Family and politics!

[Seeincolors]

I feel so alienated from my kids and grandkids because we just can’t agree politically! I absolutely cannot stand this President, and my kids and ex think he walks on water. I’ve always had a strong sense of right and wrong and empathy for people who are suffering. I don’t understand how I possibly could have raised people who believe the things he does are ok! It has caused such a feeling of despair for me. Without getting into specifics as to exactly what I find horrible about this man, I would like to know how others deal with this problem, besides just not talking about him when we are together! There is always a wedge between myself and the people I love, and that wedge is the President of the United States. I’m not asking for a political discussion. I’m just asking how I can make things better for myself.

[Hidden]

If they really cared, they would look past that. My family looks past the politics and our family friends don't always agree with us, but we don't care because we don't talk about it. I asked one of my friends about every thing that was happening and she doesn't agree with me, but we are still friends. If they care about you or your opinions, then they will look past the politics.

[quitter333]

This President that you will never meet. How many times Obama called you, lol?

At least, despite all his flaws of being a celebrity billionaire, this president 1. Does not try to play race/feminism politics, like the Democrats do. He has been constantly friendly with any group for decades and decades.

2. Actually delivers on promises. Literal tangible things.

3. Has made USA into attractive place of business again, made it much more wealthier, and full of job opportunities.

4. Shook up the international politics, that relied on extremely ineffective soft politics (paying money to violent regimes for peace).

5. Is not a part of aristocrat families of Clintons or Bush's or others, who just want to keep to power and will tell any lies and smile when appropriate, just as long as you keep voting.

6. Is not trying to use illegals and dead people to get votes

7. Is opponent to extremely debilitating liberal movements, where in name of "tolerance" fascistic and totalitarian methods are demanded - state control over thoughts of people.

..

in short - there are some flaws, but you can't deny that the alternative is much worse. I cannot stand liars and e.g. Hillary is exactly that. At least Bernie is somewhat better, but his socialist-democrat model is not suited for such a large entrepreneurship-based economy like USA

[Hidden in reply to quitter333]

I agree 100%. I might only be 16, but I keep up with everything. My dad is the one who forces me to read all of the articles and know what's happening in the world today.

[Seeincolors in reply to quitter333]

I wasn’t looking for a political discussion. I’m actually a Republican. Thanks for your insight. It’s nothing I haven’t heard before, though.

[luthien]

It's a difficult one!

Hmm... perhaps take a different approach; you've raised a family in the best way you could and that's brilliant but you must remember that despite a parents best intentions their children will be shaped and influenced by the world around them including their views.

I've been working with my parents on our many differing views (politics, religion, this country, holidays, worth ethic), working towards us all understanding that our views / thoughts / outlook differs and that's okay.

It takes some effort and emotional upheaval - to accept we're all different. We care about each other, want to share our views and hope others can understand. I'm still working on it all!

My advice is to try not to let it get to you as much, I know not easy, and I'm probably not explaining very well. Of course you can talk about whatever comes up even politics and that person you hate, just as much as they can too, it's about working towards a healthy environment (if there's such a thing) where you can feel calm, relaxed and at ease about giving views and receiving views. But perhaps for now like I'm doing with my parents we agree not to discuss certain "emotional / stressful" topics until I'm ready and feel calm enough, which could be never but that's okay too. We're working on a "get out sentence" which basically means if I feel somethings going to wind me up I can say something that'll stop the conversation there or change topic rather than me just having to bottle the upset / anger etc.

I'm not sure if my advice is any good but it's some thoughts xx

[Seeincolors in reply to luthien]

I absolutely love your reply. The things you say are exactly what I try to do. There really is no other resolution than to respect others’ opinions and agree to disagree. Thanks for your intuitive words!

[fauxartist]

Things to never discuss with family, friends, or work colleges....politics, religion, and morals....I have Jews, Catholics, Protestants, non-denominational, republicans and democrats in my family...and it would be like a low plain atom bomb went off in the room if we all started talking about our opinions...

Even if I agree on one thing, there would be something else that would divide the waters eventually. This site is another great example of that. When anyone strays off the topic path of anxiety and depression....the fuse is lit....

The best you can do is vote ... an ocean starts with one drop of water and with each election it's only a few votes that makes a difference. For too long people have been swayed by meme's, propaganda, miss-direction, and miss-information....read everything, and weigh out the truth from the B.S. and make an intelligent choice, not a choice based on bias, racism, and fear mongering and this world might be around for the grandkids.

[Hidden]

I'm sure my parents think I need to spend the rest of my life on fire for the views I have, but they let me think the way I want to. My views are my views just as yours are yours and your families are theirs.

You already said it, step away from political conversations, healthy debates are good, rarely end well though with family. Plus debates need rules.

edit: kids dont normally feel resentment that bad to alienate you, there must have been a strong pushing of views that pushed them away. not sure, just a thought.

[hypercat54]

I must admit I agree totally with your views Seeincolors. I am in the UK and could never vote for a right wing party. Like you I believe that a society should be taking care of everybody and not hammering the poorest as the likes of Trump do.

I have friends who are reactionary, so we just avoid talking about politics. Some of them even voted for Brexit on the sole grounds of 'There are too many immigrants and they should all just leave!'. In vain I pointed out that the NHS would collapse if they did. x

[Booklover0219]

I have experienced this and it’s very hurtful. I don’t even discuss politics but assumptions have been made based on things I DON’T say and I have been insulted and told I am a disappointment. I suspect the root of the hostility toward me from this family member has nothing to do with politics but who knows since politics is all this person ever discusses. I’ve chosen to be polite, keep my distance and pray that maybe one day things will change. I’m not counting on things to change but I figure it doesn’t hurt to leave the door open for the possibility of change.

[Dolphin14]

Avoiding it all from the get go is key. I never tell my husband who I'm voting for.

My in laws think I'm on their same political page. I'm not... but I have a poker face lol

It's obviously too late for that in your family.

Everyone has a right to their own opinions. You can't change that. Mayb just having some strict boundaries on when this will be discussed. Or better yet, ask that the subject is not brought up at all.

[Willowbrooks]

Hi. I'm not from the USA but I cannot believe Trump is President. When all anyone cares about is power and their own ego it's never a good thing . Though he did make me roll around laughing when he tweeted a picture of his airbrushed orange head on Rocky's body, what on earth OMG and he had the nuclear codes. Anyway, re the family, it's hard to have very differing views. I am the only non animal eater (I don't like labels,) in my family and I often feel like an outsider as I do not understand how anybody eats animals, that's my thing and it's been like that for many many years. We don't talk about it but very occasionally I can't help a bit of a rant. So having such a leader who divides opinion so much can't be easy for you, I can only hope come early 2021 you get to adjust your TV"s back to the normal colour setting so the orange doesn't blind you anymore. Lol

[Seeincolors in reply to Willowbrooks]

Yes, he is an absolute embarrassment to me and many others. His ego is ridiculous and dangerous. Spoiled little rich boy. You can’t believe a word that comes out of his mouth, but he is the mob boss, and has many faithful minions. In the last election we didn’t end up with much of a choice, though. I just hope he doesn’t get us all blown up before the next election.

In my family there are those who won’t eat meat, also. I respect their beliefs, and there are many lively conversations among us about food. It is fun, actually, to hear the differences of opinion. So there are things my family can disagree about without getting hateful. Trump is just not one of them!

[Willowbrooks in reply to Seeincolors]

I can totally understand that. All I can think is he must pay his security team a lot lot extra to keep him safe from an inside job lol x