How do ideological opponents remain in close personal relationships with their foes?

2016-02-22T15:11:03-05:00

Wouldn't it be valuable to know how to maintain close relationships with those who oppose you? Those who hold dear those things you fight against? Look at Justices Ginsburg and Scalia, one on the Left and the other on the Right, frequently locked in intense ideological battles, and yet the closest of friends. Then we have the example of Ronald Reagan who as President was able to maintain a productive working relationship with then Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill despite the ideological abyss that separated them.

Would that I could emulate their success. Wouldn't you like to achieve it. I'll admit that I haven't. I lead with my chin into every squabble. How about you?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-02-22T15:13:59-05:00

Isn't this what it is all about? Being able to have a civil discourse when we disagree.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Feb 22 at 2016 3:14 PM

2016-02-22T15:14:11-05:00

Too bad that she didn't learn from him.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 22 at 2016 3:20 PM

2016-02-22T15:20:17-05:00

That happens every day in Congress CPT Jack Durish. Politicians of all stripes who speak out publicly at press conferences against the ideas and policies of their opponents. Yet behind closed doors they are friendly with their opposites much of the time.
After all each one of us is part of humanity and we share much in common such as families, musical tastes, etc.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 22 at 2016 3:30 PM

2016-02-22T15:30:40-05:00

Just because I don't agree about a specific issue (or set of issues) doesn't mean there aren't other things I do like about the person.

Although we look at the SCOTUS as a "divided Court" (5/4), in many cases they voted together:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_term_opinions_of_the_Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_term_opinions_of_the_Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_term_opinions_of_the_Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States

It's hard to do an actual breakdown because 9 people, but they tended to agree more than they disagreed in "general." Furthermore, they both obviously love(d) the Law, even if they have nuanced disagreements about its Interpretation.

To take this argument to the "absurd," I despise peas. Can't stand it. Won't eat it. My wife likes them. I still love her though... even if she does eat peas....bleh.

2015 term opinions of the Supreme Court of the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2015 term of the Supreme Court of the United States began October 5, 2015 and will conclude October 2, 2016. The table below illustrates which opinion was filed by each justice in each case and which justices joined each opinion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 3:46 PM

2016-02-22T15:46:18-05:00

The fact that the cameras/microphones turn off, the commentators/pundits stop talking, and politics left behind wherever.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-02-22T16:06:56-05:00

I enjoy being around people who agree with my viewpoints. That being said, we rarely learn anything from these interactions beyond the benign. These two you show are not only on different ends of the political spectrum, but they are also intellectuals who love debate. They love to argue. Not in a mean and angry kind of way, but in the original idea of the argument where two people have intelligent, logical debate on a topic. They may not agree, but the presence of an opponent makes you better. You have to enjoy argument over meaningful things. You must embrace your sparring partner as the person who shapes you into something useful and more intelligent. People who surround themselves with like minded people rarely grow the way these two have.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 22 at 2016 4:21 PM

2016-02-22T16:21:48-05:00

CPT Jack Durish Idealogical differences/attitudes - you havenoticed how dogs assumes the attitude of their mistresses or masters? Especially the dogs of belligerent dog owners.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 4:33 PM

2016-02-22T16:33:38-05:00

No matter how much I disagree with someone's opinion, unless they have earned disrespect, I will respect them as a person. That is the key to treating people fairly and to avoiding hateful relationships.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 4:33 PM

2016-02-22T16:33:56-05:00

At the presidential and congressional level it required moderation. Ideological purity and a refusal to compromise makes governing impossible.

On the court (or in any court) it is easy. The judge or judges rule, and then we go have a drink. Most of my best friends in my local criminal court are on the opposite side of the courtroom.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Feb 22 at 2016 5:18 PM

2016-02-22T17:18:24-05:00

Whether it be a peer or enemy nothing pushes you better than competition.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 22 at 2016 5:36 PM

2016-02-22T17:36:12-05:00

Mutual Respect

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 22 at 2016 7:10 PM

2016-02-22T19:10:52-05:00

There's a difference between how one looks at the world which drive their logic and matters of the heart which people find common joy in. Ruth and Nino kept the first at work and the second for play. And they did both robustly and with respect.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 22 at 2016 9:21 PM

2016-02-22T21:21:56-05:00

CPT Jack Durish - Remember that saying: "Keep your friends close ...and your enemies closer"?

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 7:23 AM

2016-02-23T07:23:00-05:00

first of all .... they are not foes toward each other. (this should be enough to explain) but I will keep go.

As American grow apart, people can no longer allow different opinion to exit ... and therefore ... the American experiment ... die.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Feb 23 at 2016 1:29 PM

2016-02-23T13:29:02-05:00

CPT Jack Durish That is the way it should be in a perfect world. People representing vastly diverse populations with vastly diverse ideologies come together to conduct the business of the nation. It has devolved from that lofty ideal to poop flinging monkeys trying to avoid the splatter.