'Tis the season.
Politics.
Pfffffft.
There's a reason you don't see politics discussed much in the Rain.
The topic is among the world's most divisive.
It CAN (and often does) invoke hostile reactions.
"You either think like me or you're an idiot. Your spouse is ugly, your mama's fat, your kids are going to need to repeat preschool...and don't get me started on what a moron your dog is!!"
Kind of sound familiar? Just a few moments scrolling Facebook on a daily basis and you'll find similar enough. Both red and blue backers are convinced the other's candidate is demonic and taking this country to Hades if they're elected. While they gleefully point out the mistakes of the other side they'll put on blinders to their candidate DOING THE EXACT SAME THING.
Rational discussion? Fuhgedabout it.
Facts don't apply if we see the slightest opportunity to throw some mud and insult the other side.
America, the land of free speech, right?
But what gets forgotten in the haste to make sure we condemn the other side in support of OUR candidate is that free speech isn't always without consequences.
Even if you express yourself TOTALLY civilly, rationally, respectfully, some will want nothing to do with you strictly because YOU are now associated with the OTHER side.
Business can be impacted. Potential clients seek someone with similar political views. Referrals can go elsewhere. And that's even playing nicely in the sandbox. Now imagine how much worse it gets if you're a total jerk about it your Facebook posts and discussions?
Now you MIGHT be able to get away with it if your market is HEAVILY tilted to one side of the political spectrum or the other and you're aligned with your market's population. You MIGHT even attract some business because you think the same as the general public.
Personally, I'd rather the merits of my hiring be based on my expertise and my professionalism rather than which candidate I'm likely to vote for. Who I will vote for has ZERO to do with my ability to price and market a home, or negotiate a great deal for my buyers.
So when it comes to politics, I respect your right to act an idiot if you choose to...but even engineers have limits :)
Until next Tuesday, just Ask An Ambassador if you need help!
Bill of BLiz
P.S. Now I'm off to help a client that I've never discussed politics with.
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