Political Disagreements with Family

That's a very good question. In the end though if each party is set in their ways, heated discussions don't strike me as a good idea, as they can lead to ill feeling. Politics is one of those things that seems to be so dear to the heart of a person, so that trying to change their political views can inspire strong feeling, not necessarily of the positive kind. At the same time, if a person believes strongly about something, and that view is shared by another, that's fine...this can lead to the strengthening of relationships in my view. Also, there are times when another person might be open to another's views, if slightly resistant at first: but if these views are expressed logically and calmly, a new respect might start to take shape. Either immediately, or with time, a breakthrough if you like. That can be a great things as I see it.

Nope I don't even try. I don't talk about politics at all because there is such a big difference from one generation to the next it's hard to explain why you see one thing one way and the other doesn't I just do nod my head and say sure I agree when I do not.

This isn't much of a problem in my family because many of us are of the same political party, but there are issues that come up from time-to-time that will divide us even though we are of the same political party.

I think that as long as families can speak respectively, nothing should be off limits. However, if it is going to be an all-out fight, then families, friends, or anyone who will fight with each other, should refrain from discussing politics, or any other controvercial subjects.

If no one is really discussing the issues, I see no point. In my family, I'm the lone Democrat. My mom, brother, her sister, and everybody in her sister's family are Republican. Vocal Republican. Very Very Vocal Republican. Every time we get together, I hear their views. The fact is, I already know their views. They haven't changed in the last 30 years. I don't expect that hearing me debate anything with them will make any difference. So I just let them talk. My ex-husband is Republican. At least as vocal as they are. And he loves to argue anything and insult everything he doesn't agree with. We used to get into it about politics, but I finally said it's one topic that we have to stay away from. It produces too much animosity. Politics can be interesting to discuss, but both sides must be willing to listen to the other. I think Politics is one of those areas that tends to create too much emotion for dry debate.

I seek to understand the truth. I have told family members and friends that I will correct them if I think that what they are saying is not the truth. And, I will also back up what I say with facts. That usually keeps the peace. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not to their own facts. I do not mind having an intelligent and objective discussion with people who have a viewpoint that is different from mine, if their viewpoint is backed with a clear understanding and facts. I don't want to get into heated or emotional arguments with people who say things that they really don't know what they are talking about. And I don't care to listen to other people's opinions. I want to understand the truth. So, for the most part, because most people don't want to dig in and study the facts, I keep my peace. And, I try not to voice my opinion about things that I don't clearly understand, so I keep my peace.