Had a very interesting and exciting conversation this morning with a very dear friend that, as a conservative liberal (he) and a liberal conservative (me) had us moving towards that dangerous edge in discussing current social and economic events. While political affiliation does not define us, our philosophies do, and define as well our chosen political stance. Disagreements about government policy have as their root the same seeds of difference that guide our decisions on broccoli versus asparagus. Most of us do not have a niche we fall into without having some overlapping and that, plus an open mind, keeps us sane. I find myself arguing with both liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, and believe me, that’s a stressful place to be sometimes.
So what keeps us from avoiding that edge with friends? He and I found out. Real friends are close enough to be honest and say, “well I think your idea makes about as much sense as a rock with wings, but I like you anyway.” This is what he said to me and we both broke up in laughter.
I think that as I get older I am more adamant about my principles and philosophies and am more willing to support and argue them. Along with this, as we learned today, is that as we cringe in embarrassment for our lovable but ‘deluded’ friends in their ‘shaded and clearly unreasonable’ beliefs, we have to realize that they, in their caring for us, hide their cringing dismay at our own philosophies and views in the very same way.
Ah, diversity of opinion serves both as invention and safeguard for a civilized, moving society.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology