Okay..first off..I am not in anyway trying to start a political thread. But my problem rises from a political issue. And um...This may be long winded..bear with me...*taking a page from Lixy's book*

A little background...(again..what follows is my opinion....not intended to start issues) I am a supporter of John Kerry. A cousin of mine is one of your typical "holy roller" bible beater Christians, who has based her opinion on who should run our country by religion. One man says "I'm a Christian" and she's going to vote for him. (After her husband tells her he's the best candidate..NOT after she's researched the issues)

I absolutely respect her right to have her opinions...and would defend her right to religious freedom. However...I too am a Christian. I happen to differ in the things I feel are right. (I may lead more toward spiritualist...but still..am based in Christianity.) For instance..Gay Marriage... I don't see a thing wrong with it.

So...when we get together...I keep my mouth shut because I will not debate with her. I do not see the point. Again..respecting her opinions... It's gone on and on..and she's gotten pushier and pushier.... Finally today I started getting emails from her...and someone I didn't even know. They were having a debate over politics and religion. The other person was saying everything I've ever wanted to say to her. But damn... she forwarded these emails to everyone in her stinkin address book! And attacking Kerry and his beliefs. And praising Mr. Bush.

I felt personally attacked. And was getting madder with each Email. Basicly I felt as if I was being told that as Mr. Kerry believes in all these "bad things"... (gay marriage... a woman's right to choose... stem cell research...) I therefore was wrong...and sinfull as well. I felt judged. Which...my heart tells me is wrong to do...to anyone!

I lashed out and responded. Telling her how I've been feeling. And telling her I support her right to her opinion. But I didn't share it. And I expect not to be attacked. I tried to make it clear that I still love her...but I was hurt and angry and asked if she please not send me anymore of these emails. I've kept my mouth shut for so long for the family's sake. (everyone else is fed up too...My Uncle can't even sit down after working all day and enjoy a beer without her clucking her tongue) But I just couldn't take it anymore. I feel bad though. I don't want this to come between us. Should I have kept silent and endured? Or did I do the right thing?

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"Only the united beat of sex and heart together can create ecstasy" ~Anaïs Nin


"The full moon is calling, the fever is high.
And the wicked wind whispers and moans.
You got your demons, you got desires
Well, I got a few of my own"
~The Eagles