Strong Values Supersede Political Ideology

Endless political views,

Democrats and Republicans on the news,

Many citizens angry,

By the two-party psychological abuse.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic (Jan. 2021) – my viewpoint on a variety of issues evolved, and I am far less likely to allow an individual/politician or news entity to influence my thought process or compel me to adopt or adhere to a particular ideology. The political elite, in conjunction with the mass media want the population to be divided for reasons I don’t quite understand – though I am sure money/power are part of it. They grasp onto issues like abortion and gun control to manipulate you and I into voting on emotion and anger – as opposed to what is actually best for the whole community. For example, I agree there should be a right to choose for a woman – but the discussion isn’t as simple as choice or no choice – and that’s where it all falls apart by design, even before any community discussion occurs. They want to draw a line in the sand to retain power – as opposed to removing that line and compelling those who disagree to share ideas.

One side says “you kill babies” and the other says “you don’t respect women’s healthcare rights.” But that’s how we’ve been conditioned to communicate under the two-party system – to focus on polarizing topics as opposed to finding middle ground. I decided to stop communicating like this – and whether the topic is abortion or criminal justice reform or climate change – the talking heads on either side are there to tell you and I who we should agree or disagree with. It’s all black and white now – you’re in or you’re out. Or at least that’s how they want us to treat each-other – and I am done with that nonsense.

I decided to stop assessing people based on their political views, which for many, are just broad ideas and opinions fueled by narratives without any true detail. Instead, I get to know someone aside from politics – and assess an individual based on their personal and family values. I am admittedly more conservative now than 20-years ago – but I didn’t stop interacting with my friends who have a liberal mindset. Sure, they want to lecture me about climate change at times or gun control, which can be annoying. But, I am willing to engage in a discussion or friendly debate knowing that my friends hard work ethic, ability to be a great parent, passion for their family/community and faith (or not) mean more to me than a political opinion. When I talk to my existing friends or meet new people – I stopped talking about politics/the weather and decided to talk more about family, hobbies, faith and fun.