Hi. I'm trying to understand what is permitted in this group.

[OriginalGeek]

14. Good point about the politics

My mother and step-father were very conservative, fundamentalist republicans so it was difficult to be around them for any length of time without "getting into" it...my mom was quite a bit more mellow when he wasn't around though so I was able to enjoy the last years of her life with relative peace (She would come to visit us at christmas time and left him at home). Now that she is gone I have no reason to talk to him at all.

Conversely, my Aunt and Uncle (mom's sister) are very liberal democrats and very active in their methodist church. Both are retired and their lives revolve around doing things in and for the church. I love visiting with them even though it's obvious they are believers with every second I spend there - somehow it seems different - I guess it is because I agree with their politics and because, even though their brand of religion is obvious, it is never judgmental. One of their closest friends is an older gay man who I have known all my life - I consider him as much family as them. MY mom knew him all her life too (He grew up in the same town with my mom and her sister) but after she and stepfather got so religious they never spoke of him again. The thing is, I'm sure she wanted to - he was her childhood friend - but my step-asshole wouldn't let her and they were far enough gone into to fundie-ism that what he said was law.


ANYWay, I think it's good to remember that even though there are a lot of believers here at DU, they do share our liberal democrat beliefs and we should try to be respectful. I think it is perfectly possible to debate spiritedly and remain respectful. I'm not always capable but it IS possible.