My mother was a liberal Democrat and my uncle, her brother, [View all]

Last edited Tue Jun 23, 2026, 09:47 AM - Edit history (1)

is a conservative Republican. You can imagine what fireworks flew every time the two of them got within two feet of each other. I wondered how two siblings, from the same background and class (first generation American) could have two such extreme opposing viewpoints. I once asked my mother how she became a Democrat and she said "a boyfriend." Boy was that a let-down. I thought she had had an epiphany but no, she was influenced by a boyfriend.

It's all good though because she instilled in me a sense of justice, fairness, equality and all the ideals that we Democrats stand for, so thanks, Mom!

My uncle, on the other hand, can't be reasoned with so I don't even try. I refuse to talk politics with him. That doesn't stop him from trying from time to time and you wouldn't believe some of the ignorant stuff he says. I don't take the bait, as hard as it may be. I just wait until he's finished and change the subject.