On political discussion

I grew up in a newspaper family. Both my parents worked for the San Jose Mercury News. My dad was the art director. My mom sold advertising. My family knew the publishers at the time. Politics and current events were an every night discussion at the dinner table.

My mom was a stickler for dinner time – always at the dining room table with proper manners and each of us four girls were expected to participate in the adult conversation my parents were having. Politics was a frequent topic. We discussed the president, the congress, what bills may have been pending or garnering attention. We talked about the Vietnam war, student protests, Watergate and the Supreme Court. We were encouraged to ask questions, to disagree (respectfully) and to be informed and involved.

In high school I was required to take a government class. It was 1976, and an election year. I wasn’t old enough to vote, but as part of class we were required to work for a campaign. It didn’t matter for what office or party. We just had to be part of the campaign process. I chose Leon Panetta’s run for Congress. It was his first time running and I chose him not because of his party or politics, but because my mom had grown up next door to his family’s ranch in Carmel Valley. It was an amazing experience. I worked on getting out the vote. I worked the phones. I solicited donations. I did mailers. I knocked on doors. And I got an A in government class. And Mr. Panetta won.

I watched his career with pride knowing I played some very small part in getting him elected. But the biggest benefit was really getting a deep understanding of how a campaign worked and how our government worked.

Today, I’m almost afraid to talk politics with anyone. People are not only divided but often nasty to those who don’t agree with them. The assumption seems to be that if you don’t agree the other person is somehow terrible, stupid, or worse. The use of disparaging labels such as “libtard” or “deplorables” are juvenile and deeply offensive.

Can we not agree to disagree? Can we not listen to each other without vilifying folks who don’t agree with us? It makes me sad. I have traveled the world and this truly is a remarkable country. Sadly the hate and vitriol have become the norm. I have friends across the political spectrum and while I may not agree with their choice, it is, in fact, their choice to vote for whomever they want. And I’m still friends with them. There are those who say to cut off “friends” who disagree, but then the opportunity to discuss issues is gone.

Let’s have the discussion, calmly and respectfully without falling back on insults and name calling. Let’s agree to disagree. I love this country and our system of government as I know those who do not agree with me do. We have far more in common than is assumed. Let’s focus on common ground and work from there.