Political peacemaking?

A couple of years ago, my wife and daughter told me that my words about politics were driving them bonkers. They said that I must not bring up any political topic when I was with them. Too much heat and too little light.

I have a friend who lives in Morris in Grundy County. Over the decades, he has followed federal and state politics closely and intelligently. In light of my wife’s and daughter’s plea, my friend and I decided to keep our political thoughts mostly to ourselves. We could do this if we would only send emails or make phone calls. Ground rules have been few. Over time, we generally do not seek to defend either Democratic or Republican policies. We look for what is good and helpful and decry what appears detrimental.

Being both septuagenarians, my friend and I have lived through several federal administrations in Washington, D.C., and a mix of different governorships in Illinois. Does age bring wisdom? Some would like to think it does. But one thing seems certain: beneficial governance is difficult; beneficial politics even more so.

I’d like to think that we are trying to seek a little peace by keeping our political discussions mainly among ourselves. My friend and I try to listen to both sides and not be swayed by whether or not someone is from a red or blue state or is a card-carrying Republican or Democrat. Remember that old song: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me?” Perhaps it’s worth singing these days.

William A. Decker

Des Plaines