Talking politics

I have been up for a chat about politics for about 35 years now. Unfortunately I can get a bit bombastic and lecturey when I actually get to it. I would (and frequently have) describe(d) myself as "to the left of anyone". I take what I think is a generous and open minded view of people, say, two degrees to the right of me and am willing to chalk it up to a difference of opinion. Everything beyond that (so, in America that would include a huge chunk of the mainstream Democratic party and every last nasty shred of the Republican) to be under a haze of delusional brainwashing, fear, ignorance, evil, and scrabbling conformity. Yes, frequently a bit of all five. 

Clearly any sensible person, even one who might safely be in close enough agreement with me, can see how it might not be that fun to talk politics with me. So I cautiously try to compensate for this by limiting my discussions about politics.

Well that strategy is shot.

Almost everyone I meet these days can't wait to talk politics. They haven't for these 35 years, but now, here they are, all ready to get right to it. 

Okay.

So I listen to what they have to say and I think:

"Oh. Yikes. Is this what I sound like?"

Politics might be the hardest thing in the world to talk about well. But I nod and listen and agree. "Yes." I say. "You are right. It truly is storming shit out there right now. Mmm hmm." Because they are right. Everyone likes to be right every once in awhile. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as you don't get carried away with it.