I've always found it kind of odd that here I am, some sort of wishy-washy demo-liberal-conservative and my family ranges the rest of the politcial spectrum. My sister Kate is a complete raving liberal type and Sister Hilly is actually fairly conservative. My mom is a stauch Republican and my dad doesn't give a crap one way or the other since the world isn't important and is coming to an end anyway.
I've noticed that people I hang out with all have different viewpoints too. Liberal, Conservative, Democrat, Republican, Independant. The thing they've all got in common is their common sense. The ladies are independant - they may not know how to change a tire but at least they are willing to try, for example. The men are thoughtful - they may not agree with you about things but they respect your opinion and are willing to change their mind if you have a good argument with reasons to back it up.
The people I can never seem to get along with are those with their minds stored in airtight plastic ware. "So-and-so said it was that way, so it must be true..." or "That's what I saw one guy do, everyone else must do that too...." Doh. They don't want any rational discourse, they don't want to discuss anything, "That is just how it is..." Whatever. It is so frustrating to have conversations with these people and being in retail, I run into all types. How do people survive with that mentality?
"A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side." - Aristotle
