Peaches and Politics

Two of my newest friends are Socialists.  At nearly sixty you would think I'd understand what that means.  I always believed that all Socialists were next in line to being Communists.  I thought their only goal was to sacrifice the good of the many for the few.  I expected, unreasonably, that they were all agnostics at best.  I expected arguing instead of discussion.  Wouldn't you think, after months of self-therapy, that I would have learned to leave the titles behind, to accept them for themselves instead of pigeon-holing.  You can't judge the peaches by the label.

As it turns out, John (and his friend Greg, too--he wanted his name in print) isn't such a bad guy.  He obviously shares my faith.  He will put blame where blame is due instead of heaving it willy-nilly on conservatives. He is witty, has a silly sense of humor and plays a mean game of Scrabble.  He seems to accept teasing good-naturedly and will throw it back if he's quick enough.  We are different politically, of different genders, of different coasts.  It doesn't matter.

There's a lesson here somewhere.

Peaches come packed in water, light syrup, heavy syrup or juice. They are halved, sliced, diced and mixed with other fruits. They are generic, store brand or famous labels like Del Monte or Libby.  Some are freestone, some cling.  Occasionally you will find a bruise or piece of pit.  Rarely would you find a toxic peach.  One thing in common, only one.  They all come from trees.

Now imagine that the peaches are people.  We are different politically and socially.  We are of different genders and religions.  We were all born. We will all die.  We are all branches of the same tree.

I asked John what he believes so that I could understand.  I'm sure he will defend his beliefs just as I will defend mine.  We may argue the fine points.  We will agree to disagree.

I have spent many years wrong about many things.  Now I have reached a point where I can admit that freely.  I am open to other views of politics, faith and life.  I am no longer afraid that another's views will compromise my own.  Discussion isn't argument, it is learning.

There are so many kinds of peaches. Of course I have my favorites (Albertas, in case you wondered), but if I don't sample the others how will I know what they are like?

I am like a sponge these days, soaking up as many friends as I can, as much knowledge as I can comprehend, all the love and experiences the universe has to offer.  I want it all, and I want it now.