slug.com slug.com

4 5

Thinking Outloud

written by ME! LOL for what its worth.

Sometime back - 10 to 15 years ago - give or take - there was a sea change in how the general population regarded one another and more importantly treated one another. For reasons too complex to go into here suffice to say that it is no longer acceptable to hold oppositional sociopolitical opinions.

I am profoundly saddened by the "new normal" whereby anybody - anybody at all whether kin or friend who does not share YOUR political opinions is a bad person - no, make that a very bad person...no, make that an evil person.

This sea change brings tragic consequences. I suggest that before "social distancing" became a thing because of disease we were already socially distanced from one another by virtue of our political leanings.

There is fear and loathing and utter hostility in discovering that once loved and trusted friends and kin hold to political ideas of which we do not approve much less accept as their right and privilege to do so.

Speaking proverbially that lovely couple next door to you - yes those people who smiled and waved at you and who shared stories with you about pets, grand kids and the labor of love that is the upkeep of your gardens and the neighborhood - yes that couple. They are the same people they were before you discovered that they voted for a political candidate you happen to dislike.

They haven't changed - not one bit. What has changed is that some folks seem to have a pathological need to shut out and shut down ideas to the degree that they reject and shun people. Not rejecting ideas - but shunning people. And for what.

Here is the thing - I can still love you because you are the person I knew and loved before I found out who you voted for. You can still love me because I have not changed either. Same person I was before you found out how I cast my votes in the last election.
Because really - after all the political fighting is over - after the dust settles for another 4 year interval - we still need each other. YOU are exponentially more valuable to me - you matter more to me by far - than any ideologies I may or may not hold dear.

iThink 9 Apr 14
Share

Be part of the movement!

Welcome to the community for those who value free speech, evidence and civil discourse.

Create your free account

4 comments

Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.

0

Well, someone finally said it.

2

Excellent post! I tend to agree. I have, in fact, censored myself on some platforms to avoid loosing friends I care about because I know my opinions would never be accepted by them, even though I am slightly left of centre myself! But that is almost a Nazi now it seems. SMH. I really hope some sense is restored to the world at some point here, because this just baffles me.

2

Thanks for posting this, it's a good read.

thanks

4

This is one of the most profound posts I've come across on here in a long time. Truth be told there, politics these days have a way of dividing people like nothing else. At times I'm guilty of bashing left-leaning views (then again, I don't particularly care for either extreme). I've considered doing a post about how socialists and capitalists could get along in this country, but I get the feeling it wouldn't be too well received though, I still may do that post time will tell. Whilst politics is the big divider, there are other issues that divide as well (referring to social beliefs/practices). Good post, thank you for sharing, hope alot of others see this post.

high praise - I am flattered

@iThink I'm more than happy to praise any post that promotes reason and understanding, which is the aim for this site, for all sides to come together in discussion in order to find common ground (I think so anyway).

Write Comment
You can include a link to this post in your posts and comments by including the text q:91128
Slug does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.