CNN iReport

........Republican, Democrat, Independent.........Black (oops!, I mean African American), White (shouldn’t it be Caucasian?)........and all the other colors (races) too (hope nobody gets offended by that, however, I’m sure somebody will). Religion too........by the way I’m not a religious person, however, as there are many people practicing different religions, it seems they’re attempting to achieve similar things.........Even sexual orientation (although that should be a non issue too.....as well as all of these “labels”). Having said all that, the “political bickering” that’s going on today is nothing new, however, the fact that Obama is (dare I say it) African American (I know some will differ on that too), has just brought an issue (that’s really a non issue) to the forefront.........I’m glad he did not play the race card recently........Don’t get me wrong, it’s an important issue in society, and should not be tolerated, however, I personally think it’s an energy drain, and I believe what you focus on expands...........I’m almost forgot, we’re discussing political viewpoints. I apologize, I got off track........or did I?

I personally think it’s healthy to have different viewpoints........it’s o k to agree to disagree......to respect the fact someone has a different opinion........I may not always agree, however, if I’m not put down for my beliefs, or opinions, then I’m cool with it. I also don’t understand how some people choose not to discuss politics in their relationship........To me, politics is part of life, and if you can’t have a healthy discussion about what’s going on (even if you disagree), then you’re only depriving yourself, however, I know there are some people (and I have relatives in this camp too) who consciously choose not to bring politics into their discussion, because they get too emotional about it..........instead of just stepping back and saying, I hear that, however, these are my thoughts......Again, don’t get me wrong, I’ve had friends that have pushed my buttons before, on some topics, and sometimes I fell for it and sweated the small stuff, and sometimes I’ve also pushed the buttons, looking for a disagreement. However, it’s the times when I respect someone’s view, and say, Hey!, I hear what you’re saying, however, I don’t agree with that, instead of either trying to change them, or worse, by saying they’re wrong, or.....by having a discussion and not deliberately looking to push buttons, that I have had people ask me what my opinions are on different topics.

In closing this post, I’d like to add I do think sometimes there is a time and place for everything........and certain times may not be appropriate to discuss political viewpoints, however, at other times, it’s always time to “tee it up”!.................................As I started to write this post, Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” came to mind, so I had to play it on youtube.com..........What an amazing dude he was!

Mike Otis

September 26, 2009