So, what's the problem with talking politics?

Contributed By:Dorothy Nevils maslivend@sbcglobal.net

Lately I’ve been hearing stuff like the following: “I don’t talk politics,” or “I don’t do politics,” whatever that means! It’s generally said with the chin tilted upward, ever so slightly, as a testament to “near holiness.” I, of course, lower my chin, ever so slightly, signifying that I haven’t reached that level of holiness; and that slight tilt downward, naturally, puts ours on different levels.

I kinda think that’s what that comment is meant to do, but “contrary” from childhood, a bit of disobedience for me is not fatal. If that comment is meant to be demeaning, it doesn’t do its job.

What it does do, on the other hand, is make me wonder why this attitude is revered. Why is it “next to holy” to consider “politics” a sin to be avoided, an unmentionable? Why can’t I discuss things political and still be accepted? What does that word mean?

Politics refers to decision-making. It’s about governing, and there is, as far as I’m concerned, absolutely nothing wrong with discussing decision-making. It is not evil to make… nor to discuss them after – or as – they’re being made. It’s a necessary part of life, especially adult life. So, what’s the problem?

Quite simply, people have a problem with others’ knowing where they stand. Friendships – even marriages – are broken because of differing political views. So, people don’t discuss it. They hold that it’s nobody’s business how they vote.

That would make “a whole lotta sense” if it really didn’t matter how someone else voted, if your vote controlled your life, and only your life, that what you did in the kinda, sorta dark of the voting booth only impacted your life. But, alas, this is not the case! What you do in that little darkened space impacts everybody, even those not even born!

So, why is it nobody’s business? How is it nobody’s business? Can you be excluded from the consequences of the winning group’s judgment, unscathed by a leader’s rash decision?

Ideally, your vote should be your own business, but it’s sort of like living in an apartment. If the guy across the hall sets a fire, everything in your place goes up in smoke! So what‘s to do?

I think that the only thing to do is what most people don’t want to do… and that is, talk politics. Instead of refusing to engage in discussions and, yes, arguments, we need to do it even more! We need to read, listen, and learn… and then engage in serious argument. Though many condemn it, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – wrong with argument. It’s like testing a car in a wind tunnel! It’s like loading a dummy – no pun, mind you – into the front seat and crashing it into a wall!

Choosing the people who will make decisions that will impact everybody in a given area… and even people, not just on another continent, but in another life… is serious business. Wounded feelings are nothing compared to ripped futures.

Voting is indeed a privilege – and a responsibility! We cannot take it lightly. If we can’t take the time to find out, not just for whom, but for what we’re voting, we ought to stay at home!

Think about that the next time there is an election.

Story Posted:09/24/2017