Us Vs. Them - Politics and Life

As much as I am loathe to discuss politics anywhere, I find myself wanting to comment on it's insidious nature, as demonstrated by a recent gathering I hosted. Allow me to explain:

Recently, my partner and I offered to help a local friend and political candidate by hosting a meet and greet at our house. The objective, in my mind, was to introduce her to some of my friends and acquaintances and offer an opportunity to ask real questions in real time about the political process: hers in particular, and what she was planning to do should she win the election.

It all began quite nicely, I must say. Honest questions about directions she would take and honest answers, it would seem, about the reality of any one politician being able to do a lot in a short time. (Not likely, as I understand it.)

Then the subject changed to a local topic, namely a housing development in a small town in our area. Obviously a hot button issue, I quickly saw the group's energy polarize as one of the guests voiced questions in seeming opposition.

He was answered with statements like:

"Would you rather have 5 McMansions instead of dozens of homes, some of which would be affordable housing?"

The word NIMBYism was thrown about a few times.

And suddenly the room was tense, as this guest continued to ask questions - real questions, thought out, polite and brave, considering the majority of the room seemed to be in agreement to the contrary.

As for me, I certainly didn't feel comfortable voicing my opinions with these friends, as I found myself leaning towards those of the "enemy", as he was later referred to, though for different reasons which I needn't get into.

No, the reason for getting together was to ask and learn about the canidate, not to argue local politics. At least that is what I had been thinking.

But let's put all that aside for a moment and let me opine on what I think is really the problem:
The problem is that we keep expecting a politician to perform for our state or country what we can't even do with a living room full of friends, namely listen and be respectful. To gang up and jump on someone stating their concerns is NOT the way to behave, I am certain.

We don't all agree and that's the way it is. Now what?

For a group of people claiming to represent the little people, the have nots, the less fortunate... for those who decry the intolerance of others.... well, let me say that I saw little tolerance that evening.

Again, allow me to ask the question, "How and why do we expect politicians to do that which we cannot do ourselves?"

Me versus you. Us versus them. Poor versus rich. Gay versus straight. Democrat versus Republican... It's all selfish and bullshit.

We are all one people on one planet and the sooner we stop defending ourselves against each other, the sooner we will see problems diminish. The sooner we stop dividing ourselves among ourselves...

Needless to say, that is the last time I will offer to host anything political again, as it is clear that people weren't really there to learn anything, but rather to find support to further dig their heels in deeper in their beliefs.

But then again, this is just my opinion.