As we are all bombarded with the upcoming election and all the hype that goes along with this event, it is important to remember that everyone has a right to their opinion. With Facebook being used as a weapon of sorts for posting political opinions and just about anything else that is controversial, I believe we must always remember to be respectful of each other. Don’t spank me. I know how preachy I sound. And believe me, I have been known to “like” a funny Facebook posting that was political in nature, so I get it.

Since the death threats have started coming in to Brad Pitt’s mother for speaking out against gay marriage, I feel the need to say, enough! It is one thing to disagree with someone and be polite about it, giving that person the respect to have a different opinion. It is quite another thing indeed to spew violent intentions and get hateful.

I know how hard it is to be courteous to people who do not believe in gay marriage. I do get it. It makes me furious to think people believe they should have the right to tell me who to love. But, it is important to allow people their opinion. One of my best friends from college is “somewhat” Republican. She did vote for Obama though in the last election, being fed up with George W. But I know she is on the fence a lot politically and has voted Republican many times. I love her, just the same. We both want the same things in life. We just disagree on how a society gets there.

I have friends that immediately dismiss people who disagree with them on politics or religion, writing them off as stupid. Once you get to the point where you are that narrow-minded, then you stop learning and being open to new ideas. That’s a real shame for us all, since we need everybody’s continued growth to move ahead as a culture.

Personally, I feel somewhat suspicious of any person who seeks public office. I know there are a few who truly want to make a difference. But there are so many “less visible” ways to do good in the world that I feel that ego has a lot to do with people running for public office. And that’s where I stop trusting most politicians. They have to compromise so much to get elected…trying to please so many different people, I find their message becomes somewhat disingenuous seeming. I could never run for office because I would find that much compromise and “ass-kissing” very distasteful. In my opinion, there are easier and more direct routes that can be taken to achieve positive change without having to make such a huge fuss. Thank goodness not everyone agrees with me. How would we manage in the world without politicians?

To get along with others, I try not to discuss politics with hard-core Republicans. That keeps me from getting into heated debates. Plus, I like Republicans much better when we don’t discuss politics. It works for me to know that we can quietly go cast our ballot on election day, and still remain friends.

It is a burden sometimes realizing that you are smarter than many of your friends. I have always known this to be the case. And that fact does not bother me that much. I am adaptable in that way. WINK!

Carpe the peace of knowing you’re right, without having to argue your point constantly!