Warning: Political rant ahead.

I don't usually make these types of journals here, but with the things that have been going on here in the US, I felt it's time I said something. I understand that everyone is angry, whether it be about the election or how the politicians on both sides have been divisive yet they blame the other party for it (I'm angry about these things as well, and it likely shows in this journal), but I want to make something crystal clear:

I don't condone acts of violence and hate by anyone. Not by Nazis (I don't support the ideology at all), not by BLM (some of them, thankfully there are true peaceful protesters in it), not by Antifa, not by corrupt police officers, and not by people angry that the person they wanted to win didn't (regardless of if it was fair or not, it's still no excuse to attack the nation's capitol and kill 5 people, including a police officer who died of their wounds they got while actually doing their job).

This is regardless of ethnicity, political views, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and so on. The kind of violence that's been happening for the past year is not justifiable, nor does it bring back what or who has been lost or honor them, and it needs to stop. People who weren't even involved in the wrongdoings by those the protesters (not just the ones in DC, but also the ones from 2020) have beef with have been getting hurt, losing their homes and businesses to bombs and fires, or--worse yet--losing their lives or the lives of their loved ones. I am all for people having equal rights regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, political views, and gender, but acting out in violence and hatred does not help your cause, plus it can turn you into those you claim to fight and make it difficult to tell who's supposed to be the good or bad guy. I'm speaking as someone who's noticed patterns of this from researching historical events and from my own experiences with toxic, manipulative people since childhood: if I reacted the same way they were treating me, then I was just as in the wrong as they were--not because they said so, but because I acted in a way that I knew was wrong.

On the other hand: If you are a peaceful protester and actually are pushing for equality (I know people who have, so I know they exist), thank you from the bottom of my heart! You give me hope that we can reach a better future without being total jerks to each other. (Sorry if that sounds sappy: I'm not super great at this.)

However, I will not ask anyone to un-watch or block me based on their political or religious views, sexuality, gender, race, etc. because I know people are capable of being civil to each other (I'm not on either political side nor do I support either Trump or Biden, but am friends with people on both political sides and we're able to get along (including a couple where the wife voted Trump and the husband voted Biden, and they're still happily married)), and it feels divisive to ask people of to leave based on views. Also, according to data gathered by The Flip Side, an online newsletter that showcases opinions from both of the political sides, people from both the left and the right condemn the violence happening at the Capitol, including people who supported (and who still support) Trump.

I apologize for possibly offending anyone with this journal or with previous comments I have made. I hate hurting and ticking off people, which is why I was reluctant to post this. I tend to feel strongly about things like this despite not being on either political side as I mentioned before, and can get extremely skeptical when it comes to certain information (considering the amount of false information out there and how many politicians have lied, can you blame me?), plus I don't always know how to talk about certain subjects without ruffling people's feathers due to my lack of tact with discussing this topic (this is just an explanation, not an excuse). With that said, I will be taking a break from viewing political posts or commenting on them until I calm down, because the last thing I want is to accidentally say something that destroys friendships. However, if you are confused by anything I have said here, feel free to leave a comment or send me a note (but only for clarification on what I've said in this journal, as I'm not in the right mindset to talk with others about politics at this time). If you do leave a comment that's meant to spark debate, be aware that I may not reply for a while, if at all.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the people affected by the riots in Washington, DC, and to the rest of the nation.

Stay safe,
WaterBat95