I am finding that, increasingly, many discussions lead to fundamental political differences. We must find a way to discuss the issues that face us without falling into political intolerance.

The murder of a man by a bad cop should not be political. Wearing a mask in public to protect oneself and others should not be political. Equal justice under the law should definitely not be political! Separating our support of people exercising their First Amendment right of free speech and protest from rioting looters should not be political.

Sadly - at this moment in time EVERYTHING is political...including wearing a mask. Politics should not endanger your life! Wake up people.

Unfortunately we’re way passed that now. We are at a defining moment in our country and everybody’s opinion seems to permeate any conversation. We have taken huge steps backward at a time when we should be celebrating the greatest era in human achievement. The irony of the current pattern of intolerance is that even though we all agreed and had the same opinion that the cops in MN had gone rogue and we’re guilty and we all agreed they should be charged, other powerful parties in the media, government and pop culture only used the event to further their own narratives.

It is truly sad that we a country are no longer able to rally around a cause, any cause without being political. We actually all just agreed on something and yet our divisions run so deep and we have no leaders that were able or willing to step up to create harmony.

As recently as 9-11 or the killing of Bin Laden we all were united in one cause and One America. What will it take for us to get back to that place when we can all share in our glory, our accomplishments and our greatness?

We have become so extreme to one side or the other, simple daily events become political.
I miss the old ways for sure.

That’s a lot of pressure:)

I don't remember a time when we were without differences of opinion. The country is united by its differences. The push and pull, the tension creates opportunities for change. I don't remember a time when the people of this country spoke with one voice or held a unified point of view. That's what makes us America. And while I don't agree with much of what I am hearing and seeing these days, Fred's dad was right. They are entitled to their opinions as long as they are expressed with respect.

I argue the need to distinguish between that what is PARTISAN and partisanship, and non-partisan. Political is too often misconstrued with being partisan. We need to understand the distinction between that which we know as PARTISAN and that which is political. (Almost all) People often misuse political when then they should use partisan.
The first ever remarks I drafted for a political leader/public official discussed this in encouraging involvement because every decisions we make that are political but not partisan. Everyday political decisions we make that in no way cross over to partisan include: Switching on one’s lights, flushing a toilet, walking/biking/driving/commuting/telecommuting. All are political decisions that do not necessarily crossover into things partisan.
That said let’s keep the discussions here Non-Partisan.
Stay safe.

My grandfather who was born in 1896, lived on three continents, told me when I was a kid that everything is politics. Opinions are OK to state but does not mean we have to accept them blindly.

Respectful listening is a good point Rebecca!

Maybe we're at an inflection point where we begin to de-politicize.

I cannot believe I'm saying this but I agree 100% with Paul. I'm not sure that has ever happened before. :)

Paulie points out the should nots . There’s the rub . The word should . What should be isn’t and what shouldn’t be is . No means yes ? Opposite Day ? Life is one big political exercise ain’t it ? Lots of rules to follow . Some made up that morning . So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask em why ? Do this don’t do that . Oh yeah .... Stay the F off my lawn while you’re at it . Trespassers will be shot . No questions allowed . No partisan comments allowed by the way . Black Lives should matter right ? Or shouldn’t they ? What do you think Paulie ? Rona wants to know !

Hollander Sends