It's strange, politics is one of the few common areas for my family. We are the under-represented, Sojourner reading, Liberation Theology supporting Christian Left. The Christian Right wants any trace of critical thought or cultural relativism annihilated from the faith, and my liberal peers consider any admission to religion tantamount to declaring oneself a witch in Plymouth. So, short of a dinner party in a Jesuit Residence, the only comfortable forum for religious or political discussion in my world is my parent's dinner table. :)

I just want to say that this was a great episode to launch your site. My family is very mixed in their political stance. You've go the Republicans and the Democrats and the Crazies and those in between. It's hard for us to have a civilized conversation about politics so the topic is frequently avoided. My mom is very Liberal and my stepdad is very Republican, in order to keep from killing each other they cut political conversations very short. AND they both vote to cancel each other out. Heather, I just want you to know that there are liberal Mormons out there. I happen to be one of them, and love you. Thank goodness Obama won and we didn't have to flee the country. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Hello

Kudos to all of you for addressing this issue. I hate, hate, HATE politics, everything about it. No one can agree on it, so what's the point of talking about it with people when you can't even have a calm civil discussion? Sheesh! I am not a Republican or a Democrat and I didn't agree with any candidate chosen and could care less about what people are going to think of my opinion because when it comes to politics, that's when I stop talking. I'll change the subject faster than they can say "I'm right, you're wrong", know what i mean?

I know this is an old conversation, but I'm gonna post a comment anyway. Then I'm gonna go do something else because I've been on the computer way too long today. This topic is the whole reason I'm on momversations to begin with. I tried to talk about proposition 8 with my LDS family. Oooops! Then I brought up the topic of Heavenly Mother, that was my next blog. I'm not well liked anymore. :) I like hot topics. I like controversy. I think its fun, when you talk with others who think its fun too (especially when we disagree!) Maybe that makes me crazy. I'm here cuz I like to know I can actually say the word "bullshit," on occasion, in place of "I disagree" and it wont be taken so hard. That too.

Great topic. Something I struggle with all the time. My parents were very conservative growing up - but have become much more compassionate and liberal over the years. It helped that they live in Toronto where they got to meet all kinds of people. That challenged many of the uglier racist or sexist traditional beliefs they were taught when growing up. Experience counts. Unfortunately, the religious beliefs are harder to get unstuck. They are very much afraid of the wrath of god, and so are tend towards obedience. Luckily we tend to talk mostly about food when we all get together. So avoidance for the most part is our game. The other part is to placate the parents, because they won't change and it does no good - and they can get really mad. Of course, that wasn't great for me growing up to always keep mum - and for my opinions to count so little. Dealing with those issues now - lol. One thing that helps me is to try and respect the human - vs the opinion. I don't want to respect everyone's opinion - some opinions are dangerous. And yes - I think stupid. But if you respect the human, you will try not to be hurtful to them. Sometimes there is great cruelty in our words - in defense of our "ideas" we can really be shmoes to one another. Even violent. That's not cool either. If someone is agitated, why distress them further? I really felt for the woman who lived on the military base. It's stressful to always be attacked, or eyed suspiciously, or criticised like that. I keep moving closer and closer to less judgemental communities - and loving it. And I laugh a lot with like-minded friends. You need some kind of release or you will blow!

It's tough but I say if you treat people with respect I found that often they respond with respect. I don't shove my views down anyone's throat. When I was younger I felt a need to yell my opinions now I don't say anything unless i have something nice to say....

Heather, I think we have the exact same relatives (obvious LDS background and all). I was lucky enough to have some siblings "come out" and admit they were voting for Obama too, though. My Dad thinks we're all bound for hell (though he wouldn't use the term hell, being Mormon and all). I try to remember that it's best to avoid politics altogether with my father especially. Good luck, sister!

it's all about respect. i have my foundation and value base, you have yours. just because we disagree, doesn't mean you have to be rude and hateful. intolerance hurts!

What a timely topic. As a conservative, my mom holds the complete opposite viewpoints that I do, but she always hears me out without interrupting and it never gets too heated. My husband and I are always on the same page in regards to politics. On the other hand the person that I never, ever expected to debate politics, or at least so soon, with is my 13 year old bonus/step son. I voted no on Prop 8 (California proposition to ban gay marriage) and if he could vote, he said he'd vote yes. I do not know any same sex couples but I believe every person should have equal rights under the law and he believes marriage can only be between a man and a woman. I tried to explain to him the whole idea of separation of church and state to no avail. No amount of persuasion could change his mind. My heart is broken... www.highglossonline.com