Do you argue about politics?
By Stringbean
@Stringbean (1273)
United States
February 10, 2007 1:25pm CST
I have a friend I have known for more than 30 years and we meet once a week for coffee. Over the years we have found plenty to talk about with church, kids, hobbies, etc.
Recently, we found ourselves on different sides of the fence politically, and I couldn't believe how rapidly a simple expression of opinion about an elected official got out of hand and almost built up to the point of ending our friendship.
No, we didn't come to blows, but I couldn't believe the animosity that the discussion sparked. We both decided, that for the sake of our friendship, we would make politics in any shape or form totally off limits in our discussions.
Sad, but true.
3 people like this
4 responses
@bananamanuk (835)
•
10 Feb 07
Hello there, I don't argue about politics but I do debate and part of the process of politics is to respect other people's opinions. You may fundamentally disagree with the other person, but that doesn't mean you have to hate them, or fall out with them, it may be just one thing about that person that isn't directly compatible with you. I think it makes for a more interesting conversation sometimes. I consider myself to be a liberal conservative so centre-right politically, emphasis on the centre there. My best mate is of a centre left persuasion and we've often had conversations where I've disagreed with what he's said but never fell out over it, he'll express his opinions at the ballot box in the same way I will. At the end of the day we'll all have to live under whichever regieme gets in, but just don't let your debate get to the point of argument even though you may be very passionate about what you are saying. Don't water down your beliefs just be respectful and say I'm sorry you have your view, I have mine we're never going to agree on this, should we change the subject :-)
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
10 Feb 07
Thanks for your comments. I can certainly agree with them, but my problem comes when the other party won't stand for any disagreement. I find myself saying, "should we change the subject?" far too often these days. :(
@bananamanuk (835)
•
10 Feb 07
I don't want to be rude, but it sounds as though it's your friend that has the problem and the less understanding attitude. Maybe giving the person some space for a while would benefit the friendship. Its a tough thing really because you expect your friend to be as understanding as you are to them.
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
14 Feb 07
You are so right. I can't remember ever changing someone's mind with an argument. Sometimes, if you just quietly state your point and leave it, like you say, they may ponder over it later and change their mind.
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
13 Feb 07
It is so funny how quickly politics can make nice people get rude. LOL I never argue politics. I just change the subject. In the last election, my husband and I voted totally different and we usually see eye to eye on most things. We have decided not to complain to each other about the people that the other one voted for. That is becoming increasingly hard to do becuase we have such different opinions on the people in office.
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
13 Feb 07
I can see a problem there villageanne. Sometimes, for the sake of our marriages, and our homes, we have to just agree to disagree. Unfortunately, there are people who can't live with that decision. They are not happy until "they" are right.
@samtaylorskykierajen (7977)
• Canada
10 Feb 07
I don't argue about politics as I really don't keep up with this stuff so don't know a whole lot about it , the only thing I could say that I noticed is that none of them ever tell the truth and in my opinion they will all lie to get votes .
It is amazing that difference of opinon can blow into something huge but have run into this on occasion over other topics as well . It is good to hear that the friendship was not ruined though .
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
10 Feb 07
I have noticed a lot of untruth from both parties, also. My husband says he thinks the best way to vote is to vote against every person who is already in office and start fresh after every election. I don't quite agree with him, but do see his point. In most cases we couldn't do much worse than the one already in office and there is always the chance we might do better with a new one.
