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GarySanDiego's avatar

This essay has been on my mind all day. I’m in agreement with TC without reservation. And that’s the problem.

I’m thinking about my own very good friend from college. Love him like a brother. He’s such a kind man, good hearted, gives of himself freely to disadvantaged people. But he’s always been one of those financial Republicans. You know the type. “Government is wasteful. My taxes are too high.” (And that’s even before he had any income to tax!) We used to have friendly debates about it because he really wasn’t into any of the social conservative aspects of Republicans. (He and his future wife bought a house and had a child long before they finally married.) Of course, over the years we have increasingly talked less and less often. Life gets in the way, with careers and family keeping us preoccupied. But nowadays I’m afraid to reach out and talk with him. I’m so afraid he’s gone MAGA, or at least accommodating himself to it in hopes of less taxation. It makes me feel sad to think about it. Republicans are just so evil. Not just the politicians. The voters too. I can’t make excuses for them. And I don’t have so many friends I can afford to loose some. It’s so difficult.

I don’t have any wise observation or resolution. It’s just something that’s been on my mind.

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TCinLA's avatar

You've just described the problem that's really at the center of this. "I'm afraid to reach out and talk with him."

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Wendy Eck. (CO)'s avatar

By reaching out, we risk losing a friend, child, or spouse. I began by sending a friend one article. She didn't read it and said our politics are at opposite ends. I reached out and may try one more time. But she won't change even when confronted with a white supremacist at her door.

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Wendy Eck. (CO)'s avatar

Protective of her monetary 'wealth' and her father's old party. I'm saddened and sickened. Had I met her later in life, we would not be friends.

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David Levine's avatar

not that you asked, but my own response would have been "fuck her."

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Wendy Eck. (CO)'s avatar

I hope it doesn't come to that. But it may. And I will respond accordingly.

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Wendy Eck. (CO)'s avatar

I have a lifelong friend of a similar cloth. I'm pretty sure she skipped school with me and sat in protest of the Vietnam War. I was surprised to hear from a mutual friend that she always votes republican as did her father. I have lost total respect for her. Recent political conversations have not gone well, as they were short and one sided. She dropped a few bombs about how she's disgusted with Biden and Pelosi and Newsum about immigration. And did not want to hear my response. I'm done. At least for now. It's sad. I feel for you and others who are in relationships with those whose true colors are muddied.

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