Political climate becoming Shia-Sunni of America

Reading the letters to the editor the other day I couldn’t help but reflect on how much we’ve changed as a country and it’s people. When I talk with friends who I know support the president, I’m careful to steer clear of discussions of the man. I value those relationships more than I value challenging their support for him but it didn’t used to be this way. In 1972, I sat next to a man at work who was as passionate in his support of Democrat George McGovern as I was passionate for my choice, Republican Richard Nixon. We argued almost every day but it never affected our relationship; we were two people with different political views who liked and respected each other.

Today, unfortunately, we “un-friend” others who disagree with us, friends and relatives avoid each other because of their differing political views because we view the “other side” as the enemy. The journalist, Thomas Friedman, made a terrifying observation the other day regarding our politics. Referring to our political climate he stated we are at risk of becoming the Shia and Sunni of America. We cannot let that happen. We are not each other’s enemies.

Jim Boggs

Spokane