The Brier Patch - On The Outside Looking In

10.28.04

On The Outside Looking In

I have several new friends (more than acquaintances) who have known each other for a long time. Some are to the left, and some are to the right. The upcoming election is, in my opinion, driving them crazy. Radical Crazy. I do not believe they’ll be able to salvage their friendships, and this is not good. I have never seen this country so divided.

Over the years I’ve learned the difference between “rolling over” and “backing off”. I would never “roll over”, but I think it’s time (for them) to “back off”. I would never compromise my beliefs for anyone, ever; but I also understand the importance of friendship.

Sometimes you just have to back off, cool off, and re-group. Sometimes you just have to make a decision for the future. Sometimes you have to agree to disagree, and be done with it.

The only other option, is not worth it.

Posted: 17:34
Category: Observations
Pings: 1

Comments

... I totally understand, man... but, DAMN... you used a friggin semi-colon... that's just ART...

Posted by: Eric at October 28, 2004 06:50 PM

Sadly, there's a lot of that going around.

Posted by: Jim - PRS at October 28, 2004 09:45 PM

Your friends and their situation serve as a metaphor for what is happening to the country as a whole. I am literally "on the outside looking in" from another country, and I feel I am seeing it more clearly than those in the midst of it. That's why I've been such a lecturing, hectoring pain-in-the-ass for the past months.

Sigh...

Posted by: Jack at October 28, 2004 11:15 PM

My adopted parents and siblings are hard-core Kerry supporters. I am a hard-core Bush supporter. We just keep in mind that we love each other, that our bonds are what mold us, and that we are all entitled to our opinions. We agree to disagree.

Friendship isn't about always agreeing or seeing eye to eye. It is understanding your friend enough to appreciate that they are their own person...and loving them, differences and all.

I think, as a whole, our society has lost the core values that shape our relationships and friendships. Our presidential candidates fight dirty...and they are our leaders. If we are to follow...where, exactly, will we be led? Therefore, it is no surprise your friends have lost touch with the very reason they became friends in the first place. I wish you peace in these trials.

Posted by: Dana at October 29, 2004 08:12 PM