So, I think the best way to have a conversation is to go one topic at a time and stick to that topic. This way we can explore if we are far apart or perhaps closer to agreement than people might think. I have said many times that I think that a problem in trying to have a discussion is people try to lump all Republicans or Democrats in with someone that represents the worst of that group.
OK, that said there are a range of topics on the table. Let's go one at a time and do our best not to drift. We have:
Ukraine - Maybe we should just start with this because, one it is happening now and two I commented on some of your comments about it above. So, we sort have already begun that discussion.
2020 Election - We've discussed this a bit in the past. I believe your take was the election was stolen from Trump and/or you believed there were a lot of irregularities in the election.
Free Speech - You have made comments about this and I responded a bit. Basically, I don't see free speech as an issue in our country, you appear to feel it is being attacked.
Covid 19 - An easy one really that could be a common ground area.
January 6th - Sort of related to the 2020 Election deal, but due to the significance of the event, it deserves its own discussion.
CRT - This is a bizarre one as it seems to be a topic that essentially has become central to Republican politics.
Climate Change - This one is a real sore spot for me because it does cause a lot of depression issues for me. So, I don't really want to get into it but due to the importance of the topic, I am open to doing so.
Tucker Carlson - Not sure if you watch this guy but he has become his own topic and does appear to operate as a propaganda outlet for the Kremlin. He also now has been promoted to one of the key figures controlling what comes out of FOX News.
Democracy versus Authoritarianism - Again, odd topic where I think we should have common ground but it seems a fight that is taking place in this country.
Voting Rights - Sort of can fall into the topic above but is a hot button issue for us now.
The Supreme Court - Always a hot issue come election time. Plus Biden is putting a judge on the court now so it is a hot topic.
So, there some topics to choose from. If you have some you would like to throw out there I am listening and please do.
My suggestion is to choose one, focus on that, until we feel we have gone far enough, before moving on to another. Let's try not to ramble or diverge into general ranting.
So, to I guess clarify where I am and who I am in response to what you wrote...
I am right on the verge of turning 55.
I am a white male, that never feels attacked for my skin color.
My parents were Kennedy Democrats, lifelong Democrats. There is a letter from Obama hanging in their house.
My father was in the Navy then worked for an airline until they basically forced early retirement on him. He passed in December of 2020.
Growing up I identified as a Democrat, in a lot of ways this was passed on to me by my parents and grandparents. Good and decent people that had a very strong pull to care for others. Photos of the Kennedy's, John and Bobby, hung in my grandparents' house in Brookline.
My mother's side of the family was Catholic, my father's side protestant. My parents raised me in the Catholic church. I do not practice religion in any way and am not a churchgoer.
