I have a love/hate relationship with politics. I love to discuss politics as well as hear other peoples views on various topics. But I hate how differing views and opinions can cause such anger and animosity between friends and family.

Don't get me wrong. I have very strong opinions, and I like getting into discussions about different topics. What I hate is how colleagues, friends and even family can become bitter enemies in the blink of an eye.

When we have extended family gatherings we have to try to avoid talking about politics because inevitably one or more people get so worked up that feelings tend to get hurt. A colleague of mine and I can talk about pretty much anything, family, hobbies, computers, or whatever, but as soon as politics comes into the picture things go awry. We obviously have differing opinions (which is fine).

What bothers me the most is how people seem to feel like they are superior to others because of their political stance. When things get heated, they start talking down to each other, as if to say "You MUST be an idiot, because you don't agree with me".

If my opinion doesn't jive with yours on a specific political topic, does that mean that I am less educated than you? or are you less educated than me? Well, NEITHER! Two highly educated people can see all the facts on both sides and have 2 completely different stances. That doesn't make one smarter than the other, it means they are human and have differing opinions.

People get so worked up about a topic that they build up impenetrable walls around their political stance. There is no room for error. Everyone seems to have all the answers, but somehow all the answers are different from person to person. Very few people are willing to have civil discussions, with a little give and take. It's all or nothing. "Either you completely agree with me, or you are a moron."

Right now we are so eager to prove that "I am right and you are wrong", that our defenses go up and we can't come to any kind of resolution on even the smallest issues. I think our country would be a lot better off if we all would take the time to listen to each others concerns, try to understand what each other is thinking and feeling and then explain our views.

I've never been persuaded to change my views because of a personal attack on my belief system. All that does is make me want to defend my stance even more.

Other than religion, I know of no other topic that gets people so worked up so quickly. Can't we all just get along?