Friends

18 June 2017

POLITICS? NO DISCUSSION!


My Mom and Dad supported different political parties and they would never discuss the matter. I can understand that, imagine the arguments that could ensue. In all the years I lived with them I never knew who supported which party. Unlike today, when people shout their preferences from the rooftops.

The past experience did something to me because now I will never discuss politics with anyone. I won’t advise or cajole or even listen, except when a debate or discussion is shown on television. Joe was the same. He and I had different views, but we didn’t want to fall out over politics so we kept quiet. Arguing wasn't our thing.

In my younger working days, because I was employed by a Government body, I was required to go counting every time there was an election. I loved it. There was such an air of excitement as a count progressed, or when a count went wrong, or results were too close which meant we had to start again. Yet none of us revealed which party we had voted for.

The room was closely guarded. Naturally the candidates and their henchmen were not allowed in but most would remain by the door and do their best to try and work out if they were on a winning streak, almost hopping from one foot to another as they tried to anticipate the outcome.

These days I have postal votes and every time I fill in the necessary form I remember how a chosen few had to attend the counting station to open all the envelopes and do a separate count. That was prior to the standard vote count.

Before all that took place we had to attend a meeting at the Town Hall to pledge our silence and confidentiality.

I was never detailed to attend a polling booth, but was always present at the count and whenever there’s an election I remember those days. Sadly, it is doubtful if peaceful polling days will ever return?

PS
Just letting you know that..........
Alex did come back!



21 comments:

  1. As with all things polling will keep changing, with time and technology. Not sure about returning to the peaceful days though. Greetings!

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  2. Great that Alex came back! :-) We told you.

    Re politics, it is a minefield. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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  3. Hello Blogoratti, long time no see. I can't see peaceful times ever returning.

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  4. Cuban, okay I should have listen to all of you. Everyone was so sure.... all except me!

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  5. Well written post my friend, politics is such a difficult issue for most people and really shouldn't be, I like the way your parents, Joe and yourself handled your political differences, if only others could do the same.

    I knew Alex would come back :)

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  6. The country is too divisive these days, I have vowed to no longer discuss politics. Not sure if I will ever even vote again...had it up to here.

    Starting ...now.

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  7. Jimmy, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions but they don't have to be foisted on others. I always think my view should be mine alone since, as the saying goes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If I made a wrong choice then it is something i have to live with. I can't cope with some of the uproars that go on here. Hope you enjoyed your Father's Day.

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  8. Joeh, it will be a wise choice if you choose not to discuss politics with others, especially those you disagree with.

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  9. First, YAAAY...happy to hear that Alex came back! Had a feeling he would.

    I learned something while having a career as a hairstylist, a job in which people like to discuss things while having their hair cut. Never talk about religion or politics because those are two topics in which people have very strong opinions; therefore can have an influence on losing customers.

    I will also not discuss these topics with people I work with or the customers who come into my store because it's just not professional or WISE.

    Well expressed post topic, my friend! Have a lovely Sunday!

    X

    P.S. Please tell Charlie I said Hello!

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  10. Hey Ron, I made a thing out of the incident. When Alex called I told him about the blog and how I had described him as attractive etc. He laughed and said 'yes, he could work with that!'

    I think older generations and people who valued their jobs were/are the wisest. We have to be so careful these days, throat-cutters would see us off in no time. I hate the way the world has gone.

    Charlie will be given your message the minute he wakes. He has been asleep for hours, I should have joined him gg

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  11. My parents favored different parties too, they didn't argue about it, but did talk about it from time to time. Mac and I are more or less the same.

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  12. Janeet, I suppose opposites can be interesting but I'm guessing my parents knew they would fall out. Mom was very volatile and my Dad was quiet as a mouse, I guess he didn't want a heated discussion.

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  13. I don't discuss politics either and have been baited by a couple of people I know but I refuse to get drawn in any more. I miss the old days.

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  14. Denise, I miss the old days as well. You and I think alike. I've seen too many heated discussions and was glad I didn't feel the need to join in.

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  15. I don't discuss politics or religion. Partly because I don't feel intelligent enough to defend my stance. I know/feel what I want to know/feel and I don't do well with those that argue with facts. I will avoid both subjects at all cost!

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  16. Good to hear Alex came back. Did you know him? :-)

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  17. kden, yes me too regarding intelligence. Some people argue against themselves and that I DON'T understand

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  18. SJQ, yes I knew him, but he rang first so he gave the game away!!!

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  19. I have the same rule with the exception of close personal friends with similar views. Nowadays it works just fine. Otherwise I steer clear...:)

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  20. I completely agree with your views on not discussing politics, Valerie, because there are so many differing opinions and views. For this reason, I don't include posts about this topic. I also steer clear of blogs where this is an prevalent topic. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, just don't foist yours on everyone else. Glad for the update on Alex :-)

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  21. Yes. Great news about Alex. Politics is quite the circus these days. Politicians seem more interested in keeping each other down than trying to work together and pull everyone up. I have never affiliated myself with one party but I definitely lean more liberal. However, I am open-minded enough to vote for the candidate that I think will do the best job and not just along party lines. Take care, Val.

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