In Greek mythology, Elpis is the spirit representing hope. When Pandora opened her box and released evil into the world, only Elpis remained inside. Some think that Elpis stayed behind so that she’d always be available to comfort mankind. Others believe that this was Pandora’s final act of cruelty: She introduced evil to the world without giving us hope to counteract it. In either case, the common theme seems to be that only hope can conquer evil.
As for us, we were also trapped in a box for a while before being unleashed upon the world. Just kidding. As five former Christian school kids from the Midwest and current 20-somethings with left-leaning politics, our perspectives may be, uhm, unusual. Representing a range of opinion, we disagree with each other a lot. But that’s half the fun.
Krystal: Lives and works in New York. Loves candy, Bobby Kennedy, and Rachel Maddow. Has a weird habit of spinning in circles at wildly inappropriate times. Is an atheist-leaning agnostic but still manages not to stab random people on street corners for lack of a moral compass. Believes that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.
Ben: Currently living, working and studying in Milwaukee. Kinda has a “my city is lame” complex. Purposely laughs nervously in many situations. Is, strangely, religiously bi-polar. Keeps away from good wine for fear of no longer enjoying the cheap stuff.
Allison: Is currently living, working, and partying in Milwaukee (with her Conservative Republican husband). Is a vegetarian who, would NEVER kick a puppy (but doesn’t carry insects to free them outside, either) Categorizes herself as just a believer of the Bible, as she refuses to be grouped with the hypocrites that call themselves “Christians”. Couldn’t live without Valium and Red Bull, and is trying really hard not to shop for shoes during this recession, but is failing…miserably.
Analiese: Currently living and working in Oconomowoc and Waukesha respectivly, often feeling like an island of liberalism in the heart of conservative country. Recently married to a guy who claims to be more liberal than Ghandi. Was a history teacher, now works in the environmental field. Still figuring out what to keep and what to ignore from too many years of Christian schooling. Addicted to coffee, crossword puzzles, and kicking puppies (or at least thinking about it). Also enjoys defying stereotypes but a little nervous that I fall short.
Ian: On a permanent sabbatical from Wisconsin living; currently residing in Minneapolis, where liberals grow on trees. Cut his teeth on faith and politics from the religiously right side of the spectrum in the decidedly left-leaning village of Mount Horeb, the native land of Fighting Bob LaFollette. Upon leaving, it took approximately one-and-a-half years for the seeds of progressivism to sprout, tilled in the soils of the “real world” and carefully cultivated with help from the religious [fertilizer] being spread as a youth ministries major at a Pentecostal university. Slightly jaded, but so friggin’ hopeful, he is currently living with his little wife in a smaller apartment and planning a head-first dive into “liberal academia”, studying political science at the University of Minnesota in the coming year.
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