A viral video of a young woman trashing her deceased father at his funeral as “racist” and “misogynistic,” apparently just for supporting former President Donald Trump, serves as a cautionary tale of why political divisions should not be used against one’s own family.
This Thanksgiving and Christmas, people will gather around the table with family and friends who have different political beliefs.
NUMBER OF TRAVELERS OVER THANKSGIVING WEEKEND TO ALMOST REACH PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS
Meals and gatherings will take place just weeks after a midterm election, and with at least one declared presidential candidate for 2024 already, it is understandable that politics might come up in conversation. Do not be like the girl in the video; do not let politics ruin your holidays or your family.
Family is more important than politics, and it seems safe to assume that if someone is at your holiday, they are at least close enough to you that ruining a relationship over a political dispute is not worth it.
Aunt Sally may have some kooky ideas about banning oil and gas and running the whole economy on solar, wind, and the hopes and dreams of future generations, but her beliefs do not necessitate flipping the table and splattering mashed potatoes.
Same for Cousin Eddie and his strong opinions about who is really running the White House. If you feel tempted to interject, stuff some cranberries in your mouth for a few minutes, and the urge may pass.
One day, Aunt Sally and Cousin Eddie will die, and it would not be enjoyable to have on your conscience how you totally owned them with facts and logic at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
There are, however, times when it would be appropriate to respond to what may seem to be a political issue but could have broader implications for your loved ones. Abortion and transgenderism would be two such examples.
A sibling or cousin who expresses support for the legality of abortion could one day choose to end the human life of a preborn baby. Now would be an appropriate time to make the case politely but firmly for choosing life in all circumstances and mention the numerous resources available to help pregnant women and their families.
The same would go for transgenderism — a strong but loving statement about the need to address gender dysphoria as a mental health issue, fixed with counseling and prayer, not drugs and surgeries, could help save someone’s life from ruin.
The same cannot be said about someone’s comment about climate change, taxing the rich, or spending more money on public schools. The person next to you at the dinner table does not even likely have any power to make those policies become reality on his or her own. Aunt Sally is not going to harm her life if she attends a climate change or Bernie Sanders rally; it is OK to let this one go.
When it comes to politics this Thanksgiving, be prudent and remember that family should come first.
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Matt Lamb is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. He is an associate editor for the College Fix and has previously worked for Students for Life of America and Turning Point USA.
