by Suzanne Walsh

Created on: October 30, 2008

Recently, when I was leaving work, I was awestruck at a coworker, who was doing anything and everything possible to engage me in a political discussion about what other than Barack vs. John. Now, I use the term work loosely. You see, I work in the daycare room at a fitness facility and bring my children with me to work. I make no money. I work for a free gym membership and other free dues associated with this facility.

So, as I said before, I was leaving work. Let me help you with your visual: holding 5 year old's hand, carrying 1 year old, purse in the other hand, diaper bag on my back. My co-worker, who I never really looked at as Republican vs. democrat, looked at me sternly and said, " One quick question for you. Why do you support him?"

"What the -?" I was shocked. Sure, I proudly display a McCain sticker on my car, and sure, I love a good, healthy debate. But in the workplace? With about 6 other adults in the room? With my hands full? And, nonetheless, "just a quick question!" Who are you kidding. This is neither a quick question nor a quick answer.

I replied, as I shook my head in disbelief," I am not going to discuss politics with you right now." He continued, " No, I am not looking to debate, but, why do you? You don't strike me as the type. Although, you are from the Midwest. "

No, I am not from the midwest. As if that means anything anyway. I don't know what type I stike as. I decide to tell him that I was raised in a conservative, Catholic family and leave it at that.

"Oh, so it is an abortion thing." He snidely says. As if abortion is not an important enough issue.

" So, what about gay marriage? You nix that, too?"

I made a gesture as if my lips are sealed. I need not prove anything.

He continued to mock my conservative beliefs and joke about past republican presidents, abortion, the war in Iraq. I left with my head held high. I thought.

The next few days I was consumed by anger. Wishing I had proved my points, proved my political intelligence. Then, I realized he was not worthy of my discussion. Not at the workplace anyway.

For him to understand why I am so passionately pro life, he would need to know of my cousin, who is mentally retarded. Who many would have aborted if given the option. Who brings joy to my life every time I see her. Who is an innocent, wonderful person. He would have had to know about my nephew, who was born to my sister when she was only 20 years old. Who many would have aborted if they were pro choice. Who changed my life forever.

For him to understand my feelings about the war, about protecting our country, he would have to know that my father was nearly killed by terrorists twice in his life. In the world trade center, during the first bombing and the 9/11 attacks. He would have had to know that my father went to a funeral every weekend (if not more) after 9/11, for months upon months. He would have had to know that my father drank and cried and drank and cried for years after 9/11. He would have had to know that my parents' relationship changed dramatically after 9/11.

He would not have believed me had I said, " I feel our country is safer with Mcain than Obama."

He is not worthy of my story.

Not in that setting.

Not at work.

Not around perfect strangers.

This is a portion of my story. I deserve to adorn my car with a McCain sticker with pride.

AND. . . not have to talk about it at work.

COUNTRY FIRST.

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