This morning, I spent some time at the gym, which I try to do a few times each week. The stationary bike was my warmup next to two elderly gentlemen (I know I am elderly, but not as much as they are) who began to discuss the election. They talked about how Trump is going to fix this mess. One mentioned that Trump will put these socialists in jail where they belong. The other said that the woman doesn’t know how to be president. I just kept peddling. Then the man nearest me asked me how I would vote. I wish he hadn’t done that. So I told him. My vote will be for the Harris/Waltz ticket. Why. They actually know what they are talking about and Trump doesn’t. They respect the rule of law and Trump doesn’t. Both care about and have plans to help veterans, like you two, to get the services they need. And, she is more qualified than any candidate we have had for a few elections. I respect your right to see things differently than I do but I cannot agree with you.
After that I was treated to a recitation of his accomplishments, mostly false, and reminded that he is a Christian man, definitely false, and that the economy was better under Trump. So there being no point in trying to educate them I just smiled and said, “Okay. We disagree. But have a good day.” I moved on to the rowing machine.
Thankfully not all elderly men are cult members. A much older, almost 100, gentlemen who works out regularly and who often walks beside me on the treadmill while we talk came in as I was finishing up and asked how things are going. I mentioned that politics was getting in my way again and he laughed. “Oh, you mean those two? They were dumb asses when we were in high school and as far as I can tell haven’t learned a damn thing since.” He made my day, as he often has before. I decided to walk a bit longer and we had a good visit and a few laughs.
Maybe I forgot one of the things my dad taught me. That we should not waste time with idiots.
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