Some seniors buck household alliegence with personal opinion

By Logan J. Hall ’14
& Michael Moroney ’13
THE ROUNDUP

A small group of Brophy students will have the privilege of voting in the 2012 Presidential Election, and some will clash with their parents.

Most students have been politically influenced by their parents’ political leaning towards either the left or the right.

These 18-year-old students will have the chance to make what could be an opposing vote during the election.

“It takes a bit of courage to do something different than your parents, and even more to do it differently from all extended family as well,” said Austin Tymins ’13.

Some students often feel their parents have imposed biased political views throughout their life.

Now, these students want to make voting decisions with a neutral and balanced point of view.

Some students are second guessing their parents’ allegiance to the GOP, and will be voting for President Barack Obama come November.

Tymins is a prime example of an Obama supporter.

“Both of my parents are registered Republicans though my Dad tends to vote more moderately. I am a registered Democrat and moderate liberal,” Tymins said.

He said he finds it liberating to pave his own political path, but he makes political decisions based on research and information.

“Developing your own opinions can be, and is often, an extremely satisfying experience,” Tymins said. “Be mindful of what people tell you but don’t accept others’ opinions without exploring the issue for yourself.”

Scott Felix ’13 cannot vote in the November elections because he will be 17 years old, but he has changed his political views since his time at Brophy.

“I did formerly have pretty conservative opinions but years at Brophy have inspired me to look deeper than the simple approach that I see in a lot of conservative ideals,” Felix said. “My parents do not agree with many of my views but they do respect them and sometimes I receive some support from them.”

Felix said he would vote for Obama if he was old enough because he disagrees with the Republican policies of Mitt Romney.

“I’m very passionate about many social issues, things like immigration and LGBT rights,” he said. “I also care very much about how the government is spending the money it has, I would much rather have more be spent on education, healthcare, social services than on the military.”

In contrast, some Brophy students disagree with their parents’ decision to vote for the incumbent Democrat nominee Obama. In response, these students are declaring their support for Republican Mitt Romney.