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Two weeks ago Max and Ed were interrupted during their caf discussions. The two disagree from “the get go” when they talk about politics. What they can agree on, however, is feeling victimized by forces beyond their control. Call it disrespect, arrogance, elitism; whatever. They feel pushed around by big government, big business, big money, big media, big pharma and big health care.
This week Max starts, only partially in jest.
“You know you insulted my religion last time, don’t you?”
Ed: “Oh? How so?”
Max: “You said that Jesus would be weeping about our President; not only about his policies but the man himself. In fact, it’s obvious that you hate just about everything about him.”
Ed: “Did you say hate? I don’t hate him or the people who support him. Never have hated him. But I am amazed at how you ignore what he does that seems so directly opposed to Christian teaching. And how the number of hate groups and hate crimes have increased since he has been in office.”
Max: (Rolls his eyes). Maybe you should pay less attention to all the ‘fake news.’”
Ed: “Max! Max! Hold on! I was just about to say something we could agree on. I think we have the kind of leadership we have now because so many people have had legitimate concerns about the way they are being treated. They want somebody who isn’t afraid to stick up for them.”
Max: “Nice theory, I suppose. There are about 60 million of us who have pretty much had it with the old party politics; top to bottom.“
Ed: “Bingo! I think there are probably a lot more than that. But my question is: do you really feel more secure now than you did three years ago? Safer? More respected?”
Max: “I just can’t see why we have to be told all the time about other people’s rights. And I’m tired of hearing about LGBTQRSTs and ethnic groups who complain they are being treated unfairly. We matter too, you know. Just because I want to defend my hard-earned place in America doesn’t mean I’m a racist, by the way. So stop thinking what you’re thinking.”
Ed: “What do you mean?”
Max: “I mean I don’t go around telling people they should go back to where they came from.”
Ed: “And civil rights are for everybody except people you don’t like? Who are the ‘we the people’ you are talking about, anyway?”
Max: “See? Now you’re insulting me again.”
Ed: “Sorry. Really. Sorry. I do get a little self righteous, I guess.”
Max: “Equal rights should apply to being able to pray when and where we want, for example. And protecting ourselves and our property. The right for everybody to be in charge of their own destiny. The rights spelled out in the U.S. Constitution.”
Ed: “You mean all those rights in the Constitution?”
Max: “Absolutely. Don’t tell me that we’re not entitled to ‘Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ now.”
Ed: “No, I won’t. But I’ll ask you again. All the rights spelled out in the Constitution? How is it that you are committed to just one of the rights?”
Max: “Because that happens to be what matters the most to me.”
Ed: “Oh. What about the right to life?”
Max: “That, too, of course. You’re trying to trap me! It’s absolutely sacred.”
Ed: “And the law is as clear as a bell? I don’t think so.”
Max: “Don’t go there.”
Ed: “I won’t. I know that’s important to you. It’s also extremely important to me, believe it or not. We just interpret some of these things differently and we’re not going to agree on everything. What I can’t figure out is how that trumps so many other things that matter to you these days. By the way, I still think you’re a good man, Max.”
Max: “Well, so are you, even though you are a _____.”
Ed: “Thanks…I guess.”
Max: “Want the rest of my donut?”
RICK BROOKS, from Princeton, is director of Midwest Partners, a nonprofit organization active in small business and civic affairs throughout Starved Rock Country. He can be reached at [email protected]
