I love politics. That’s a statement you probably don’t often hear. But every four years when the presidential election rolls around, it’s like I’ve died and gone to heaven. I can’t get enough of the Sunday morning news shows, the polls by obscure universities and the biting comments from politicians. It’s more common to hold politics and politicians in disdain and complain about how awful the entire process has become. True, this year we have seen more mud-slinging, but you have to love the democratic process, from the Iowa caucuses to the telescopic focus on The new Hampshire voter. That said, politics can also bring out the worst in people, especially if they don’t agree with your view—and unfortunately for me, in St. Louis, I tend to be in the minority. I have an idea: this political season, instead of getting offended when people tell me I am “insane” or rail on me about how much they pay in taxes, I’ve decided to take a more Zen approach to politics. How about we all agree to a few simple rules so we are still friends at the end of November? Here are my suggestions:
1. Just because we don’t agree, neither of us is an idiot, a communist or morally corrupt. If we’re friends, I am certain you are educated and informed. Because if you weren’t, we probably wouldn’t hang out. So, I am not going to assume something must be wrong with you mentally if we disagree. I am just going to assume we have a different opinion on the topic. Just like you are a fan of Thai food and I can’t stand it because it tastes ‘off,’ looks weird and always seems to lean to the right (wait, scratch that last one).
2. The internet is not a good source of high-quality information. Before I post something on Facebook, I am going to consider the source. If the article seems inflammatory, I will post a picture of my dogs, instead. why infuriate one of my unlike-minded friends? (By the way, I’ve renamed my dogs Hillary and Bernie!)
3. Just because I can talk louder doesn’t make me right. I have a loud voice, so I can win nearly any discussion based on volume. That said, I usually feel like a dope afterward. you know, kinda like Archie Bunker yelling at Edith. So this political cycle, I am going to take it down a notch and remember I don’t need to screech to be heard. And besides, might does not make right; when you’re right, there’s no need to shout.
4. Once someone is elected, I will support them as president and not refer to them as ‘your guy/gal.’ As hard as it will be, if my candidate does not win, I will do my best not to mock, poke at or complain about the person who does. I also will not declare I am moving to Canada. The most I will do is re-learn the lyrics to the School House rock song “How a Bill Becomes a Law,” and when gridlock in the Capitol breaks out, call my elected officials and sing it.
I know I am taking a risk even by writing about politics, but I really just want all of us to get along. I love my family and friends, regardless of their sometimes misguided beliefs. And anyway, we will be going through this all over again in four years, and what fun would it be if everyone agreed?
Contact Patty at patty@townandstyle.com.