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November 13, 2007
Political Discussion
I saw a reference to a political book on a blog this morning and thought, “How could so-and-so buy in to that way of thinking?" It didn’t surprise me and it shouldn’t have. When you read enough of a person’s blog, you understand how they feel politically whether they say so or not. Even without the aid of a reference to a political book, you can get an idea where they stand by hearing about other aspects of their life.
We are all different and have different opinions. I don’t have to agree with you and you don’t have to agree with me. This philosophy applies to many things, not only politics. I guess this is why it is so fun to read other blogs. You can see how other people live and think and coexist on this planet without actually living life with them.
I don’t believe in sheltering myself from people with whom I don’t agree. If you don’t read what other people are saying or you don’t talk with these people face-to-face, you have no idea what you are up against.
I keep my mouth shut though. As much as I write on here and do the Talky Blogs, I am still not expressing my opinion about anything objectionable. Don’t hold me to that though; I am human.
While what other people believe is important, I feel it is more essential that you and your spouse agree politically, morally, and spiritually. I cannot imagine going through life with someone who didn’t agree with my core beliefs. It would seem there would be battles each day.
Ah, well, my mind has been on politics as of late and how could it not be? Everywhere you turn this is the subject matter; on television, on blogs, in the newspaper, and in emails. I have to say, I really don’t appreciate the emails bashing particular people just like I don’t like television commercials which do the same thing. I don’t like to fight dirty.
I believe in FACTS. I am a big “show me” or “prove it” person. If you want to bash a particular political figure, you better have some hard evidence that this person did what you are claiming they did or said what you claim they said.
My political stance has been the same for as long as I have been voting. I do not plan on changing; however, I still don’t think it’s fair to berate people on the other side of the fence simply because they are on the other side of the fence. If you vote and I hope you all do, please make sure you know what your party stands for and don’t be ignorant.
If you choose to write about your political views on your blog, I have no problem with it and will probably enjoy reading it. Most people choose to say nothing (which is basically what I am doing) because saying anything sparks controversy. Years ago, I would have enjoyed that controversy, today I only want peace. It is understandable if you stay silent.
Posted by tami at November 13, 2007 9:06 PM
Comments
100% agree with you.
I'm the same with religion - can't be arsed to debate something when it's patently obvious neither side will change their mind and it'll just create discord.
There's a reason the topics of Sex, Religion and Politics have always been traditionally banned at the dinner table!
Though saying that, I've foolishly got into a "discussion" on another blog about the pros and cons of Macs and I'm very much in the minority *sigh*... how to extricate myself with dignity...
Posted by: Pewari at November 14, 2007 3:07 AM
Keep fighting Pewari - it makes life far more interesting. The Mac is not a threat to us mere mortals, only to a certain type of gate... Otherwise I agree with you both wholeheartedly.
Posted by: Miss L at November 14, 2007 4:12 AM
I agree with all of you. My dislike of confrontation grows as I get older and I Seewould much rather find the similarities between various people than focus on the differences. Through working at the Coffee shop I see the softer, more social side of many who probably have vastly different beliefs than mine.
Posted by: gw at November 14, 2007 3:40 PM
I think that's partly it - getting to know a more diverse population. The internet has done that in a big way for me, I think. I've certainly made close friends with people who have hugely different backgrounds, beliefs and opinions from me over the years (gawd, that makes me sound old!) and I've learned so much as a result.
The optimist in me hopes with all her heart that with the increase in the internet we may well get a more tolerant society. The realist in me sighs deeply and sits back to watch the flamewars...
Posted by: Pewari at November 14, 2007 5:19 PM