Politics and Friendships?
Friendship is more important than political issues
Politics and Friendships
First of all I begin this hub by saying it is not about political choices. Political issues and friendships don't mix. Whether you are a liberal or conservative does not matter--well it matters--but not so here today during my ramblings. Several years ago in my life, I had very few opinions about politics and what was happening in Washington. I was way to busy with my own life to care a lot was going on the political landscape. I could have cared less whether people were Democrats or Republicans. Today it is hard for me to contain my very strong political feelings in a group of people. I have to bite the old lip pretty hard when I hear about people who are really opposed to my perfect views. I am just kidding about that.
My Friends
It has been a surprise to me after I became involved in my political madness that most of my friend-- and ones who I dearly care about--have totally different views than I do. It is of constant amazement to me that people who I have so much in common with how they can feel so differently about how our country is run, and the direction we are going in.
Of course much of the news today is so tangled, and often changes daily in the aftermath of anything that happens. My friends and I have decided to agree to disagree, and we never talk politics. Their friendship is way to important than pontificating about my personal political beliefs. The bottom line is that we see totally different things on what is going on in the world today. And we all feel we are totally right in our beliefs.
Opinion Journals
Basically most of us do not know what is really going on in Washington D.C. We hear stories about congress, the president, the economy. There are so many opinion journals claiming to write the truth, though I am not sure what that exactly means today. Politics is a hot subject everywhere and we will find political opinions from many sources. Most of what we see in regard to what is happening in our country is just someone's opinion. In turn what we share with friends is often just a repeat of what we hear or see. I got into a heated discussion with a friend's husband as he was ranting and raving about what he thought was corrent in the political arena. I nicely told him I would share in his discussion if he would admit that it is was just his opinion and not fact. The discussion came to an abrupt end, of which I was very happy.
Political Parties Today
The political parties have changed today from what they represented 30 and 40 years ago. Entitlement programs, failing economy, unemployment and budget deficit were not in the front running. Certainly we have been plagued by problems in government since the beginning of these civilized ways of managing the country. Democrats were often small business people and the Republicans owned and ran big businesses. Anyway that was what I was told. Today there are both liberal and middle of the road Democrats and very conservative and middle of the road Republicans.
The United States is going through major transition and the ideology has changed a great deal. Where the country is going is anybody's guess.
The White House
Summing Up
The secret here is to keep your thoughts to yourself when you are around zealots of either party. If by chance you can keep things under control, it may be possible that both parties can share in some interesting discussions--good luck with this. I still get really annoyed when people start spewing their personal beliefs and give opinions of things they know nothing about. I realize that no matter how much I read and hear it is still only my opinion. To happily maintain your important relationships with all your friends of different political beliefs omit this discussion, especially if you have had a glass of wine or two. You can always talk about the weather, as that changes a lot.
Politics and Friendships
Comments
I agree with TT in that politics and religion are the two things that are hotly debated and when friends have conflicting views about them, it is bound to stir a lot of unpleasantness. Rather not talk about it and the best way is to either get away from the situation or to handle it the way you did with your friend's husband.
Voting this up and interesting and sharing on G+1
This is so true Carol, and words to live by. My Dad always said, "Never discuss religion or politics in social situations." There is always two sides to things and each side firmly believes that they are right. It is rare to ever convince someone to change their mind, so disagreement is inevitable. I read a hub the other day where the mudslinging and hatred really got offensive. Never thought I would see it out here. It was very disheartening. Glad you shared these important ideas.
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I agree with you, but have found sharing views with someone who feels very strongly is not always easy. And never do it when you have had even one glass of wine. Thanks for stopping in and I appreciate your comments.
Politics and religion - as so well said - two "hot potatoe" subjects, especially in my part of the world. But, you can certainly keep friends and not get into trouble with family if all know when to stop or as wisely said when not to begin. It is achievable and everyone should have some views
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midget38: Thanks for dropping by and your very lovely comments.
Politics is a hot topic, Carol. And a sensitive one as well, with the capacity for so many different views, so that's we have to be careful with what we say, as you rightly point out!! So glad you've shared this...and I look forward to more insightful discussions with you!! The kind I love!
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Thanks for dropping by....Almost everyone seems to feel so passionately about politics and so many do not have a clue of what is going on.
Hi Carol. There are some family members that we just don't talk politics with because they get so upset. Great advice Carol. I try and avoid the topic at all times unless I'm really, really sure it won't lead to a heated discussion.
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travel man 1971: Thanks for dropping by and your interesting comments.
Billybuc: I so agree, and don't understand all this political rhetoric that people spew off. When it comes to the government we just hope for the best.
sweetiepie: It is all pretty funny if you think about it...Funny in a sad kind of way. thanks for dropping by and leaving valuable comments.
I'm sorry I didn't see this one Carol; it either snuck by me when I was doing something else or I didn't get notified of it, which happens a lot. Anyway, I agree completely. I will not get suckered into a discussion about politics. Not going to happen. I would rather have a root canal than listen to some zealot talk about politics. There is no winning one of those talks.
I will even get political comments on my hubs at times and I won't let them debate on my comment section. Take it to the forums and off of my site.
Great job, Carol!
My father said, there are no permanent friends in politics, unless you did a favor to a popular leader.
He used to serve as the barangay capatin in our place here in the Philippines.
He also said that, if I really want to indulge in politics, I should be prepared with all the things that a politician should have: logistics and achievements.
I can really talk politics with my real friends because we are not going to get upset about this stuff. I am a liberal, and some are conservatives. Now I am taking a political break because I find discussing these issues is giving me a headache these days. Politicians may be from different parties, but behind closed doors they are all buddies that go out together after hours. Friends should not part ways over politics because the politicians never do. One astute friend said a lot of this is political theater, and in the end I think a lot of Democrats and Republicans pay homage to the same corporate interests anyway.
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suzettenaples; Thanks for stopping by with interesting comments. It amazes me today how politics have become a vicous entity.
I have to agree with you, Carol. It is best not to talk about politics when in a group. Today, those discussions become too heated and some people can really spew hatred around. I vote, am a concerned citizen, but it ends there. I would never end a friendship over political views - they change with the wind. Thanks for a relevant and interesting article!
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Josh3418 thanks for stopping by. It is really hard for me to keep my mouth shut, but if the discussion never starts...no problem.
Dexter: Thank you also for stopping by and commenting..and yes to remain silent if we only can.
Hi! Excellent hub and good points. Sometimes people will go off at the mouth and share their beliefs and get offended when you don't agree. Sometimes it is best to remain silent.
Carol,
Very good points here! I have always kept things to myself when I know that it may cause strife with my friends. Getting carried away is usually the result when two sides share differnet views, and in friendships, that always seems to end up bad. So, very thought provoking and informative hub Carol!
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Thanks so much for great comment. It is difficult today in the political landscape..No matter what these are challenging times. Thanks again for dropping by.
I have to agree with you, Carol. I have kept most of my friends because we don't talk politics or religion. It is too easy to get carried away over little things that can quickly escalate into an all out fight and lose a friend. Great job! :)
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