From the Captain's Quarters

Photos with notables
Photos with notables

Through the past few years, I've thought about those actors who I admire for their acting ability and/or roles in my favourite films and TV shows. More recently, as I have gained interest in politics, I've extended this thought in regards to politicians. Recently, my friend Christina came to visit me while I was in DC doing an internship. We had a photo taken with Sens. Barack Obama and Richard Durbin during an Illinois constituent breakfast. During this time, she had mentioned that she is not too keen on getting photos with many notable people because we shouldn't inflate the egos of people in that way. Furthermore, what does it matter if we have met them but do not know them, or even worse, why get a photo with them if we do not agree with what they believe in? I also kept telling myself during the past couple months of my internship that the politicians I've been seeing are people like myself, no better or worse. They will have different opinions, but I should not revere any person above others.

Much of this feeling stemmed from my stance on abortion, which is an important issue for me. I never thought of myself as a single-issue decider when it comes to my opinion on politicians, but Janice had mentioned that I use it to determine whether or not I vote or support someone, and she is correct. I don't like the label of being a single-issue voter, but I feel so strongly about this issue that I put it above all other concerns. Every child has the right to life and should be able to decide what choices he or she makes in life.

So, I've thought about the pictures I've had taken with these policians during my internship. Obama, Durbin, former Sen. Tom Daschle, Rep. Rob Simmons and Rep. Nancy Johnson are pro-choice. I had photos taken with Obama, Durbin and Simmons twice. I attended a breakfast with Rob Simmons sponsored by the Republican Youth Majority (who describe themself as pro-choice, pro-environment, with fiscal responsiblity). Mr. Simmons is a very interesting man, and he even helped my line of thought with possible careers I'd like to pursue in the future. Yet, I let myself get carried away. I also wanted (but was unable to) get a picture taken with Florida representative Robert Wexler because of a humourous appearance on The Colbert Report. But otherwise, he is a pro-choice politician. I ask myself 'why am I getting pictures with politicans?' and it basically comes down to having something to show others in the future that I met these 'famous' figures.

When I was in England, I met Ian McKellen. He is a gay actor who (from comments I gathered) is probably someone I would not get along with well. He made some comments about the Bible being fiction: http://www.usmagazine.com/blog/2006/05/17/ian-mckellen-unable-to-suspend-disbelief-while-reading-the-bible
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDZ5uG3_LVc&search=mckellen
I enjoyed Mr. McKellen's acting in the Lord of the Rings and X-Men films. However, after reading up on the history of this man, I find I do not agree with the way he is in public. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3266571.stm If you scroll to the bottom of the page to #10, you'll see an example of what I disagree with.
And I have a digital photo with this actor, both of us smiling. But what is there to smile about? I feel it could lead to a slippery slope. First, I am getting pictures with socially liberal politicians that I disagree with. Where does it lead next?

In regards to my feelings on abortion, it doesn't mean I should automatically scorn someone who is pro-choice. I consider myself a pretty easy going person when it comes to conversations. I will listen to what someone has to say and I will respect their right to speak, so long as they afford me the same opportunity and do not resort to lewd subjects, profanity and berating. In the case of Mr. Simmons, I respected the way he spoke at the breakfast. I disagreed with his stance on abortion. I never addressed it with him, though.

But in the end, these pictures mean nothing, or perhaps nothing positive. Pictures with friends mean much more to me. I have friends who do not agree with my views, but it is the fact that I know them and spend time with them that makes me appreciate their company.

Will I dispose of these pictures? Most likely not, at least for now. Maybe sometime in the future I'll have an impulse to do so. I will probably feel bad for doing it, and then later I will be at ease with it and see it as the right thing to have done. It's been a lot easier in the past year or two to let go of physical things and be fine with it. As Jesus says, we should store up goods in Heaven that moth or rust cannot destroy.

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