Why I don’t talk about politics (with other people)

Basics first. Freedom is important to us, right? That whole first amendment thing? And we do this whole ‘voting’ thing so that people can make a choice (granted, a limited one) of who will run our country, right? Give someone a private booth, tell them to make their x’s and send them home.

Okay good, we’re all caught up. That said, no one in this country should be belittled or attacked because of their political views. That’s why we have this system, the media, and political candidates to direct our cruelty at. (Nailin’ Palin, anyone?)

It amazes me just how much someone will dismiss another person’s entire existence based on how they interpret this web of lies that we call ‘politics’. You know neither party is perfect, but yet it is somehow blindingly clear how much better your chosen candidate is than the other. But hey, chew on this: other people may possibly have different priorities than you. (Yes, there are other people who are not like you! Can you believe it?)

oh, PS: For many years I’ve deflected questions about politics with “oh I don’t follow them” or “I’m undecided”. And you know what? I wasn’t actually undecided. Of course I had an opinion, but I didn’t really want someone else’s forcefully shoved down my throat. I will only ever discuss politics with people that I fully trust will handle themselves in a reasonable manner.

Besides, conversations that build ideas are way more satisfying and constructive than ones that butt them against each other.

PPS: humachine is proud to be free of political slander toward both parties.