When political differences ruins friendships

 Fortunately, I live in a Democratic and liberal leaning area of Minnesota largely influenced by tourism from across the border to Canada (pre and post Covid), where our population generally tend to get along even when having political differences.


BUT..... Since Trump arrived on the scene in 2016, and still to this day, those I know who use Facebook (I don't) have been defriended for expressing anti-Trump views by - you guessed it - pro-Trumpers.


The pendulum swings the other way too though. I know of a couple of conservatives who voted for Trump in 2016 (but did not in 2020) who have been "disowned" by friends and even some family members. I didn't disown them. I was disappointed in them, but didn't disown them.


I could post dozens of press stories and analytical surveys showing how this divide is deepening, family squabbles, family breakups, dissing friends, ridiculing anyone with a different political view.


But rather than serving up another serving of press stories and surveys and thoughts of media pundits, I want to simple ask:


Have you dumped any friends or gotten into squabbles with family members who vote differently than you do, or follow leaders you can't stand? 


Vice Versa: have you been dumped? If not dumped, find yourself hopelessly at odds with those you used to consider friends? 


In short: what are your personal experiences when dealing with anyone who has different political views that yours? 


Difference of opinion on voting rights? Abortion? Guns? CRT? Almost any topic making headlines. What happened between YOU and your acquaintances when expressing difference of opinions?


Anger? Distrust? Confusion? Name the feeling.


Does that quote still mean anything in the era of Trump or our deep political divide?





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