The other day, a friend of mine of about 50 years invited me out for drinks. The conversation turned to politics and something perhaps too unusual happened. I asked him to tell me what he doesn’t like about the candidate he wants to win the presidential election. I sat calmly and listened to him, trying not to interrupt him.
Then I said what I thought about the candidate he wanted to win. I did not say that the person he liked was the devil, nor did he say that the person I liked was the devil incarnate. I didn’t say democracy would end if his choice prevailed, and he didn’t say the same about who I preferred. We just sat there, calmly made our differences clear, and then moved on to other topics that we enjoy much more than politics. As the afternoon ended, we shook hands and told him that next time I’d order drinks and appetizers.
Why has it become so difficult in America to have a civil discussion about our differences, to the point where we personally insult others who don’t share our views? We listen to commentators who are biased towards one side or another, adopt their views, and add personal insults to politicians and their supporters whose views do not align with ours. We can do better.
I always feel obligated to emphasize that I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I’m a lowercase libertarian. I try my best to ignore the insults that pundits throw at candidates, and instead focus on what politicians say and do. A novel concept? Perhaps so, but the issue can be clarified, and isn’t that the most important thing for individuals to consider when voting?
My favorite moment in any church service I attend is when the priest says, “Peace be upon you.” Shortly after this proclamation, members of the congregation turned to each other, shook hands, and shared the same words. May peace be with you and yours too. Aren’t we all children of the Creator (if you’re a believer)? Don’t we all have more in common than we have differences? We all want the same things: peace, prosperity, health, and opportunity. How about cutting back on your abusive language and calmly discussing your opinions?
How can we accept Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo’s recent statement that President Trump should be “extinguished” forever? Again, I’m not a Republican and I’m not saying Donald Trump should be president, but I think it’s admirable for humans to use these words, and that’s why this This is just one example of the language surrounding the presidential election.
Lively discussion — yes. Diversity of opinion — that’s for sure. It is the basis of a healthy democracy. I’m sure I’ll get some backlash from people who don’t agree with me, and that’s okay. Disagreement among citizens is a strength. For those who disagree with me, let’s grab a cold drink and have a quiet discussion about what divides us and what unites us. What do you think? The first round is on me.
Harlan is a financial planner who lives in Little Italy.
