By Olivia Rubick
MI First Election
Jeff and Jane Miller
East Lansing – The rules of a house divided apply to more than just sports teams for this Michigan family.
The Miller household has been dealing with a Democratic/Republican split for years. It has resulted in numerous family fights according to the youngest Miller, Bradley.
“There are four of us total, two Democrats, two Republicans, oddly enough. The girls are the Republicans and the boys are the Democrats. “I can’t remember exactly when we came to the realization that there were some very different political views in the household, but it wasn’t a good day, that is for sure,” said 17-year-old Bradley.
The Millers say that this is the worst time of year for their family.
“These upcoming months are not pretty, to say the least. My wife and I have always struggled with our political differences and now we have the kids and it just adds animosity. I think it started off as Bradley wanting to be like Dad and Michelle wanting to be like Mom, until they got old enough and developed their own political views that just happened to coincide with ours,” said father Jeff Miller.
Although it is a big joke, it can get very serious in their home and causes a lot of turmoil. It is “like a sports rivalry only about something with a lot more impact.”
“We aren’t house divided when it comes to any sports teams or anything of that sort, but we definitely make up for it with our political viewpoints. I would have to say that our biggest disagreement is on social issues. We have battled about this for years. I am in support of gun ownership and my husband on the other hand strongly opposes it,” said the mother of the household, Jane Miller. “I feel guilty at times because of how strongly involved and opinionated my children are when it comes to politics. They grew up with the division in the home and know dad and I disagree on just about everything possible.”
The family tries to avoid political talk but it is inevitable, especially in an election that has as much drama as this one.
“Mom and Dad made a rule that the words ‘Donald Trump’ are not allowed to be spoken in our household. That is one of the only things that all four of us see eye to eye,” said 23-year-old Michelle Miller.
“Brad and I tend to disagree the most about crime and capital punishment. It is definitely worse between my parents. It has gotten so bad to the point that they are putting up signs of the candidate they are supporting in our yard and then pushing down the other one’s sign and candidate. It’s comical sometimes.”
None of the Millers have decided where their votes are going this upcoming Election Day, but they can all agree they will not be going to Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump.
“We all want someone in office who will better the country and is more involved with making a change for the better as opposed to getting involved with the childish he-said, she-said drama,” Jeff said. “With every primary and debate that takes place, the debates in our home increase and the discussions get more heated.”
Some families think that their Michigan/Michigan State household divides are bad; spend a week in the Miller home and you will change your mind.