At the end of 2020 I spent a lot of time with my brother and sister when we visited with our mother who had fallen ill. Our brother had moved in with her to be her primary caregiver. My sister and I came as we were able.
The 2020 presidential election came and went without us spending a lot of time talking about it. In fact, because I knew that we three siblings had differing viewpoints on the election, I never brought it up. Truth be told, didn’t like to talk politics with family because I’d seen too many families self-destruct when they talked about their political preferences.
Another reason I don’t like to talk admit is my own ignorance when it comes to politics. Typically, I know what is happening in the world, and in the nation, but only the main points. I’m no good with the particulars. It’s rare for me to be fully aware of the facts, and I usually have no idea if someone else has the facts or are expressing rumors they’ve heard along their way. I don’t always know the history of these various situations, although I can count on my husband to be a trusted resource.
I recall Joe Friday in “Dragnet” who used to ask for ‘just the facts.’ It is nigh impossible to sort out the facts from the rumors unless you spend a lot of time searching. I have come to rely on ‘The Washington Post’ and NPR for fact checking, and even then, some facts need to be taken with a grain of salt.
Furthermore, I’ve observed that it’s human nature to prefer what fits in with one’s own view of the world rather than allow the facts to affect it. Scientific data are frequently ignored, or dismissed, in lieu of sensational stories. Exaggerated claims are accepted as factual, and no real facts will dissuade some folks. For example, there is no proof that the 2020 presidential election was rigged, and yet there are folks who cling to that argument.
Likewise, there is no proof that Haitians are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Nor are they there “illegally.” I find it very disappointing that one of our presidential candidates continues to insist that these are facts. Even more, one of Ohio’s U. S. senators continues to insist it’s true. Of all people, he should know better.
A few days ago, the sheriff in a neighboring county told people to write down the addresses of anyone with Kamala Harris signs, because if she wins, he’ll know who will be hosting “illegals.” How very disappointing, and rather scary as well.
I belong to a few groups on Facebook which exist to express political opinions. Over and over again, someone shares a story about a family member or a longtime friend who has cut off contact because of a difference of opinion. This grieves me. I’d like to believe that we have more in common with each other than what separates us. I’d like to believe that my neighbors who have Trump/Vance signs will accept that I have a Harris/Walz sign and still be willing to talk with me. (So far, so good on that one!)
I’m still not keen about talking politics. I’m working to change that. In the meantime, I’m praying for our nation as we near our November election.
Random Thoughts from a Random Mind 