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I am always amazed when people say they do not care about politics. I myself have said this in the past, but in reality, in some way, shape or form, you care about politics. If you choose not to vote, that is a political choice not to care. I never realized how much politics affects everything, until I learned more about the issues at hand and the candidates. Whether it is the local spring elections or the presidential election, it is important to know as much as you can, even if you have tried to avoid politics in the past.
Until recently, my knowledge of politics and candidates was limited to whatever was shown on the morning news. I did vote in the last presidential election, but with little to no knowledge as to what I was voting for in terms of policies and change. Of course I had heard the terms conservative, tea party, and liberal, but I never realized I really did not know what the terms meant for what candidates should be standing by and going against.
I had a very passionate college professor get upset with all the students for having political opinions, but not really knowing the history behind issues or parties. If you have not paid attention to politics before or you base opinions on television coverage, you really need to look deeper. If you do not know a candidate's past or who stands for what and why; how can you know if the person is speaking truthfully or if they have flopped back and forth on an issue?
If you do not know the past and the facts, then you cannot have a discussion with another person on politics, you will just be exchanging opinions; which does no good. Also, if you are looking for somebody new to run the White House or your town, know why. Look at times before and during their term, look at the good and the bad; whether you are for or against a new leader, know the facts and be realistic with changes that have or have not been made. Every candidate and leader makes promises, but it is not always possible to accomplish them all.
Whether you are a student, teacher, doctor, or contractor, politics affect you. Whether you choose to acknowledge this affect is up to you, but if you believe in certain issues or want certain things done in government, then find the facts. If you choose not to know the facts or vote, then do not complain in the future; it was your choice not to participate.