Monday, September 10, 2012

The art of "Agreeing to Disagree"

Make no mistake, election year is upon us and the two sides on either side of the aisle are battling it out.  The Conventions have come and gone and the debates are looming next month.

Those of you who read my blog know that I am a tree-hugging, granola eating liberal Democrat.  I've been one all of my life.  I think the only great president that was a Republican was Abraham Lincoln.  There ya go, liberal through and though and wouldn't have it any other way.

However, there are Republicans that are just as conservative as I am liberal.  And, it always seems that I befriend these individuals!  I made a recent post on Facebook stating that I couldn't understand how anyone could be a Republican.  I wasn't being mean or nasty, I truly can't wrap my mind around it.  My friend Lisa,  reminded me through her response to my post that she doesn't like the direction the country is headed and that she is proud to be Republican.  As I read her comments, I smile and know that she is speaking from her heart.  Of course, others will post and make comments to demean the other whose beliefs are different from their own.  Politics can be downright mean spirited and hateful.

I think Lisa is amazing.  She listens to my liberal ideas and never demeans or belittles my intelligence or character.  She respects my ideas and opinions.  She just clearly has opposite views and speaks her truth as loudly and as often as I do.  I respect Lisa.  She is a great parent to her children, she is a hard worker and smart as a whip.

We're never going to agree on politics.  We're the prime example of mastering the art of "Agreeing to Disagree."  If Lisa and I can be friends and value each other's opinion; maybe there's hope for our political parties.

More Musings Later-