June 5, 2008
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Politics, Stop fighting already
The great divider. A hot topic guaranteed to split family and friends. I have heard, more recently with the whole Obama thing, some really heated arguments. Where people were once on the same page ( or so it seemed) they are now biting each others heads off. If you wanted Obama over Hillary, you were or are a woman hater, especially bad if you happen to be a woman. If you wanted Hillary over Obama, you were/are racist, stupid and a bitch lover. Some life long republicans hate McCain so will vote Obama, but would not have voted for Hillary. Some life long democrats are pissed about the Obama thing, so they are voting for McCain.
The thing is, the arguments are pointless. If you are so passionate about the subject that you are willing to argue, then your not on the fence, so you are unlikely to change your mind, nor the person you are arguing with. And even if , just to stop the arguing, I pretend to agree, when I am in my little voting booth, you won't know what circle I am going to fill in. And I could easily lie to you about it. When it comes down to it, it's an individual, private choice.
I just don't see the point in arguing. People pretend that it is a healthy debate, but rarely have I seen such emotion then when it comes to this election in particular. To risk alienating a good friend or family member by getting into a huge fight about your choice as president, seems, well, stupid.
I admit, I probably go too far in the other direction, and am too passive about our country. I know I should care more. At least I do vote. But as soon as I say who I'm voting for, the inevitable, argument ensues. And of course not being well informed, I have no good argument.
But I think I am well informed enough to know who I don't want.
Often, even if the person agrees with my choice they start arguing. You tell them they are preaching to the choir and they still go on and on, arguing with a person who isn't even there.
I have so many friends on xanga and in real life who, when it comes to politics and religion, are on a completely different page as I am. But when it comes right down to it we want the same things in life. Where we differ is how we should get there. And I am not going to tell them there way is wrong, just as I would hope they wouldn't tell me my way is wrong. Life is too short. Can't we all just get along. Let the candidates rip each other apart, and then vote for who you think will best serve this country. Even if your choice is stupid, I'll still respect it, because I respect you.
Comments (30)
This round of politics has been some of the most intense we've had in a long time I think. It has also been an extreme example of labeling by a lot of people. I'll be glad to see this behind us.
I've never been one to base my vote on the popular beliefs of those around me. I vote with my own beliefs in check.
Hugs'n'Smooches!
The thing that I just don't understand is that people have made gender a issue (Hillary), race an issue (Obama) and age an issue (McCain). Yet no one seems to talk about the really important issues, like healthcare, educaiton, foreign policy. They're picking at small details when bigger ones need debate.
I think that some of it is that being really mean & fear mongering etc has worked in the past so people are getting their game faces on early. You would think it was the packers vs the vikings or something instead of issues that we all need to work towards together. As you said, we basically want the same things out of life.
I hate discussing politics or religion with anyone because people do get so upset over both. And if you do have opposing view, forget about it.
I suppose you want a neutral ground like discussing soap operas? I can see the religious declining to argue and the promiscious smiling at all the transgressions that occurs...
Supposedly Obama was gracious and it will be in Hillary's court for her to work with him....
But the high gas prices will continue for a while but I am sure no one will be procecuted for charging too much....
Meanwhile hot air is still cheap and will will see an endless supply of hot air (useless talk...)
Is gas getting too high that you are thinking of retiring your van?
I really don't understand how Hillary supporters can say they will vote McCain over Obama - that is tooo messed up. I would have voted for ANY of the Democrats over ANY of the Republicans - anyone will be better than McCain. Democrats need to get it together!!
@MamaInkWench - It's not over at all, some people are so pissed about the Obama Hillary thing, they are REALLY upset. Not me, but some people around me.
@Don_Cauchi - Good point.
@Isismoon - Don't tell sports fans their teams aren't as important as real issues, they freak out too.
@comet555 - yep, two bad and hot topics.
@PPhilip - No, I am keeping the van, but it's a little scary how much you know and actually remember about me. Should that flatter or scare me?
@cindyjg - I could not agree more. I don't know what they are trying to prove by doing that, it's sad really. I wonder what they will do if Hillary is on his ticket?
NOt that it matters since I'm Canadian, but I too think it's ridiculous that those who were rooting for either HRC or Obama have said that they will not vote for the other Democratic candidate. They both had almost identical stances on the same issues, whereas McCain has completely the opposite values. If your values are Democratic, it's logical to vote that way and if they are Republican, it's logical to vote against. I won't bother to say who I'd personally vote for.
Perhaps my life is too involved at the moment, but I just don't care about politics so far. Perhaps as we get closer to the election, I will become my normal opinionated self.
@soul_survivor - Illogical, exactly. I wouldn't tell people either, especially since you don't get a vote.
