Kid’s Comments
Point of View Why Do You Think That? There’s no avoiding it—we are neck deep in an election year. For months, we have been inundated with political advertising from all types of media. Candidates at all levels tell us why they should get our vote. Talking heads express their opinions on every issue. Panels discuss the pros and cons of it all. Every day, the mailbox is full of missives urging us to vote for this person or issue and against that person or issue. Everyone has a point of view. It all got me to thinking: How do we form our points of view? A myriad of things influence our views. Age and experience can determine how you think. The young are often more open to change than the elderly…but not always. Family attitudes often affect our thinking. Life experience may foster a more global viewpoint. Urban and country dwellers often view issues differently. Many people base their opinions on what they learn from the internet. Some people form their points of view according to, “What’s in it for me?” I don’t remember my parents talking about politics much, though Mom always voted. “I’ve never missed an election,” she boasted. When her eyesight waned, I’d take her to the polling place. We’d take her ballot to a side table for privacy. I’d read the names and issues, Mom would indicate what she wanted, and I’d mark her ballot. Once, on the way home, she remarked,
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By Marge Shoemaker “I’ve always been a Democrat. Now, I vote for the candidate I think is the most qualified, regardless of party.” That’s the only time she really mentioned politics. I try to follow her example. Having visited and lived in different areas of the country, I’ve seen how some issues result in change. It’s affected my views in many areas, conservation and climate change among them. Through his work, my husband dealt with many politicians and issues. His shared experiences have also colored my thinking. People often harbor strong feelings about different candidates and issues. Disagreements on issues have separated families. Fathers and sons don’t speak. Brothers with strong but opposite opinions have nearly come to blows. I try to avoid expressing opinions when I know someone has strong feelings…I know they aren’t going to change their mind. I’m not sure political issues are worth splitting up families or friendships. That’s something I learned from my parents…we don’t always have to agree. The election will be over by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, and there will no doubt be strong feelings all around. No matter what the outcome, it’s important to respect each other and the reasons we have for our points of view. Remember, there’s always more than one point of view to consider. Be thankful that the family can get together. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
November 2020
10/8/20 12:0733 PM
