Earlier this week, I read a post on The Odyssey entitled "From The Friend You Lost When Our President Won." The article itself was written beautifully, but the comments on the post were the main motivation for this article. Most of the comments stated things like 'if a friendship can be so easily ruined by a political debate then it wasn't a strong enough friendship in the first place'.
Now, I enjoy a healthy debate. Even when I passionately disagree with someone, I appreciate hearing their side of the story. It helps me understand other perspectives, and allows me to see the world from a broader viewpoint. However, this enlightenment doesn't just broaden my view of the world; it broadens my overall view of the other person.
You only feel passionate about something if it is a root part of what makes you 'you.' That's not something that is just bestowed on you by a political party; that's something that you feel is important to you, which then plays a role in the party you choose. Choosing a political party is a personal decision, and is only made once you find the party that most aligns with your own unique beliefs.
However, by picking the party who wouldn't let me or my friends marry someone of the same sex, your beliefs attempt to invalidate mine.
By picking the party that won't give me access to basic women's healthcare, your beliefs attempt to invalidate mine.
By picking the party that tends to align with racist ideas or practices, your beliefs attempt to invalidate mine.
Don't think this is an attack on the Republican establishment; it's not. You have every right to believe whatever suits your fancy, and it's totally normal for there to be contradictions in the beliefs of two different individuals. However, when your beliefs are structured in a way that destroys my own core values, then there's no way I can feel comfortable around you. If you suddenly find yourself no longer on my friend's list after this election, then know it's not because of who you voted for-- it's because of why.
If you ever want to sit and have a nice, healthy debate with me, then come on over. I'll brew a pot of coffee while I'm waiting. But if you expect me to feel comfortable around you, knowing your beliefs destroy who I am as a person, then you are sorely mistaken.