@nicumom - Well just make sure you don't tell anyone ( your opinion) like I said people freak out. I'm a little too self involved too.
I'm not saying that sports are not important. What I'm saying is that politics are not sports. The world would be less fun if we didn't have sports rivalries but it would be more fun if political rivalries would cool.
@cindyjg - I agree. I don't really know any mad Hillary fans. Disappointed yes but vote for McCain mad--no.
At least once a week I close my eyes and give a silent "thank you" to the powers that be that I'm rid of the crazy ex-in-laws. Those people had a melt down on the last election year because my ex announced that he was voting Kerry. Oh. My. Gawd. *shiver* I seriously thought there was a chance this his mother was going to slit her wrists at the thought!
I carefully stear clear of such conversations all day long with customers at work. I've found easy way out is the truth in my case, I've had little time to research any of the options...all I've really got is a bunch of second-hand info, mostly slandering whatever party the person speaking doesn't care much for. So sorry. Your car will be right out front there in just a moment...have a wonderful day!
Is it wrong if part of me is still partial to McCain just because this one "special" guy that works in another department at the same dealership will vote Republican no matter what? I've truly always liked something about Obama, but I do feel the desire to cancel this one little jerk's vote out... Bad me! No...really...if I vote McCain it'll be for other reasons...too...
Seems a little extreme, doesn't it? McCain over Obama - I mean, come on!
@Isismoon - agree
I vote for Pat Paulsen
Amen.
I'm so sick off all this politics bullcrap.
I wonder if this is the most controversial election yet?
I mean, just like you said, republicans who strongly dislike democrats are voting Obama & democrats who strongly dislike republicans are voting McCain, it's crazy!
I still don't know who I'm going to vote for.. :/
I don't like to argue politics, but will if pulled into it. I prefer to keep things friendly - you know, follow the good manners rule and not discuss religion or politics. Unless it's with my dad. We "argue" politics everytime we talk, which translates to reinforce and reiterate each other's points (definitely preaching to the choir) LOL
@MsCatbert2You - I vote for you : )
@DiscordInTheGarden - you don't have to tell when you do decide either
@azcason - well if you enjoy that with your dad, then go for it. I find it counterproductive and stressful, but that's my personality and so I stay away from arguing.
You hit the nail on the head when you said that "But when it comes right down to it we want the same things in life. Where we differ is how we should get there."
This for the most part is very true on a basic level - we want good schools, lowered crime, safety for our families and economic stability. However, there are a few radicals out there who care more about promoting their own cause, whether it be religion or military conflict. (usually they're connected)
So, yes, you are right, but some of us are pretty passionate about the issues because of personal issues. It is a good thing to learn; however, when you should keep your mouth shut and just bite your tongue.
@Get_Real_64 - Well even homeland security is a basic value. We all want our families to be healthy and safe. Even people with agendas for their own political power or what not, I still think when it comes right done to it, they have the same needs as everyone else.
"Even if your choice is stupid, I'll still respect it, because I respect you."
Well said.
Amen.
I know sometimes when I post some mention of a religious thing, I have you in the corner of my mind, knowing it won't interest you. But I have faith that you'll come back anyway....just as I'd keep coming back to you even if I should disagree. That's the way friends are!!
Hey hey hey... what about Ron Paul?
Haha
I hate politics and don't talk about them. I vote for who I vote for and if you ask me who, I probably will not tell you.
So..... the email I have for you... its a comcast thing... and it NEVER goes through. You are on my "Xangans" thing so when I find something good and go to send it, YOU my dear are being left out. Can you give me a different address? Do you have a different one?
@bubblysox - my only E mail is momofjenmat@comcast.net That is one t in matt not two. Does that help?
@TheWoobDog - well, thanks
@nevragn - thank you
@fratmom - oh that's sweet that you even think of me : )
@KellieBell79 - my daughters boy friend likes him : yikes:
Dear Laura,
The family which owns the place in which I work are all Republicans, and I feel as if I can have intelligent discussions with most of them. I don't flout my political views, and on my blog I write about tolerance, love and respect, so I don't deliberately get into political arguments.
I'm glad that the Democratic contest is now over, and look forward to endorsing and voting for Barack Obama in November, even though I was a Clinton supporter. From the beginning, however, I felt both candidates were good ones, and their bickering and fighting did upset me greatly, but hopefully the Democratic party is now going to stop it's divisiveness. I think someone who claims they will vote for McCain simply because Hillary didn't win the nomination is a real sour grapes attitude, and I hope those kinds of people stay home on election day instead.
Michael F. Nyiri, poet, philosopher, fool
@baldmike2004 - not only that, they're stupid ( to vote McCain based on Hillarys loss)