“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”
~Audrey Hepburn~

This election season has given rise to language that has been especially vitriol. And I am not taking about the conversation between the candidates, but between groups of neighbors, colleagues, church members, friends, family and acquaintances.

The presidential candidates during the most recent debate noted the heated climate, each candidate arguing whether their leadership in their respective parties has been enough to bring about civil dialogue amongst their supporters. 

Yesterday, while eating my bagel at The St. Louis Bread Company, I overheard the conversation between two men. I won’t say who they are supporting for U.S president — that is beside the point I am making here –  but they called those who were against their chosen candidate racist and hate mongers. Since the country is nearly divided on the issues and presidential candidates, I wondered if these men realized that they just wrote-off…

So after an unintentional summer long hiatus, what to write? What to write?

I’ve read some of the recent posts and it seems politics is a hot topic. Of course it is. With the election around the corner, and the juicy conversation that our candidates inspire, why not? 

Well, after the last election I learned a lesson. If you want to keep your friendships intact, don’t talk politics. Always up for the debate, the first to defend my candidate of preference, arguing policy reform…….not anymore! That was sooooo last election.

Politics and religion are personal. Deeply personal beliefs. So, you will never read what I think of Obama. Or my opinion of Sarah Palin. Joe Biden doesn’t factor in to my daily interactions and you won’t overhear me discussing McCain. Especially in this forum. For two reasons: First, who the heck am I to force my opinions on you? And second, I don’t…