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I think that it brings up an interesting topic. I know that I love to talk both politics and religion, but I really have to watch when and where. I happen to live in a predominantly (although begining to change) conservative state, both politically and religiously. I, however, am an agnostic democrat so I can really set a spark going. What I have learned, is that to keep things civil in situations where a real knock-down, drag-out is not appropriate, it is helpful to bring up a positive point for the opposition and then come back with a negative. "One thing I have to say, is that despite what everyone says, I don't think President Bush is stupid and I really believe he is doing what he thinks is right. My concern is that relies too heavily on advisors who apparently came to the White House determined to achieve certain goals regardless of the domestic or international situation." This type of statement has generally set the tone for the conversation and lets them know where I stand. It can denigrate, but if everything seems to be going south I always go with the "Listen I think we can agree to disagree on this one."
Sometimes it is hard for me not to get into political conversations, mainly because I grew up in a politically charged household where we did discuss these things at dinner. My mother was a staunch conservative and my dad a democartic activist - we grew up agruing about politics.
When do all think it is innapropriate to discuss these types of topics?
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Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
-Douglas Adams
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