What's politics among friends?
How should one respond to the realization that all of their friends are supporting Kerry? Not that they are actively doing so, in fact most aren't aware of who or what he stands for or against (although I'm not sure he is aware of that either), rather they hold certain beliefs that drive them to vote against President Bush and for the other guy.
When I was asked this question, my first thought was a recognition of the sadness it brought me. I was sad that the questioner was in this position, and sad that the friends were also.
After some further discussion, it became clear that like many on either side of the political spectrum (speaking of the U.S. left and right or liberal and conservative), the majority of the friends involved held their positions out of a feeling, a need to help if you will. Unfortunately, most of these highly educated, middle class people have a misplaced sense of how to help those in need. They believe the government can and should do it.
Additionally we noticed that many of them are unaware of the true nature of our government, why and how it was created, and why the particular structure that was implemented has enabled our greatness. This gives them a false sense of confidence when it comes to changing the government or how our representation is elected. “Democracy not federal republic.” “States don't matter any more.” That sort of thing.
And finally, we found that while their motivations are good, they've been told for so long that "conservatives" and "Republicans" are moralist or “Christians” who seek to tell them how they can live, who want to get rich while ignoring the plight of the poor, and who are frankly, old fuddy duddies, that they are now unable, despite the example before them, us, to accept anything else as possible. They have become that which they claim to abhor - intolerant, bigoted, and judgmental.
So my response:
Like most things in life, it is much simpler than we often realize; they are our friends, we love them dearly, and we’ve accepted them for who they are. Our response to the realization that they are, even if not purposefully, liberal, we continue to be their friends, continue to love them and by all means continue to be ourselves, conservative and grateful to be.
