This morning, like most Monday mornings, my husband and I met a group of neighbors for breakfast. Although we’ve moved from our old neighborhood, these are people with whom we keep in touch because we like them.
Like most weeks the discussion eventually wound up on
politics. Understand, this is a diverse
group. We have feminists, democrats,
republicans, concealed carry advocates, vegetarians, and one person who is
politically confused…that would be me.
Sometimes the discussion gets lively. Other times, like today, the conversation
might be full of dismay. It’s never
dull, it’s hardly ever shrill, and it sometimes changes the way I look at
things because I come away with someone else’s viewpoint to measure against my
own. In short…it’s healthy.
As the coffee pot made the rounds we talked about how
politics had become so volatile, severing friendships and dividing
families. For me, I can honestly say many
of my long-term friends have been in my life without my ever knowing (or
caring) what their politics are. Every
now and then a badge or bumper sticker might show up, there might be some
ribbing associated with it, and then the subject was dropped to discuss more
important things like kids, house repair and vacations. I don’t attribute this to the fact that I
only associate with politically and intellectually lazy people, I know it to be
quite the opposite.
Today it is so easy to be angry; each television channel and
radio broadcast is filled with political rants and venomous attacks on every
political figure and everyone with whom they’ve ever had a conversation. The internet is filled with misinformation,
ugliness and hatred. People aren’t just
convinced they’re right, they are foaming at the mouth right! Do unto others has been amended to ‘do it to
them first’. As we left the restaurant I
had to pause and wonder how such a group as ours could meet each week and not
end up in a food fight.
Somehow our little group does okay, and I think I have it
figured out. I like these people, and I
know them. Despite any political
differences we have I believe I could ask for help from any one of them and
they would reach out a hand just as I would for them. I believe when they make a decision it is
based upon a good moral character and a kind heart. We have a great deal in common; love of
family, home and community. The fact that we may differ politically does
nothing to convince me that these are anything but good people. I respect their right to disagree with me,
and their opinions more than anything I see on Face Book, in a right/left wing
newscast, and more than any political ad. For the most part we listen to one another,
and while we haven’t had an “conversions” we sometimes leave the table with
more than we had.
Unfortunately, our breakfasts won’t cure the problems of
this shaking, quaking country or calm the nerves of its citizens. But, for half a dozen people enjoying
breakfast and conversation, it gives us a look into the thoughts and lives of
neighbors with whom we may not always agree, but always welcome with care and
respect. It’s a start.
Life is Good
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