Alright y'all, I've had it.

Ok, that's it.  I've had it.  I'm done.

I have just seen YET ANOTHER post on social media that states (if I may paraphrase), "I'm voting for Donald Trump because I'm a Christian."

And I have to say something.  I'm mad at myself that I've given the naysayers enough power that I feel the need to become defensive; however, this is the position I find myself in, and I'm going with it.  If you care to hear me out, read on!

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*deep breath*

I have a really hard time labeling myself as a "liberal".  Frankly, I'm sure that if I did, many of you would be disappointed in me.  You would feel that I have been brainwashed, poisoned.  You would worry for my well being.  You would pray for me.  You would shake your head and give knowing glances to my parents around town... "I'm so sorry," your face would say, "I thought your daughter was better than that."

I don't agree with "the left" on every issue.  I am pretty firmly planted in the middle on most political policies.  If you'd like more information on where I stand on different issues, please let me know!  The point is, I'm not going to label myself.  I'm not a democrat; I'm not a republican.  I don't believe in our current system or it's ability to do much good for any of us.  In the last election, I didn't even vote.  I felt so numb to the whole process, like nothing I said, thought, or did would matter.

However, throughout the current election season, as Donald Trump has risen to the position he's currently in, something stirred inside of me.  Something angry, hurt, indignant, and strong.  And suddenly, it didn't matter to me that the system is imperfect.  When I read Donald Trump's offensive tweets, heard him "speak his mind" on television and the radio, read article after article about his lack of tact and poise, I felt a fire in my soul that I couldn't ignore.

I truly, deeply care about people and their God-given rights.  I've always passionately rooted for the underdog, which would include minorities and women, because I always felt they needed as many champions as they can get.  I'm not perfect, but I work hard to fight my own prejudices and assumptions EVERY DAY.  Racism and sexism are real, and they live in the minds and hearts of many of us.  It's okay to admit that.  But it's not okay to ignore it, act on it, or praise someone promoting it in a public arena.  It's not charming that Donald Trump "isn't a politician."  His comments and actions (encouraging violence at his rallies, suggesting Muslims not be allowed to enter our country, alluding the the fact that he'd like to commit incest with his daughter, to name a few) are disgusting.  If you'd like more examples, let me know.  No, you will not convince me Trump is not racist or sexist; please don't go there.

Just as it instills in me a passion for women and minorities, this care I feel for others is why I would never say something like:

"Trump supporters are amoral."
"Trump supporters are brainwashed, just drinking the koolaid."
"Trump supporters will believe anything said against Hillary."
"Trump supporters believe the Bible is up for interpretation."
"Trump supporters are a special kind of stupid."

These are all things that my Facebook friends (and/or their friends) have said about Hillary supporters.  This election has been polarizing in the worst ways, and much of what we've all said has been driven by emotion.  Would you say something like that about me, specifically?  Would you say, "Caitlin Sutton is a special kind of stupid"?  I'd really like to think not.  I'd like to think you all know me well enough to know I'm not amoral, brainwashed, or unintelligent.  And I'd REALLY like to think y'all know where I stand with Jesus and the Bible.  But you're not thinking about me or any other particular individual when you say these things.  You're thinking about a collective enemy, that doesn't have a familiar face.

Here's what you need to know: my genuine care for people is what makes me so passionately #nevertrump.  I know that my vote may not make a difference, as Georgia has been a republican state for as long as I can remember, but I won't be counted in the number that rewarded this man's behavior.  I understand, and am working to accept, that none of you will be persuaded (one way or the other) by anything I have to say here.  I just feel the need to explain and defend one of MY God-given rights.

So, that's it.  I've had it.  I am NOT a bad Christian for choosing not to vote for the Republican candidate this year.

I'm with her... And I'd appreciate it if you treated me with respect anyway.