Do you remember when you could have a good-natured debate with someone who had a different opinion than yours? It has been a while since that has been the case. Where has the civility in our country gone?

The phrase was “agree to disagree”. Do you remember that? People could discuss their differing opinions. Try to explain their reasoning for their beliefs, and in the end, if they still couldn’t come to an agreement on the topic, they would simply agree to disagree and go about their business. That does not seem to happen anymore.  Today, people who have a different opinion or belief have become an enemy.

I like to think that I have an open mind.  I know that I have a strong belief system.  I will also admit that I have found myself fervently explaining my beliefs to others.  I want others to understand why I believe what I believe.  I won’t lie, I always hope to bring them around to my way of thinking.  I like to hear their viewpoints also.  I appreciate when they explain to me, just as fervently, their opinions.  However, in the end, I don’t walk away calling people names or disliking them because they have different view than I do.  This is a free country and people are able to make up their minds about any issue they like or dislike.  I walk away knowing and maybe understanding a different viewpoint than mine.  It is actually an amazing opportunity for those who openly embrace it.

I am tired of being called names and frowned upon because of my opinions and beliefs.  I want to get back to the days when everyone was welcome to believe what they wanted.  I want to get back to light-hearted or even fiery debates.  But I want to see people shaking hands and agreeing that they just have to agree to disagree.  I don’t hate anyone because they don’t agree with me.  It takes a whole lot more than that for me to hate someone.

Many of the disagreements today are regarding politics.  I am sad to see so many people judging others based on their political ideology.  Today, there are those who don’t even need to know your thoughts about politics to hate you. They just need to know what party affiliation you most closely identify with.  There was a time when it was taboo to discuss religion and politics.  I realize now the wisdom of that theory.  As with any topic, there are “safe zones” if you will, where you can talk about anything – including religion and politics.  These “zones” are with people who share your opinions and beliefs.  However, far too many times, we don’t seem to think of the audience we are speaking to when discussing these topics.  When that happens, heated debates break out.  Of course, there are those people who bring up certain topics just to start something with someone they already know has a differing opinion.  Some people really want to start an argument.  Whether it is to debate a topic or just to see what kind of rise they can get out of another person, we may never know.

How I long for the days when we just agreed to disagree.  Why can’t we go back?  I for one, will try my best to do my part in keeping the peace with those who are bent on starting an argument.  Will you agree to do the same?  If we can get people to make this pledge, eventually, the people looking for the argument won’t be able to find anyone to argue with. What a day that will be!

It’s just me and my opinion!

Have a great day and God bless!