You will disagree with my Politics

I am a political man. I have an opinion about the role of government and how that affects markets. I appreciate the Constitution, the intentions of the framers and what it all means for US citizens today. The way I vote is related to how I think policy should be created both at home and abroad. More than likely, somewhere down the line,  you will disagree with me.And I am okay with that.I also LOVE talking and debating and arguing politics. In fact, people who are willing to engage a long, intellectually challenging and loud conversation with me on the day's political news quickly become some of my closest friends. Sometimes I am on my game. And other times (like this past Sunday in the Children's Ministry Office), I can not get my thoughts out and I lose the conversation. Regardless, I LOVE it -- the push back and the passionate exchange that happens when a good political argument gets going makes me LOVE MY LIFE x 1000.I know a lot of people do not love politics.The part I do not like is when political differences creates relational distance. To avoid an argument, many work really hard at not bringing it up. Many people refuse to talk about it publicly. And for some, this method works. But avoiding political conversations for the sake of harmony is actually false harmony, at least for those who are passionate about the way things work in our country. In my opinion, avoiding political conversations for the sake of harmony indicates just how fragile nature of our relationships that comes with an inability to be honest about what we think.And they do not have to be.Yes...politics drives many of us crazy. And often these conversations include personal jabs that are unnecessary. When people get into heated debate, they often make offensive statements that cause real pain. It all comes with the territory and it is an area that I for one am always working on. But aren't we all? The same thing happens over sports...but that is not going away any time soon (keeping our fingers crossed).So when I start tweeting my politics, don't go defriending me on Facebook. For goodness sake, send me a message and argue hard. Bring your best thoughts and your thickest skin. I bet we will find an even deeper appreciation for each other. And when you lose (and you will), offer to buy lunch so we can talk about all the other things that matter in our lives. Trust me, I will probably do the same when I lose (which does not happen unless you are Scott Coleman or Richy Diaz).The proof that you and I are really close is that we can have a passionate debate about the Republican primary , then go have a good plate of sushi...all in the context of a strong, dynamic friendship. #mypolitics