‘I have nothing to hide’: Life as a Republican in a sea of student Liberalism
He said the Confederate flag is “emblematic of highly sensitive nature of so many Americans.”
“I’m bothered by the sensitivity of many student on campus. The best advice is to simply move on from some of the things that bother you.”
The liberal brigade is sometimes overwhelming. Bernie Sanders, the most liberal presidential candidate in this current election cycle, was radically popular among people in this younger generation. But not all of us can be squeezed into the same mold and magically possess analogous beliefs. So what is it like being a conservative in an oppressively liberal environment?
Field Daniels, a rising sophomore at Georgetown, was born and raised in Oklahoma in a conservative family. The Hoya calls himself a conservative Republican, and told The Tab what he believes and why.
“I’m pro-gun-control because gun owners who abuse their second amendment rights give me and other responsible gun owners a bad reputation.” The young Conservative owns guns under his name and understands the responsibility he needs to have in order to properly use the weapon. “I have nothing to hide, so if I’m required sign more paperwork or wait a bit longer to receive my gun, I’m fine with that.”
The Church-raised millennial finds this the Confederate flag “emblematic of highly sensitive nature of so many Americans.” He thinks it’s a small issue that received too much unwarranted attention. “The biggest issue I have with eliminating the Confederate flag, is that it rewrites history while eliminating a Southern symbol.” History, he said, although riddled with evils, is meant to be learned from, not forgotten.
The minimum wage is another area Field feels strongly about, “If a person makes $15 an hour flipping burgers, why would they pursue a greater job? People respond to incentives, and, to me, the minimum wage at its current level incentivizes people to achieve greater.” People shouldn’t be satisfied with an entry-level job for their whole lives. Many have unrecognized potential that can be fulfilled. He wants Americans to strive for a better life by hard work and determination.
Unlike many politicians today, Field looks for and welcomes different views. “I came to Georgetown to step outside my comfort zone and to grow as an individual, strengthening my own philosophy.” Yet, he thinks that many students are scared or unwilling to have open and honest discussion.
He says that the world is not perfect and “being an advocate for change is important, however, being a devil’s advocate is not productive. My conservative beliefs have been reaffirmed through constant, and tranquil, dialogue with students holding different views.”
Should me people be like Field? Conflict and disagreement will always exist, inane and senseless confrontations rooted in ignorance and inflexibility don’t have to.