Well, he's probably right (or left, whatever) ... about that Political & Religious Stuff.

For me, it's all about intention of the heart. :)

I do not discuss politics or religion with my clients. However, I do have a different issue since I do short sales. That issue is whether it is OK for the borrower to use the system in their advantage to stay in their home as long as possible and to exploit any financial opportunity to them.

Isn't it funny how we are always trying to compare our views about GOVERNMENT?  We hardly ever have a conversation that doesn't have it in it.

Jason, I'd have no problems discussing politics IF (HUUUUUGE IF) the two sides could actually engage in something approaching rational discourse.  But my personal opinion is the two sides for the most part have caught the talking head syndrome of thinking shouting and yelling is the only way to express an opinion.  Often neither side is open to change or actual lucid thought on any topic.  Pick the donkey or the elephant, and all thought must be aligned with one of the other.  Personally I like some things from one side, some things from the other, and also have much unhappiness with the things BOTH sides do.  So for the most part I stay out of it other than voting at each election as I see fit.  Bill

I have met the man of which you speak. He is as he writes, a bright, funny and yes very intelligent guy. 

My bottomline. Do the job, be kind and be fair. The rest will follow. 

I'll make some time this weekend to go read him. I love a great perspective!

Hi Jason - I steer away from those topics, and a few others, in social media, not from any concern for my bottom line - my clients generally know who I am and if it bothers them, they can go elsewhere. But in a long and eventful life, I've learned a great lesson about tolerance: a person is much more than the sum of opinions they might casually throw around in any social or professional situation, and out of respect for them as a person, I have no need to judge them on those things. I will look closely at their actions - how they treat others and deal with the world - but I'm not bailing on them because they believe something different than I do. And I won't hesitate to have have long and detailed discussions - and heated arguments - with them, one-on-one and preferably late into the night with a few single malts - as long as we both realize our opinions don't really matter much in the giant scheme of things, and aren't as important as our friendship. Life is ephemeral - our attention deserves to be spent on more important matters. (And I do agree with J. Philip's conclusion about bad judgement.)

I four opinions don't matter why do we vote? If we shouldn't discuss our beliefs do we really believe what we say if we only say it to like minded people?

Jason, I find the older I get the more I realize how little time there is to be as honest as possible---no sledge hammer required however :)

I wish I had the gift of words that he and many others in this site do.

He's right but I never say never. I may discuss religion with my client the rabbi or politics with my client that is running for city council member. It's about them not me!

Jason:  I read and commented on the post you speak of.  And yep ... extremely well written, as usual.  For me personally, even though I have strong opinions ... I typically try to keep a lid on them when conducting business.  Even those with the opposite opinion (and obviously WRONG) need mortgage service too!  Typically I've got so many other things that need to be related during my time talking to .. or being with .. a client, that discussions on this nature don't have much chance to crop-up.  I'm totally for free speech.  I say, "have at it".  And as of late, many are.  You can't escape it.  But I say if you're gonna vent, you should be willing to take a hit if it comes your way, because of your expressing your opinions.  Seems many are unwilling to do that.

Me?  I'm not in the income bracket that can support much venting.  I've got 2 grandkids (and hopefully more coming) that I'd like to help get thru college.  I'm staying low ...

Gene

If you start slanting too much right or left in politics, you end up getting a lot of people mad. Best to keep some opinions to yourself.

Sardi, that is convenient as I am a huge Leonard Cohen fan :)

I end up venting, but not here, too much.  I agree with you AND J. Philip (to whom I would say, ditch the "J" or use the name, but what do I know?).  I try to stay away from it simply because I don't give a %at's &ass what anyone else thinks.  I know that I am right, and that I have an OPEN mind to new ideas unlike most other folks. 

This was a great discussion point, and I hope you get many, many more comments.

OH, I dive in....much to everyone's dismay.  I have had private asides with some of my staunch followers telling me to lay off....but some things piss me off to much to leave alone ..... like a scab on a deep wound. 

You, on the other hand, can wade deeply into the mire and still come out on the other side, smiling brightly.  And, yes, we will talk soon.  I PROMISE.

Jason- I dive in if and that's a big IF I feel that both of us can converse as adults and not take it into a "you're wrong and I'm right" kind of discussion.  But the Libra in me likes to see both sides; I'm not wishy washy but that's how i am.  I would rather be around someone who speaks his mind and where I feel that I'm not hearing a speech coming out of both sides of their mouth.  Glad you're still here!!!

Hey Jason -

Dropping back by to thank you for your comment and support in the Rain.  Always look forward to hearing from you.

FYI.... Had to act as a body guard for a client while showing homes (ex was not happy about the divorce).  Then of course there is always the angry dog at the front door that needs to be tamed before buyers can enter :)