Politics - We All Hate In Others What We Do Ourselves

If there is one thing I don't talk about with certain people, it is politics. And yet, that is always the very thing some of those certain people want to discuss. Ironic, isn't it? I make it a rule to only talk politics with people who have the same opinion as mine, though. Hey - that's my prerogative, right? Or, in political speak, my right. Whatever. To tell you the truth, I just can't take the heat! I can't stand to argue with people and let my blood pressure rise to the boiling point over simple opinions.
Brady hasn't made up his mind which presidential candidate he likes, yet. I have known for quite some time who I like. However, Brady has been a bit irritated with me, because he thinks I am being close-minded and not open to the candidate I don't support. You see, I can't even stand the sight of one of the candidates, and it will be a truly bitter pill for me to swallow if that candidate wins the election.
So this got me thinking about myself and politics, because the last thing I want to be is close-minded. And the conclusion I came to is that I am basically doing what most other Americans are doing, and what we Americans cannot fathom the House and Senate doing. While we would all like for our elected politicians to find some common ground and work together for the greater good, they don't - they stand their ground to the bitter end, and become totally unbendable in their thinking. I have wondered many times why they don't try to work together more. I have to admit, though, that is the very thing I have been doing, and I think most of America does it, as well.
Remember I read that article in O Magazine a few years ago? I have mentioned it many times in this blog - it said what we don't like in other people we are likely doing ourselves. Once again, I can see this principle in action. I have been unbending, in my political views, which is what I can't stand about our elected Democrats and Republicans.
And it all makes me wonder, why are we so afraid to change our way of thinking? What are we scared of? And more than that, what would happen if everyone was more willing to bend and look at the other side of the coin? Like Dr. Phil says, as flat as a pancake is, there are always two sides to it. Frankly, what it all boils down to, is that most of us are too damned judgemental and selfish, myself included, much as I wish it weren't so. Like my mother-in-law says, if you have any religious notions at all, then you shouldn't be judgemental. I agree with her completely, but it is so much easier said than done, isn't it? Then add in politics, where you are basically supposed to "judge" the candidates, and you've really got a mess! Mainly, a mess full of hatred.
Perhaps that is why I am absolutely sick and tired to death of everyone getting so riled up on Facebook and posting their political beliefs. It just doesn't feel good. In fact, it feels hateful. Sure, it is our "right" to share our opinions, but I find it overwhelming and negative and sad. Why do we feel the need to shout our beliefs to the rooftops? And why is it so hard to see the other side of an issue? Why do we behave in ways that we can't tolerate in other people? It has to be said - a lot of Americans are close-minded. Me included. However, I have found myself being more open after analyzing this particular "political" thought.
Whatever the case, I will be glad when this election is over and we can all move on and deal with the cards we are dealt, whoever that may mean in the way of a Commander-in-Chief. No matter if I like the winner of this presidential election or not, I will support our president. I just really, really hope it's the candidate I vote for.