Can we be friends? Maybe not.
Opinion Editor Amelia Robinson asked whether we can maintain friendships with those who voted for the opposite presidential candidate this year. Being a Libertarian, a “no” answer would greatly restrict my circle of friends!
I have long been able to discuss politics calmly with people of all political persuasions, in part because I am neither Democrat or Republican; and I will stop a discussion when it starts to get in the way of a friendship.
That said, I am leery of engaging with a strong Trump Republican, because too often (not always), we are unable to agree even on basic values, such as respect for the Constitution. Without agreement on fundamentals, civilized discussion becomes impossible.
Harold D. Thomas, Columbus
Life’s too short to abandon friendships
In your recent opinion column, “Why 60% of people polled say friendships with Trump voters now impossible or iffy,” your question was, “What do you think?” So here goes. I guess this is a question that I’ve asked myself.
I am very opinionated when it comes to religion or politics, but I don’t argue about them. I am a white, male Baptist and used to be Republican. I am not a Democrat but am now Independent. My best friend is an old Army buddy who I’ve known for over 70 years. He’s an Italian, Catholic Democrat and I love him. I have friends who had a Trump sign in their yard. I have never voted for Trump and never will, but I’m not going to let their politics make my life miserable by hating them. I would hope that they would see the error of their ways and let it go; life is too short.
Charlie M. Miller, West Jefferson
Bedell missed the point
I have to agree with one aspect of Briones Bedell’s op-ed. I, too, found the Democrats’ messaging excessive. I felt hounded. Unlike Briones, I didn’t feel targeted because I am a woman or young (which I am not). I just felt overwhelmed with the volume.
I honestly think that the hubris of thinking she was being solicited because she is a young woman is a little “precious.” One of the points I believe she is missing is that political messaging about reproductive rights is not about distilling it to body parts, but about other people controlling your medical decisions.
I guess I wonder why she felt that she was asked to support Kamala Harris because she is ” young, female and educated.” Everyone gets political messages. It is not just about her. I don’t want to demonize her. I just think she is wrong.
Holly Richard, Columbus
HB 445 threatens secular education
I am deeply concerned about Senate Bill 293/House Bill 445 and its potential to override the authority of local school boards by mandating release time for religious instruction during the school day. It is troubling that the legislature is considering such a measure that further blurs the crucial boundary between public education and religious instruction.
This bill appears to be a heavy-handed effort to enable certain well-funded conservative Christian…
Read More: Some friendships didn’t survive the election
