Try to suppress your outrage.

Alan, one of the things I appreciate is that on Facebook, you do keep it civil, and do your best to keep others visiting and commenting also in the civil category.  Some people can't discuss politics even a little bit without the name calling.

I think most people on both sides of political aisle want the same things (freedom, good family life, prosperity, etc.) but have different ideas as to exactly what that means and how to get there.

I've seen enough echo chambers on both sides of the aisle to know there is nothing to be changed, at least from an opinion standpoint.  The next political opinion changed on Facebook will be the first ever and should have a commemorative sign installed.

I miss the days when most of us were considered humans first, not known first by our political labels.  I've got friends on both sides of the aisle, and there was (at least initially) something I valued about all of them for them to be part of my circle.  But if they go rabid, I'm going to keep my distance from that point forward.

Alan, I follow you on Facebook and have taken notice of your restraint.   You're a gentleman and a scholar.  

Hello Alan,

Being independent allows me to take pride in my capacity to make independent decisions that stand apart from collective trends. The pressure to adapt swiftly to American life to succeed forms the basis of my attitude because America has become my permanent residence.

Although I never imagined returning to my homeland to live or retire, I must acknowledge that America has changed dramatically. The country once celebrated for its freedom of speech and choice now feels unrecognizable for those who value these principles.

While some negative sentiments toward immigrants persist, the values we once held dear are diminishing. Issues that were troubling in the past continue to haunt America today.

I feel disheartened by the need to pick sides and choose friends in a world filled with lies and misinformation, which is creating division among us. I digress... 

Good evening Alan,

I too have lived through Vietnam, Watergate, my brother being shot at Kent State, Clinton's indiscretions in the white house and agree it too shall pass. I've never seen such nastiness on both sides and such hatred spewed everywhere! We no longer have journalists just those pushing their agendas. i appreciate your civility on Social Media and not getting drawn into such rhetoric. In fact I'm spending less time all together on social media sites because people have lost their minds! What a terrible example for our children to see....they will mimic you mom and dad!

Somebody always reminds me that there are checks and balances going on all the time. And we also have to live our lives.

Hello Alan - even limiting my social media exposure can be challenging because it can be so darn addictive.    In the meantime, I continue to hope for the best in countless aspects of everyday life but remain realistic about those expectations.  

First of all, I totally agree that we should be able to remain friends with those who believe otherwise politically. I have friends who are Democratic, Republican, and Independent/Libertarian. We actually don't talk too much about politics but talk about the other 95% of things that we can talk about. Regarding social media, I have seen so much real nastiness - even more so lately - from people I'd never have expected it from. I deleted one person from social media yesterday who insists on not only being extremely nasty and condescending, but doing it in capitals. We were never friends, just virtual acquaintances, so it's all fine. Suppress your Outrage online is definitely something I can get behind.

There's just too much "me" and not enough "us" going around. I do, indeed, hope that this too shall pass.

Politics in this country is a tire fire. I blame the for profit media. Things tanked when we turned the daily news into 24/7 entertainment. Now folks watch the channel that most closely conforms to their political view. 

Then to keep eye balls on the screen, the networks focus on negative/ extreme events. Sad times in the USA

Great words Alan May.  I have my political beliefs but I do not let them get in the way of relationships because the relationships are more important to me than politics.  

Yes, the ability of we agree to disagree seems to have gone the way of the DoDo bird. What surprises me is the lack of logic and rational thought.  

My sense is much of this returns to public education and the federal influence in public education. In the last month  I attended a meeting of a local workforce development committee. A manager of one of the manufacturing facilities asked a current high school graduate from Kingman to identify 1 and 7/16 on a ruler. This young many could not accomplish that request.

A local small business owner who had a medium to late 30ish employee, could not make change from a $100 for a bill of $78.  The owner said make change for the $100 using $20.  Again, this employee could not accomplish that task. 

This two examples not only reflect the lack of cognitive skills and I believe how much people now rely on technology instead of actual thinking.

I appreciate your perspective and calm and respectful approach to fostering dialogue. 

While I cannot stand the vitriol and outright hatred in the social media world - especially by elected officials - and prefer respectful conversation grounded in facts, my position is that many of us do not have the luxury or privilege to put our heads in the sand and wait things out. For (too) many, the consequences could/will be devastating, life-altering, or life-threatening. Lives have already been lost. 

I am taking notes, personally and professionally. I have a very diverse clientele. I must make sure that they will be treated respectfully by the agents to whom I refer them. I am discovering that not everyone is a safe choice. I am also learning that there are way more people than I ever thought possible who do not believe that my children (and so many like them) have a right to exist or deserve the same support extended to others. I can agree to disagree whether or not Germany brews the best beer (they do), or if Maryland has the best crabcakes (we do), but I draw the line when it comes to human rights. 

Please consider that the people you see lashing out may be terrified. It may be fear and despair speaking. As a European, as a woman, as a mom... count me among those who are utterly terrified and "woke". What we need is more empathy, not less. 

Good afternoon Alan. A big struggle in life is the ability to disagree without being disagreeable. Just when you think you are there something will trigger your emotions and off the wagon you go. Happens all the time. Focus on the journey and move on. I try not to lose control discussing something I can't control. Like your post. Enjoy your day.

You are a brave man to pen this post, and I am impressed with your ability to keep things neutral. That's about all I can say without fear of retribution from those who disagree with my politics. I "lost" a FB friend when I couldn't keep my mouth shut after one of her tirades. It bothered me at first and then I resolved myself that I didn't need the drama. So I keep my head down and sell houses. That works for me.

They keep accusing people of doing what they are doing and making themselves look terrible by doing it. I wish they would just grow up and learn to respect other people!!!!

Tom S

While I know there will be a change at some point, I feel it will get much worse before it gets better and a lot of really good people are going to get hurt along the way. Lives will be upended and some may never recover. 

Alan you won't see me responding to political 'fights.  I simply have no time for that kind of stuff, never have.  I grew up when both sides respected each others views and agreed to disagree.  There was never a thought of  'we can't be friends' anymore.  I do see that happening  - but again.  That;s their choice.    I don't get it, and that's that.

Alan May 
Post and comments make food for thought. Thanks for getting the conversation going. Lynn