Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will be throwing his hat in
the ring for President of the United States.
I don’t plan on discussing whether he is qualified or the best
candidate or even has a chance, but I would like to discuss some of the criticisms against him.
Piyush to Bobby – Jindal’s parents named him Piyush, but he
chooses to go by Bobby (based on a character from the Brady Bunch). For all I care, he could prefer to be called “Princess
Moon Dolphin,” the Native American name my 5 year old came up with. I have a good friend growing up who prefers
Ian (based on the lead singer of Nine Inch Nails) to his birth name. I have another friend who prefers Tashi
(based on his embracing Buddhism). I
have been watching the HBO series, “The Wire,” and most of the corner boys are
better known by their nicknames than their given names. I name is just a name, but I have taken it a
step further. I go by one name with
family and another name professionally.
Hinduism to Christianity – Jindal was raised Hindu, but free
to explore other religions. Some people
choose not to believe in a higher power at all.
Freedom of religion is what allows individuals to not live under Sharia
Law. He converted to Christianity as a
teen and was baptized as Catholic in college.
Good for him. Whether a person
chooses to align with a religion is his business. I have struggled to introduce my children to
religion. Whether they choose to believe
what I believe is their business.
Whether I expose them to belief systems is my business.
Indian Traditions – Family traditions are a great
thing. It would be great if I could
recognize more cultural traditions and religious holidays with my family. I don’t always make the time. My kids and I can’t speak Hindi. I am sure there are plenty of immigrants
around the world who can no longer speak their mother tongue. I know plenty of people of German and Italian
descent that can no longer speak German or Italian either.
Camo Christmas Card – This thing is awesome. If you have the opportunity, you should
embrace what your community has to offer.
When I moved out to Colorado I had the opportunity to learn how to ski
and go hunting for the first time. I
likely would not have had these opportunities growing up in Memphis. Should all of my Christmas cards, have a
backdrop of the muddy Mississippi river?
I do not align with all Republican Conservative values. I do not align with all Democratic Liberal
values.
I don’t understand much of politics, but I know money is
important and you have to chase the dollars.
If you can get the money based on the color of your skin, then get the
money. If you can get the money by
aligning with corporations, then get the money.
I also believe you have to represent the interests of those
you have been elected to serve. It has
got to be really tough to turn your personal feelings aside and vote or fight
for something your constituents want, versus what you actually believe. It has got to be even tougher if something
isn’t good for them. Governor
Hickenlooper has done his best to make marijuana reform work in Colorado. That is what I expect from my elected
officials.
In the United States you have to be Republican or Democrat enough
to win your primary, but you can’t be so Republican or Democrat that you
alienate the Independents (that 10% of America who really chooses the
President). If our Electoral College
system were ever to change, it would be whole new ballgame.
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