TRUE AND FALSE

Few things can be true and false at the same time.  One that I was recently reminded of is that you should never discuss politics (and religion) with a friend or family.  Sooner or later there will be some discord.

While it is true that such discussions can become overheated, these are two of the most important topics we can and should talk about.  If John Adams had followed this rule, we wouldn't be here.  If Jesus had followed this rule---well?

I suppose the real question becomes one of priorities.  If we have strong feelings about the importance of the topic, should we express or repress them when talking to friends and family? Is the risk of alienation worth it?  That is a personal decision and I have concluded that if an honest and sincere discussion of matters of this kind cannot take place without the concern that someone may be offended, then the first amendment is useless.  Discussions are the only way that opposing views can be brought to light and evaluated.  If this can't be done, nearly all conversation, on any topic other than pure gossip, is doomed.  If we can talk only about the things we agree upon, why talk to anyone at all?

So, if one agrees that these topics are off limits, the saying is true, otherwise, it is false.