Doesn't it usually descend into what Jan Struther's Mrs. Minerva called "tedious and unprofitable discussion. Tedious because neither side possesses any currency but cliches, and unprofitable because it was clear from the outset that neither side was going to budge an inch."
Mrs. Minerva would not be drawn in. Civilized conversation about a wide variety of subjects she would have enjoyed, even political ones, but how do you keep it civilized with respect on each side? You tell me and we'll both know.
He discovered--or confirmed--that she had humor and originality;
she saw reason in views which she did not share--a rare virtue this!
D.E. Stevenson's 1938 Smouldering Fire
Robert Louis Stevenson's cousin, D.E. Stevenson's books have long been my comfort books when worries crowd into my mind when I put my head on the pillow at night. I have about 28 of them, mostly in paperback. The title of the above book, Smouldering Fire, sounds as if it would be a "romance" book but it isn't, except in a very gentle fashion. Note the "u" in humour and smouldering that the Brits use but we Americans do not. I wonder why? I like that extra "u" and I like to sit down and have a reasonable discussion with people who have different views from mine. Mary Matalin and James Carville manage it...don't they?
But I will be so glad when this election is over. Will you?
Go Vote on Tuesday!
So glad ... not one of the 10 billion ads I've seen in the past few months will determine how I vote. So glad when it's over!
ReplyDeleteNot long now! And then to enjoy November while it's here.
DeleteSoooooo glad. Love the video of the cute little girl crying because she is sick of Bronco and Romney. I feel like crying, not really. My husband and I cancel out each other's vote. I will be thrilled come Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen that one. We cancelled each other's out last year and you would have thought I had committed a crime. I decided then that no one would know how I vote in the future!
DeleteRemember republicans vote on the 6th. and the democrats vote on the 7th. lol
ReplyDeleteNow Gurn............
DeleteWell, thankfully, my husband and I agree politically. I'm just going to say it, though it makes everyone nervous in Blogland. We are proud Democrats. Makes for a much more relaxed household. Though I will be nervous tomorrow and into Wednesday! Yes, I will be happy when this is all over!
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Claudia
Hi Claudia, that would make for a serene home. I hope that not everyone gets nervous in Blogland, surely we should be better than that. Do we really want all of our friends to be just alike? Where's the fun there? I follow blogs that sometimes reveal they are either far right or far left. I read them, as I do others, for their passion for their homes, families, pets, cooking, gardening, reading, etc.
DeleteWell Dewena, it is over. Thank goodness. Somehow this country should be able to elect a president without spending 6 billion dollars, especially with what that money could have done to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth? Would a 6-yr, one term presidency help? It would at least put off for a couple of years the upheaval maybe. I just want those affected by Hurricane Sandy and the cold and snow to be able to get back to normality as soon as they can. I know for many it will be a long process.
DeleteLottie, I tried to comment on your blog again but that killer robot test proves I must be one. My eyes just don't pass the test! Wanted to let you know though that I read your Christmas do list back in 2010 and love it.
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