Reply #52: Yes. [View All]

[LWolf]

The values aren't always different, believe it or not. When your friend is a republican, you focus on the values that you share in common.

It's possible when you are aware that political parties are artificial constructs that exist to manipulate various beliefs. People are more authentic than parties.

It also helps when you were brought up to leave two subjects out of civilized conversation: religion and politics. Or, to discuss those topics respectfully without trying to prove somebody wrong, or change their mind.

Finally, while I'm not a christian, I take the "judge not lest ye be judged" teaching seriously. I think it's a universal truth that everyone should adhere to. When I know my friend is wrong, I may casually offer another perspective, but I don't browbeat her or judge her. I know I've been wrong, too, and I trust that we're both working to move forward from where ever we happen to be.

When you live in republican strongholds, as I have for my entire adult life, you have republican friends or you don't have many friends.

Edited to add:

To be honest, I'm more tolerant and respectful of my republican, 3rd party, and independent friends and family than I am of my fellow Democrats. I think Democrats ought to know better, and I guess I hold them to a higher standard. I have less patience with them, that's for sure.