This article was prompted by my recent addiction-in-the-making to twitter. I recently started following several people on twitter whose bios include words like “liberal” or “leftist”. I think these people were a bit surprised and suspicious because my bio includes words like “conservative” and “Christian”.   The first response I got was from fizzboy . He said that he wasn’t sure why I would want to follow him, but he thanked me.  I responded that I like his sarcastic quips. I also let him know that just because I don’t agree with someone, I don’t automatically assume that person to be my enemy.

Defensive Minds

Many people are quick to assume that an opposing view indicates a battle on the horizon. Sometimes it may, but that usually depends on the response to that opposing view. I have one particular co-worker who is as far left as I am right. We slam each other’s parties, take quotes out of context to ignite the fuse, get loud, interrupt, question the other’s sanity, and then move on to discussing woodworking, families, fishing, etc. People around us in the breakroom think they are about to see a fight, and then it’s over. I don’t recall even one square inch of common ground between us on political matters, but we both realize that it’s the other’s policies that we hate, not the person. It’s ok to disagree. Get your feelings off of your shoulder and stop looking for a reason to rally the troops.

I can’t talk of political differences without talking about President Obama. I don’t care if the man is white, black, green, blue, or purple; I don’t agree with most of his policies. However, I don’t automatically assume that every executive decision he makes will be detrimental to our country. He may have some good ideas; although, he seems to be holding onto those to use at a later date.

Relative Intelligence vs Absolute Intelligence

Absolute intelligence is pure knowledge and understanding. For example, I know that light travels at 186,000 miles/second. No matter what group of people I’m around, that knowledge and understanding is mine. Relative intelligence, however, is directly related to your immediate peers. This may seem out of context for this discussion, but think about it; what better reason to allow liberals into the group than to make the rest of us appear more intelligent!

What did you think?

That last section was an example of a joke. If you were offended, please re-read the first two sections. If after re-reading the first two  sections you are still offended, I’m sorry. The only way I could make it any easier would be to include illustrations and Crayons.

Think before you act

I’m having another serious moment here, so I had better take advantage of it. When dealing with people who don’t share your opinions remember this, they are only people who don’t share your opinions. An old pastor of mine, who was a hard working contractor,  said it best. “Everyone  should work with a lazy man at least once in his life because he will probably end up showing you an easier way of doing some things.”  Don’t immediately discredit or attack someone just for disagreeing with you. It is, however, perfectly ok to argue with them.