Let's Talk Politics

Actually, no, let's not, ever. Here's the thing guys, everyone has a different opinion on many things politics. Even people who are in the same political party don't always agree. And the beautiful thing about this is that everyone's opinion is valid. This is why I don't like to talk politics. Because at the end of the day, I'm not going to change your mind, you're not going to change mine, and we are both just as entitled to our beliefs. I would be more than willing to hold a rational conversation about my views with someone of opposing views, but often times what starts out rational quickly dissolves into name calling, shouting, and finger pointing. And in that situation, no one wins, nothing is gained, and time and energy are wasted. So I don't like discussing politics. However I also don't like living in a state where everyone around me thinks that the political opinion they hold (which in the state of Utah is usually opposite of the political opinion I hold) is the one that EVERYONE holds. And you know what, according to this map they are right on average 72.8% of the time, but that's not 100% that's not even enough to pass a graduate level course (trust me one this). I get really tired of people making "thanks Obama" comments about the man I voted for, and still support. Now I know what you're thinking, these comments happen everywhere, and they do. But most people say them with a sort of defiance in their eyes, like they know that what their saying might start a debate, but they hate our pinko president so much it's worth the risk. Not in Utah. In our lovely Desseret people bash Obama with confidence, with the assumption that no one will oppose them, that everyone agrees that our country is being dragged down to hell by our un-American leader. And damn it I'm sick of it. So more and more lately when people make a comment, grins in place, I'm likely to say, you know I'm a democrat right? I don't know why I do it. I don't want to get into political arguments like the one I got in today where my lab team member said things like, you really support that Muslim lover? and come on, you know he's a sketchy guy (this was after I asked if he believed he was born in Kenya), and (after trying to resume work on our lab) well you're not arguing so you know I'm right. I don't want to be involved in that discussion. It feels icky. It tends to make me lose more of my faith in humanity, and I don't have a lot to spare. So why do I say anything? I guess it's because I would rather listen to that then have people assume that making these comments isn't going to bug anyone. To have people assume that just because it's they are in the majority they can belittle everything they don't agree with. Because you know what happens when you assume? You make an ass out of you and me. Which really only hurts your political party.