From Dr. T:
I’ve been having interesting conversations lately. Here are the highlights:
Conversation with Mrs. M:
Me: Did you know that CNN was recently outed as having taken credit for influencing the 2020 elections through propaganda?
Mrs. M: Not surprised. I’ll bet MSNBC is just as bad.
Me: Do you believe everything you hear from your favorite networks?
Mrs. M: Mostly. Why would they lie? Trump was a liar. Now that he’s gone, everyone can play fair again.
Me: Do you think Biden is a good choice to lead this country?
Mrs. M: Sure is! Anything is better than Trump. Biden is so much nicer and because of his stutter, he has been treated unfairly by the right-wing press.
Me: What do you think about extremism?
Mrs. M: It’s all Trump’s fault. He created a hateful country and he should be held accountable for deaths and destruction.
Me: Do you believe the media has a responsibility for honesty?
Mrs. M: Yes.
Me: What are your thoughts on racism?
Mrs. M: White people need to stop being racist.
Me: Aren't you white?
Mrs. M: Yes, but I'm not racist.
Me: Are the police racist?
Mrs. M: Maybe a few.
Me: Do you believe in God?
Mrs. M: Yes.
Me: Any thoughts on the border crisis?
Mrs. M: There is no crisis- it’s Trump’s kids in cages carrying over. At least Biden cares about brown people.
Me: Would you give up half of your salary to aid illegal immigrants?
Mrs. M: That’s not my job. The government should take care of them.
Me: Do you own a gun?
Mrs. M: No, why would I?
Me: Thoughts on abortion?
Mrs. M: It’s fine. I’m uncomfortable with late term abortion but it isn’t my business.
Me: How do you feel about taking away student debt?
Mrs. M: Depends. Can the students afford to pay or not? Can their parents? Rich people should still pay but those in tough situations should get some relief.
Me: Do you have a political affiliation?
Mrs. M: Democrat
Me: Thank you.
Conversation with Mr. B:
Me: What networks do you get your information from?
Mr. B: Not Fox news. If I need a laugh, I’ll watch them for 5 minutes.
Me: What are your thoughts on guns?
Mr. B: No long rifles are necessary, and only one handgun per adult in a household. No need for more.
Me: How would that policy be enforced?
Mr. B: Tracking system and reporting efforts. People need to report on violators.
Me: Do you believe in God?
Mr. B: Yes, but I don’t like church-y people.
Me: What do you think about extremism?
Mr. B: It’s because of conservatives. They attacked the capitol and now we all have to suffer.
Me: What are your thoughts on abortion?
Mr. B: It’s a woman’s choice and conservatives need to keep their noses out of peoples’ business.
Me: What are your thoughts on racism?
Mr. B: Trump created the monster. White supremacy is bigger than ever and he should be held accountable.
Me: Do you think the police are racist?
Mr. B: Yes. They want to kill people of color and hide behind their badges.
Me: Do you know anyone who serves in the police force?
Mr. B: No.
Me: Do you think my uncle is a racist just because he is a police officer?
Mr. B: He was probably trained to be.
Me: That's hurtful and without evidence, but let's move on.
Me: Do you own a gun?
Mr. B: I have a handgun and that’s all anyone needs.
Me: What are your thoughts on the border crisis?
Mr. B: There is an issue because Trump kept kids in cages and separated families. This country must embrace brown people and not be racist like Trump and his followers.
Me: Who will pay for all of those immigrants?
Mr. B: It isn’t about money. It’s about doing the right thing.
Me: What do you think about free college for all?
Mr. B: Why not? Why do only rich white people get all the degrees? Access to college should be fair and making it free will do that.
Me: Do you have a political affiliation?
Mr. B: Anything against conservatism.
Me: Thank you
Conversation with Mr. J:
Me: Should your college debt be removed?
Mr. J: Yes. That’s why I wanted Bernie to win the election.
Me: Do you believe in God?
Mr. J: Nope. It’s a waste of time.
Me: What are your thoughts on the border crisis?
Mr. J: It isn’t fair for anyone. Trump is racist, but there is a problem for Americans living near the border. There has to be a better solution.
Me: What are your thoughts on universal health care?
Mr. J: Absolutely should be a thing.
Me: Do you have a political affiliation?
Mr. J: I lean liberal but have guns in my home.
Me: Thoughts on racism?
Mr. J: There is a problem in this country.
Me: Are police racist?
Mr. J: I think they profile people of color and display bias in that regard.
Me: Is Biden fit to run this country?
Mr. J: Probably not, but he’s better than Trump.
Me: Free college, yes or no?
Mr. J: That would be unfair to me since I still have debt. But if that debt was removed, then yes, offer free bachelors for everyone.
Me: Thoughts on abortion?
Mr. J: Not my lane. It’s a woman’s choice.
Me: Thank you
Conversation with Mrs. C:
Me: What are your thoughts on the border crisis?
Mrs. C: It is a mess. If people would focus on caring for people on both sides while maintaining border security, things wouldn’t be so bad. We need secure borders to protect our loved ones from trafficking and drugs.
Me: Do you have a political affiliation?
Mrs. C: I am conservative.
Me: Thoughts on abortion?
Mrs. C: New life is created at conception. Science proves that through individual DNA. Who am I to deny life to that creation?
Me: Thoughts on universal minimum wage?
Mrs. C: Not sure but I think it would hurt small businesses.
Me: What are your thoughts on racism?
Mrs. C: I think it is being used as a tool for political purpose. Some people will always be racist, but this country is not.
Me: Do you believe police are racist?
Mrs. C: No. Just like anything, there are outliers, but overall we need to support law enforcement.
Me: Do you have any guns?
Mrs. C: My husband and son have plenty. I want a conceal permit to protect myself, but I just haven’t done it yet.
Me: Thoughts on immigration?
Mrs. C: Use the door and follow the process.
Me: Do you believe in God?
Mrs. C: Yes.
Me: What are your thoughts on free college?
Mrs. C: You get what you pay for. Making it free diminishes its value and it will be worth nothing.
Me: Is Trump racist?
Mrs. C: I don’t think so.
Me: Is Biden fit to run this country?
Mrs. C: Not in the least. His family should be ashamed.
Me: What are your thoughts on universal health care?
Mrs. C: It could help so many people, but I know we would lose choice and quality. Not an easy answer.
Me: Thank you.
These are some of the conversations I’ve had this past month. It is helpful to understand where someone is coming from when asking those tough questions. It is also beneficial to seek to understand and not counter every opinion with your own. Who have you spoken to lately?
