Interesting article from The Federalist here, which reflects something I've been thinking about a lot recently.
I have been thinking about Peter Wehner’s piece in the New York Times yesterday, in which he talks about the sadness of losing friends over Donald Trump’s candidacy. I have not—yet—lost any friends over Trump, but it’s possible. Unlike Wehner, I am less concerned about it. The Trump campaign is a test of character, and many Americans are failing it.
Put another way, if my opposition to Trump is going to cost me friends, then all I can say is: So be it.
I know people who are voting for Trump, including members of my family. I do not immediately find myself opposed to anyone who would vote for Trump; to the contrary, I find a lot of fertile ground for discussion and argument with conservative friends who disagree with me only about the lengths to which the “never Trump” movement should go. They might not be comfortable with Trump, but they will do anything to stop Hillary Clinton, and I understand that position.
But I find almost nothing to say to people who are full-throated, enthusiastic Trump supporters, especially now. Back in August, I could console myself that most Trump supporters just didn’t know what they were getting into, and that they would return to their senses and regain their decency once they got a look at the unhinged huckster onto whom they’d signed.
More here: http://thefederalist.com/2016/04/26/if- ... -so-be-it/
At a time when political thinking and support in the western world has never been more populist and polarised - issues like Brexit, immigration and of course the Clinton / Trump axis - I can't ever remember thinking that it would be hard to keep respecting the people who hold views on the opposite side of the debate to the one I hold. Previously, I recall thinking that while I like xxxx guy but find his political positions a bit vacuous and silly, but it's harder to do that today. When I see people I respect vehemently supporting Trump for example, how do you maintain respect for that person? Not just his views, but that person himself. How do you tally the fact that this guy seems completely likeable, and then find out that there is such stupidity and hatred lurking beneath the surface.
I'm sure Trump supporters would say the say re Clinton supporters, but I can only argue it from my perspective.
I've drank with people I like, admire and respect. And then I've found they would vote Trump in the US election, and I think - WTF, how can I ever think the same about this person again?
Does anyone else have this uncomfortable feeling?
Losing friends over politics
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- Wun Gwo Pee
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Yep. Uncomfortable feeling. But I suppose it'll pass as other issues take precedence.
Unless of course we're all nuked by then.
Unless of course we're all nuked by then.
- Hot_Pink_Urinal_Mint
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If populism is so popular in the US then why isn't Bernie Sanders the Democrat candidate instead of Hillary Clinton? He's been an anti-establishment populist for over twenty years.alanclarke72 wrote: At a time when political thinking and support in the western world has never been more populist
If you actually look at Trump's policies, he most definitely is not a populist. Maybe his views are just popular...
Just tell anyone who asks for your opinion that you refuse to discuss politics if they bring up the subject.
Then keep your mouth shut and stand by your word. Talk about sports or the latest book they read or the TV shows you really like.
Then keep your mouth shut and stand by your word. Talk about sports or the latest book they read or the TV shows you really like.
If you don't know where you're going, any road takes you there.
↑↑↑David L wrote:Just tell anyone who asks for your opinion that you refuse to discuss politics if they bring up the subject.
Then keep your mouth shut and stand by your word. Talk about sports or the latest book they read or the TV shows you really like.
Losing friends by talking crap, when they want to talk about politics?
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