As much as I try to stay away from political discourse some situations just induce the too common practice of talking politics among friends, acquaintances and family. Something I avoid like the plague but also welcome when conversing with people who read and stay informed. I always enjoy intelligent, factual dialogue.
But without fail at the end of the day these encounters leave me feeling remorseful and feeling guilty for contradicting the opinion of others even when 100% certain I was stating a not so welcome fact.
Why did I have to open my mouth? Who cares what they think? What does it matter? Why not just talk about the weather or the latest gossip? Darn! I come home anxious and hating my lack of self control.
Should I have said this or the other or should I have just changed the subject? I am so tired of this. I’m So tired of alternative facts and us vs them scenarios.
At the end of the day, I”ve discovered we all want the same things! We want the best education for our kids, efficient healthcare, employment, peace, justice, prosperity, freedom of speech and to practice the religion of our choice among other things. We differ in the way we prioritize these issues and in the approach to making them happen.
I hear of divisions among families and lost friendships due to political affiliations. We all have heard or experienced this. So…should we say or not say a thing, or two, for peace sake?
One thing I am certain of and I hope you are too; no politician is worth losing our friends and family. Nothing should be stronger than the love we have for one another.
In the middle of all this turmoil, anxiety and remorse, when it comes to deciding whether or not to express my opinion I still don’t have a clue.
Cactus in the Mirror 