Today I had a conversation that I’ve been wishing for ever since the election last November. I was waiting in line with two women at a local shop. They might have been mother and daughter. The older woman wore a faded blue sweatshirt with the Stars and Stripes and “TRUMP” on the back. A circle of stars with the numbers 45 and 47 inside it was on the front of the shirt, providing the opportunity I have wanted: to engage with others who differ from me politically. How to begin? From the somewhat sour look on the older woman’s face, I was aware that our exchange needed to be civil and open, simply expressing curiousity and interest.
“May I ask you about the logo on your shirt? “
She nodded.
“Can you tell me what it stands for?”
In truth, I hadn’t been able to figure it out since it didn’t match any year or campaign slogan that was familiar.
“It’s for the two Trump presidencies, #45 and #47.”
“Oh, of course! And how do you think it’s going so far?”
“It’s good.”
“Okay. Is there anything in particular you’re glad about?”
Now the younger woman looked up from her phone and started paying attention. She answered, “They’re sealing the borders so that all those criminals can’t get in with their drugs, fentanyl and cocaine and everything. I have this client, an unhoused older man who I’ve been trying to get into an apartment. He can’t walk which means he can’t live in a shelter. It’s been impossible to find anything because criminals and migrants are taking up the spaces. I’ve been everywhere, for weeks, with no luck. and we’re desperate.”
“Wow, that must be awfully frustrating for you, and for him”
“It is, but now finally we have a chance with the borders closing.”
I reflected. While here was a woman who believes, unlike me, that the present administration is good for the country, she is also someone who is caring for one of “the least and the lost” members of our society. I can’t argue with that.
Just then, my name was called. I would have liked to continue our conversation, particularly as the older woman now wore a friendly smile. Instead, I told them I was glad to have talked with them. She responded, “You know, it’s good to have talks like this, even when we don’t agree.* We’re not enemies after all.”
“I’m with you, definitely. This is how we learn. Thanks for talking.”
And I stepped up to the service desk.
*An afterthought: During our conversation, I had never indicated my political preferences. Am I so obviously a progressive liberal Yankee? Hmmm. Worth pondering!
7 Responses
Bless you
These are the conversations that are so important to have. I congratulate you for jumping in with curiosity not immediate disapproval. Thanks fo sharing.
Right on! You both truly listened
to one another without judgement!
A lesson for me—-listen, no judging!
Thank you!
Thoughtful Polly as you would be. It is Lent, I want to be gracious on this topic but it is actually getting more difficult. Thanks as always for your thoughts and actions. Love
Good on you Polly. Many (like me perhaps) would upon spotting those numbers have frowned and kept lips tightly buttoned. Your example I shall try to follow in the future.
Well done Polly ! and well written. I ( we all) need more encounters like this one.
Thank for sharing.
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