students to be isolated and mocked by most of the class for being the three "odd-balls." I found the opportunity to debate and be the "devil's advocate" in class exciting, and it allowed me to further my speech and debate skills. But, at the same time, after a constant uphill battle from the same students year in and year out, by senior year, I had taken to just stating my opinion, letting them respond, and sitting quiet. Even when my teachers told me my retort back to my classmates' opinion was valid, I just didn't feel like being that kid left out at the lunch room table discussion any more. Which is partially why when I came to Ithaca College, I tried my best to keep my political views quiet; contributing on political news shows on ICTV, but always using my blessed disclaimer that my parents did insist when I was 18 that I register as an independent.
..and which is also why I loved having Jacobson come speak to our class today. Although I am more of a "multimedia" journalist, I applaud his decision to take his views to the written, online word for all to see. As a female sports journalist by trade, I of all people should know a thing or two about fighting the uphill battle and ignoring criticism, but, for whatever the reason, I've kind of been a bit nervous to do that in the realm of politics. But Jacobson's encouragement both inspired me to not be a "closet conservative" when I am in Ithaca and also reminded me of my favorite politician of our time, Governor Chris Christie. Like Christie, Jacobson admitted the federal, Republican Party is not always right, nor is FOX News; FOX is simply the only channel that is "right leaning." But also, like Christie, Jacobson is a Republican because his individual values (and honest opinons, at that rate) most align with that party. That's the point I took away most from his presentation: being honest and presenting a logical argument which has always been something I love about a (let's be frank here) overweight governor who wants to just cut the dead weight and get to the core of an issue.
And I know, like Mr. Jacobson, there will be those who disagree with me about both Christie and Jacobson's approach and what Jacobson was getting at in our discussion. But the important part is that I now feel a little bit more comfortable in blogging and publicly stating my views in the 14850.
P.S. As I mentioned in class... it was quite fitting Jacobson spoke on the aniversary of Hurricane Sandy, an event that (besides his recent endorsement by Shaquille O'Neill) has defined Chris Christie's legacy. I'm also a big fan of his Twitter... his tweets over the last 24 hours are definitely worth a look-see (as is rumors that he may not stay all four years in New Jersey even if he wins re-election this November...)
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