Thomas Jefferson

According to reports, Senate Democrats are working on a resolution with Republican Senator Chuck Hagel that will criticize President Bush’s plan to send additional troops to Iraq. Thomas Jefferson was wary of political dissension, once writing:

“There are many who think that not to support the Executive is to abandon Government.”

In today’s political climate, not supporting the president is common, and the opposition often moves beyond government policies and into the realm of the personal. Jefferson argued that political incivility was something to be avoided, since it made it difficult for compromise and action to occur. He said:

“The passions are too high at present to be cooled in our day. You & I have formerly seen warm debates and high political passions. But gentlemen of different politics would then speak to each other, & separate the business of the senate from that of society. It is not so now. Men who have been intimate all their lives cross the streets to avoid meeting, & turn their heads another way, lest they should be obliged to touch their hat. This may do for young men, with whom passion is enjoyment. But it is afflicting to peaceable minds.”

Passions, particularly regarding the Iraq War, often run hot in today’s world, causing friction between political opponents and even among friends. Perhaps we should remember, as Jefferson urged, that it is possible to hold different opinions and still be friendly with our opponents.

Have you ever had an argument with a friend or family member because of different political opinions? Were you able, as Jefferson advocated, to remain civil? Or did the argument degenerate into name-calling and insults?