Travis Dahle

For the Argus Leader

To start things off, this is not a political post.

I’m going to talk about beer while also talking a bit about politics. And I know, I know – the election just got done, but trust me on this. Before you crumple up the Link section or click off the link, let me explain. I love a lot of things, and two of those include beer and politics. I love talking about politics, what legislation is being debated or being brought up and what people are thinking about different events happening. I’m a big advocate of getting involved and being active.

However, 2016 has been affecting me a lot more than most years, and I’m sure it's the same for you. I like talking about politics with people who have a variety of views. I don’t like just hearing an echo of what I believe but want to hear what other people are saying. Unfortunately, this year has been straining a lot of relationships. While it’s hard to figure out the statistics of how many friendships have been broken up by this year’s election, MarketWatch.com reported that “the 2016 presidential election alone has generated over 5.3 billion posts, likes, comments and shares, with nearly 110 million Americans participating in the online debate between January and October this year.” The article continues to say that a survey of Facebook users stated that more than 7 percent of people have reported either losing friends or unfriending them because of political posts. I know that a couple of my Facebook friends have unfriended me, and I have unfriended some people as well.

I'm over Oktoberfests — it's time to sample other fall beers

While some people think this is perfectly OK, this is a serious problem for America (and not the beer). We need to come together and be able to discuss the issues that affect each and every one of us on a day-to-day basis. So here is a suggestion for all of us: Now that the election is over, we need to come together and start healing. And there is no better way to do that than to go to a brew house and have a beer and hash things out. While some people might think this is a bad idea (mixing alcohol and discussing politics), it needs to be done.

Go down to Monks and sit around those comfortable chairs and have a discussion about the issues – not necessarily about those in charge but what truly affects you. Go down to Hydra and sit down on the high-top stools and ask each other what you’d like to see Congress and our Legislature accomplish this year (besides not bickering at each other). Go downtown to Prairie Berry Winery, try some South Dakota grown beer from Miner Brewing, play some bingo (which they have from time to time) and talk about the City Council and how they should spend our money. All of this not only will support local beer companies, but it will get some discussion going as well. Just remember, we may not agree on politics, but we can all agree on having another beer.