Walking with a Republican

Jeff Bailey
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read
Jeff Bailey © 2017

My neighbor and I have a difference of political opinion but that is not a divide which causes conflict; while walking we share our views and most importantly we listen to each other. Frank turned 77 yesterday and that may explain why he’s been doggedly blaming the Democrats for the ongoing violent eruptions at hate rallies — not a term Frank would use — and the defacing of Civil War monuments. From where I stand, he’s officially a cranky old codger.

Our conversations hit may different topics; politics being the one topic I try to avoid. Our political views shine through, however, in how we express our various concerns, for instance, I think the health care provided to our politicians and their staff who serve as members of the congress and senate should be available to all Americans. Franks feels strongly that they should have the insurance options offered to the general public. I wonder if this position is purely out of spite.

We have known each other for a dozen years each of us making a concerted effort to connect at least during the holidays. Our walking together is a recent occurrence. In the past, I would visit Frank if Frank had previously visited me. Yes, I know how childish that sounds and as Frank put it so eloquently, “Good fences make good neighbors.” I revised that colloquialism to read, “Good stone walls, a road and a stand of pine make good neighbors.” because that is what lies between our two houses.

Frank strives to be fair to those he meets during the day and he is the first one to wave to the passing car, I like that about him. It is better to forge a superficial connection or extend a once of courtesy than to remain stoically restrained. Given time, Frank will have tried to converse with all who give it a chance. Although I think Franks positions are often cruel and unforgiving, he has been an unsuspecting teacher because I have learned to be impartial with an opposing view to mine.

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