Over the last few months, I have been told by a number of people that my support for Hillary is less than legitimate because I'm "biased". Biased? How? Because I have an opinion? What exactly do you mean by that? (And for those of you who think I'm talking about you, yes, I am. But you're not the only one).

In contrast, I have been told by multiple people (and sometimes the same parents) that my analysis of why Hillary Clinton is the best candidate for the presidency is invalid because of my "obvious bias." Each time an apparently intelligent person makes this accusation, I am stunned into silence. Their "case" against Hillary is usually the conclusory one word taunt of "Benghazi" or "emails" or "the Foundation" (ok, two words) But when asked what they think is wrong with that, they can't expound on anything beyond a New York Post headline. They just "know" she's a "liar."

I'm not Hillary Clinton's mother, nor am I her daughter. In fact, I'm not related at all. We don't go shoe shopping together and I don't know whether she prefers her dressing on the side or whether she squeezes her toothpaste from the middle or the bottom. I didn't grow up down the block from her, didn't run her campaign for student council president. I never worked for her, nor was she my law school professor. I reap no financial gain from supporting her. In fact, I don't even think any of the other of her contributors have ever sent any business my way…at least, nothing so significant that it stands out in my memory. And Hillary has never done any personal favors for me, except that she did help out with one of my advocacy endeavors. And yes, her contribution was significant. But it should be noted that I've asked for similar assistance from somewhere between 50 and 100 other legislators, at least. That's their job, to listen to constituents and take action.

Instead, I support her because I'm educated. I know the issues, I know what she stands for. I know what I like about her platform and I know what I disagree with. That I have my opinions after having studied her career for the last twenty years and being well versed in what her prior accomplishments are, her policy positions, her relationships with other elected officials and her goals for her presidency is somehow deemed "bias", confounds me. Yes, I've met her. Yes, I kinda know her. But how does knowing her in this limited capacity as a result of my engagement on her campaigns become "bias"? Having an opinion supported by diligent research and prolonged study and exposure is not "bias." It's responsible citizenship. And it saddens me that people I call friends don't know the difference.

I understand that many people don't share my interest in issue-driven politics or the mechanics of our government. That's fair. I couldn't name a current member of the Jets. But the quarterback of the guys in green is not deciding what to do about climate change and the coach is not choosing the next Supreme Court Justice.

So if you can't take the time out to learn about the policy proposals that will affect the food you eat, the roads you drive on, the safety of...just about everything, that's ok. But don't dismiss me for having done so. Exhaustively.

My support for Hillary Clinton as the 45th President of the United States is not bias. It's clarity. And perhaps it's time you listened to what I know. Knowledge, I've heard, is not bias. It's power.

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October 25,2016