Linus said it best on the Peanut’s Halloween special. “There are three things you can’t discuss with people. Politics, religion, and the Great Pumpkin!” I would have to say that I agree with what Linus said. It seems that people do not want to discuss religion, or politics under any circumstances. I guess the main reason being that it is “rude” or not appropriate because someone might become offended. I understand this reasoning but fundamentally disagree. Perhaps something that has the most impact on our day to day existence is politics. Schools, roads, regulations, medicare, job growth, and social security impact everyone. Shouldn’t that mean that we should all discuss politics more?
KEEP THE DOOR SHUT AND NO DISCUSSING POLITICS!
Last summer I went to a family reunion. Let me clarify. I went to a politically (severely politically) divided family reunion. Many family members feared a political shakedown that would end family harmony due to the STRONG and differing political beliefs. On the door of my aunt’s cabin was a list of rules. The final two were what I remember the most. Keep the door shut and no discussing politics. This rule was made so that no fights ensued and everyone could have a peaceful, political-free time. See, my family is under the belief that you can’t change anyone’s opinion, no matter what. Possibly it is because we are such a stubborn lot! What if we could discuss our political differences in a peaceful way? Could we potentially learn from one another? Or would we be doomed to political leg wrestling and gridlock that would cause my grandma to frown down upon us? I’m guessing we’d resort to the leg wrestle with lots of shouting and little listening.
Facebook Frenemies
A not-so-safe place to discuss politics is Facebook. I quickly learned that posting politics on Facebook can result in one of three things.
1. Overwhelming support from fellow friends. This is the best. I also call it bandwagoning. Basically everyone tells you how much they agree with you and how great you are. It generally results in all around happiness.
2. “Friends” attacking you and calling you all kinds of names that you don’t exactly want on your wall. Sometimes this will result in a polite delete to this person, or an all out brawl can ensue right there on your Facebook wall. Both get nasty and make everyone feel yucky and wishing we could all just agree and get along.
3. Phantom delete. This is where someone deletes you for no apparent reason, but it was probably something political that you posted at some point in time. Check your friends list. If you are a political person, chances are you have had the phantom delete happen to you too!
Can Politics be Peaceful?
YES! Currently the website http://thevotereffect.com is a very peaceful place to discuss politics. Not only is it peaceful, but it is also appropriate. I am a self proclaimed political junkie. I love to discuss politics. I don’t even mind discussing politics with people I disagree with. I just don’t want it to digress into a series of name calling, bantering, and personal attacks. I like to discuss issues and hear people’s perspectives. Fortunately, The Voter Effect is a place where people are coming together with a mission to create a dialogue about politics that is just that. A dialogue about politics. This is a site that has many aspects to it. First, bills are uploaded in real time so that users can stay current with what is in legislation and how it is progressing. Users on the site can actually vote on the bills and the results of the votes are sent directly to their legislators. Pretty slick, huh? Second, users can raise issues. Part of this is discussing the issues with one another, voting on issues, and giving opinions. There are have been many hot issue raised including health care, high school sports, education issues, budget issues, funding, and many many more. Surprisingly I have given my opinion openly and I have not felt threatened or intimidated whatsoever. Rare in a political arena such as this. The best part is that I am able to hear other people’s perspective without having a shouting match or losing Facebook friends. All in all the best in social networking and politics is http://thevotereffect.com. Check it out. If you would like to become a political junkie or already are it just might be the place for you!
Go to Washington every, single, day. Join http://thevotereffect.com today!
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