Bi-Partisan

I am an optimist. I’m not naive, but hope is something I feel at my very core. I believe people can work together to do great things, and I think political discourse is something that can be healthy. Over the years, this blog has given us a platform to write about dating, food, cocktails, our life together and topics we care deeply about. We’ve often approached political posts with great caution. That said, we’ve always agreed that it was our responsibility to use this platform when it might support the change we want to see.

Political discourse can be healthy. It can be an opportunity for two friends, family members, and members of the community to work through topics affecting each of us. Across the board we speak about “lowering the temperature.” If only it could be as easy as it sounds. The question is whether or not we’re going to personally help lower the temperature, or just point fingers at those with whom we disagree. If this weekend taught us anything, it’s that the temperature is too hot. The rhetoric being used by politicians on both sides is harmful and it’s time for us to say – enough!

In 2010, I worked in politics and loved it. I had friends on both sides of the aisle and truly believed in what I was doing. However, that year marked a new level of division in discourse. The passage of “Obamacare” turned into a political battleground, jeopardizing the seats of many freshman members of congress. Targeting with ads was expected, but what unfolded was unbelievable to me.

I’ll never forget Virginia Congressman Tom Perriello’s warning about the potential escalation of violence. It came after a blogger mistakenly posted what they thought was his address online—it turned out to be his brother’s, where a gas line was cut. Less than a year later, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot in the head; she survived, but others did not. 2021 saw the tragic events of January 6. This past weekend, we sank even deeper.

Now, it’s time to pull ourselves out. Easier said than done, but if all of us make small strides we have to believe it’ll help. 2024 can’t be a repeat of the 2016 presidential campaign. One that included chants to lock-up political opponents and accusations due to conspiracy theories. Some conspiracy theories that even resulted in the deaths of innocent bystanders. We can’t sink back into 2020 where obscenities were strewn all over yard signs, and former friends turned into enemies. Our children are watching us, and God willing, they have a safe and beautiful planet to inherit long after we’re gone.

We ask you to please, lower the temperature. Create a haven of harmony for our young ones (and those of us who need reassurance too) and let us be the beacon of hope that our country needs.

Scott