Things Not to Talk About with Parents and Co-Workers

Thursday’s Vice Presidential debate broke the record for number of viewers of a VP debate (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081004/us_nm/us_usa_politics_ratings_7). I take this as evidence to back up my impression that Americans are more passionate about this election than they have been for a long time. And for good reason: this is a historic election, which will determine who will lead our country out of an ill-conceived war and a potentially devastating financial crisis. But there’s a downside to all this political fervor.
The two topics tradition dictates we avoid in conversation with friends and family are religion and politics; these are two subjects many people hold strong feelings about, feelings which no amount of discussion will change, and arguing about them only drives a wedge between you and the other person. I realized the prudence of that taboo after a recent argument I had with my mother over immigration, during which I couldn’t believe anyone would hold some of the views she claims (Why would anyone be insulted by being asked to press 1 for English? It only takes a second, and is the first option given.) I didn’t understand why she couldn’t see my side of the argument. And I assumed that she couldn’t see my side, because how could she continue to disagree if she saw the complete irrationality of her opinion?
I nearly had a similar incident today at work when one of my coworkers asked if I was old enough to vote, and followed up with a question about whom I was voting for. She was incredulous that I would support Obama, who apparently hasn’t accomplished anything, and has no experience in government. I countered by asking what McCain had accomplished. When she pointed to his record of voting against Bush on certain Iraq War strategies, I pointed out that he supported the Iraq War in the first place. A potential unprofessional dispute was averted when she recognized we could argue all day without either of us changing our minds.
As usual, the satirical online newspaper The Onion has an article that articulates my point better than I can: “Report: 60 Million People You’d Never Talk To Voting For Other Guy.” (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/report_60_million_people_youd).
Maybe we should all relax a little, and realize that America is a strong nation that will survive no matter who gets elected. McCain won’t start World War III; Obama won’t hand the country over to the United Nations. It’s impossible to know for sure now who will make the better leader.
I think we can all agree that, whoever wins, the important thing is that Bush won’t be President anymore.