Agreeing to Disagree

With one of the most significant elections in history right around the corner, you better believe that at least 40% of my converstations (with others or in my head) involve politics. I did not realize, until very recently, the emotions attached to having a friendly discussion involving differing political views.

When there are two people with opposite positions that they equally fiercely believe in, attacking the opposite side is, in a way, attacking their character. Like religion, both sides say "the people, policies and positions I prefer are superior to yours, and they are the only right way" Ouch.

This weekend I was at a friend's birthday party and our group started into the election discussion. it bantered on for a while, then we gradually separated into smaller groups. finally it was only my staunchly conservative friend C, and I (with Nick mediating) talking back and forth. Granted, he was slightly more inebriated than I was, but about halfway through the conversation I realized how much emotionally charged our conversation was becoming, and that he wanted to change my mind. Too many years of failed attempts at changing others' minds about topics have taught me that you can never go into a debate attempting to change another's opinion. So eventually I cut it off, saying something about how glad I was that we could discuss differing opinions just for sport and good conversation.

I read a lot of articles online, and see how many people post their opinions after said articles. It is only after the political ones that posters start into 'flame wars', attacking each other's intelligence and character solely because of a differing opinion. It kind of sucks.

Don't get me wrong, I want everyone to make informed decisions on their voting choice, and I think that debate is healthy, and learning both side's opinion is healthy. For example, when I'm back in Indiana around 5 pm, I turn on the Sean Hannity radio show and see how long I can listen to it without getting upset and yelling back at him. It's a good exercise, and I am glad that I have both opinions. As far as conservatives accusing the MSM of being blatantly liberal (another fine point C and I discussed), I think that as humans, it is impossible to be completely neutral when reporting politics. Every writer brings with him or her background, history, context from their own lives and own opinions. Bias is inevitable.

I'll leave you with a quote stolen from Mr. C.Hopkin's Facebook:

Stop voting for people you want to have a beer with.
Stop voting for folksy.
Stop voting for people who remind you of your neighbor.
Stop voting for the ideologically intransigent, the staggeringly ignorant, and the blazingly incompetent.
Vote for someone smarter than you.
Vote for someone who inspires you.
Vote for someone who has not only traveled the world but who has also shown a deep understanding and compassion for it.
The stakes are real and they're terrifyingly high. This election matters.
It matters.
It really matters.
Let me say that one more time.
This.
Really.
Matters.
- Micheal Seitzman

(this, of course, is a blog written with my particular bias. ;) )
so, yeah. follow up with a post about my life to happen within the week. stay tuned!
jenkay