On this unbelievably beautiful fall morning, I ran the canyon trails with my friend Chelle. Just a mile up the trail I complained that I would be thrilled when the election is over— 30 minutes later we were still talking politics.
While good friends, Chelle and I are political polar opposites and will effectively cancel out each other’s votes when we visit the polling booth in 10 days(except for our local school board member– Go Dan!). I love hearing her views (though I’m not always a good listener) but we reached a point where a chill of tension entered the conversation. Oh so wisely, Chelle said, “Why are we wasting a beautiful morning like this talking about things we’ll never agree on?”
And so we moved on to happier subjects…
It’s been suggested to me that I could use my blog for political influence. And while all 14 of my readers might find that laughable you might also find it offensive. We are a gathering of friends and I don’t think you want or need me as your political advisor.
My stumbling block with any national political issue is that I inevitably align myself with a group of radicals. We choose uncomfortable bedfellows in politics. Suffice it to say that I shudder at some of the ideologies of people who vote EXACTLY like I do as well as those who believe differently.
I learned a few things this morning, so I’m not going to shy away from all political conversations. And I do realize that it’s important for thoughtful, intelligent people to speak up. I applaud those of you who do. But for me? Not here, not now.
Vote your conscience; I’ll still be your friend.
Erik
If anyone does need advice on how to vote I would be happy to supply it.
Blue
Hmmm. My sources tell me you have 49 subscribers just in Google Reader. That doesn’t count Bloglines subscribers, nor those who don’t use any blog service to read.
You have much more influence than you realize my dear. But I’m with you, politics and my blog don’t go together (blue break aside).
♥
Tracy
LOL at Erik’s comment. My husband and I differ COMPLETELY in our politic views…so I cannot wait for this election to be over so we can just get along again..and each of us can remove our opposing signs out of our front yard.
Chelle
Did you go back up and get those pictures? gorgeous!
The next time we talk about something “hot” we’ll just set a timer and when time is up, we’re done. ha!
I love our conversations. Always open and respectful. And really…. how boring would life be if you only surround yourself with people that nod in agreement at everything you say? (that statement applies to everyone in my life EXCEPT my children. I would prefer that they always nod in agreement…wouldn’t that be nice?)
p.s. Go Dan Lofgren!
And vote for Trent Kaufman (do we agree on him? we didn’t cover that one…) I’ll tell you all of my reasons on our next run!
xoxo
Reluctant Nomad
Amen sis. me too me too.
Shannon
yeah this vote definatly has been a hard one…and i was torn between the two but one thing has made my choice…partial birth abortion. your pictures are absolutly breathtaking!!!
StubbyDog
Maybe I need to meet your friend Chelle someday. LOL
I DO appreciate your gift of talking about viewpoints diametrically opposed to mine…somehow without making me feel defensive or angry, just thoughtful. But, there is quite enough political BLAH out there at the moment…I’d much rather see the leaves, too. :o)
Ken
Your photos are gorgeous! They remind me of the memorable walk we took a few years ago with your children in Millcreek Canyon. I think you are wise to not blog politics because I have learned that friends are more important than votes.