This year was the second Politicon Convention. It was held in Pasadena, CA and in attendance were many political junkies like myself. It's one big convention where people of every party can come listen to debates from speakers and do a bit of debating on their own.
It was a two day event, unfortunately since I've been doing bar prep I only went to Day 1, which turned out to be the better day. At the convention on Day 1was Tomi Lahren, Ann Coulter, and Dana Loesch just a few of the great outspoken Republican women out there today.
Many in attendance were able to listen to speakers debate or participate in panel discussions. Some of the topics included abortion, gun rights, and millennials and politics to name a few. There was also political art and different booths of politically active organizations. That brings up why I was there, which was to table for the local Los Angeles County Young Republican chapters.
While tabling I met so many interesting people. My favorites were obviously the other young republicans unfamiliar with the YR organization who wanted to become active within the party. However, many that approached our table were bored and lonely Democrats who just approached us to argue.
They tried to trap me in arguments assuming that I fit the description of what their view of a stereotypical Republican was. I did my best to assure them that we Republicans care about all of the same national issues such as the economy, homelessness, education, equality, and freedom just as much as the next person, but we have an alternative solution for all of these problems.
Many tried to pull the race card assuming by being a Republican I must be a racist without realizing that I'm mixed. Telling them my family heritage often shut them up and allowed them to listen to what I had to say. Some even admitted that they were thinking of changing party lines.
If you ever have a chance to go, GO. Each year is supposed to grow and the speakers get better. Right now on YouTube there are several of the discussions posted and you can watch.
Given that my favorite picture taken was with Tomi Lahren herself, I think it's appropriate to end with a final thought of my own, which is to speak up Republicans!
We often find ourselves afraid to reveal that we are Republicans, and most of the time we are justified due to fear of retaliation. However you don't have to shout to the world "I'm a Republican" rather let your opinions on issues be known without being argumentative. Be the friend who provides the alternative solution, and you'll see that people agree with you. Little by little being friendly and thoughtful is how we open minds.
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