Politically Speaking

We currently have houseguests who are of the opposite political party. Two old friends we have known for many years are visiting, following about a two-year hiatus because of political differences. Back then, during Covid, what began as innocent conversations -- to mask or not to mask, to vaccinate or not to vaccinate, the merits of Dr. Fauci -- always ended up in heated arguments over abortion, climate change, the presidency, immigration, or you name it. 

This time we all know better and are studiously avoiding any subject that could lead down that slippery slope that ends up where Chuck Schumer is a moron, Donald Trump is a criminal, Joe Biden is a crackpot and Kamala Harris is just plain dumb. Instead we are talking about other things, like how to keep bananas from going bad so quickly* or the advantages of Medicare or what's the latest movie to see. During dinner last night we veered dangerously close to the edge when discussing the growing homeless problem in NYC, but fortunately someone had the wherewithal to change the subject. 

That's what you have to do these days to maintain friendships across the aisle. It's a delicate dance.

* When you get the bananas home from the market, separate the bunch at the top. This keeps them fresher longer.