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We filled out our holiday cards today. Maybe eight of them. It's a few hours of toil. It feels good to get it done.
Editing the address list always brings back memories. There were a few friends we haven't heard from in a while. Years really. It's a judgment call with these... who should we cut out? who should we try one more time?
Sandy reappeared on our list after being cut out years ago. He's been reaching out again. It's good to hear from him.
One death on the list. One divorce.
Four new people on the list. I like that we have new friends in the time a pandemic.
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I called an old friend today for the first time since the pandemic began. I've known him for years-- maybe 25. He is from my old city, so the distance makes it difficult to stay in touch.
While we were sharing this years disaster stories, he asked me some weird but serious questions about COVID (he had proof it was an escaped Chinese bio weapon), the election fraud (How bad was it that the the judicial system had turned down so much evidence) and the Antifa (How big are they? Am I far away enough from downtown Seattle that I'd be OK if they attacked.) I chose my words carefully. I didn't want to get into a deep debate on this.
This did get me thinking though. Mentally, I still separate Trump supporters from Republicans who support Trump because he is the president. These Republicans may stay quiet on Trump theatrics for various personal reasons (lower taxes? abortion?) but, by and large they don't support his him as a person.
Is that true? Does 45% of the country really believe the election was stolen? That COVID is a globalist conspiracy to take over the U.S?
Either way, how should I engage people who radically disagree with me on not only on the facts and analysis, but the process chosen to determine what is a fact, what is evidence? Staying silent sounds like I tacitly agree. Confronting polarizes them and ends the conversation. Somehow I have to convey a loving and supportive doubt. "Stay with me... I love you and I want to listen to you even though we disagree. I know this is the best you can do right now..."
2 comments:
I do not push me opinion to hard on those people who are polarized on issues. If they are not open to facts then I would leave them be.
I agree with Bathwater.. many of these people are polarized in their opinions..... many of my old friends in South La tend to be Republicans.... my theory on this is that they are White, Upper Middle Class, drive Suburbans and Big Trucks.... and never never really warmed to having An American of African Ancestry as their President... White Good Ole Boys..... but their Grandsons are not like them... there is Hope There...
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