Yes! The left and right can co-exist!

I love politics.  Election days are my Super Bowl.  I still remember the day (yes, there was a specific day) that I saw my political light. Aside from loving politics, I love to talk. I love a challenge. I love to learn. And I'm pretty bold.

When I was pregnant with "10" I stumbled upon a parenting discussion board with the goal in mind to converse with mommies at the same stages in their pregnancies as me.  Then I saw it.  A little niche in the forum contents that I knew was created just for me- a debate forum. Cue the trumpets. 
 
Diving right in, I could no longer be happy simply being a participant.  I had to become a moderator. In charge, right where I belong.  As if debating isn't challenging enough, I had a co-moderator, one with completely different political views as me.  Hold on to your hats, folks!  
 
This little northern California lovely gave me a run for my money, inspired me, pissed me off, made my cry (from laughing), made me cry (from hurting), lent me cause to keep trying, gossiped with me on the phone, and challenged me every chance she could.  She never once called me names because of my political views or ideas.  She was my friend.   
 
Time grew more valuable because there was less of it. Our children were growing up, and for those of you with older children, you know what I'm talking about.  You know what a carpool really means now.  You know because the mileage that used to tick slowly on your odometer suddenly appears to be powered by rocket fuel.  You really know what homework means now.  Hello? Algebra II?  Like you remember any of that crap! You have at least one of the following, or a variation thereof: The Practical Jokester, The Rebel, The Drama Queen, or The Bump on a Log. You have realized that life with a yound child really wasn't all that bad, and are praying (loudly) to the Almighty Savior for the adolescent phase to please, please, please be over. Now. 
 
At any rate, the debates dwindled down as our free time did.  But we've kept our online friendship up, every day, and likely always will.  From time to time I'll read debate forums and recognize just how nasty people can be with each other- the name calling, the personal attacks, the complete lack of composure and decorum.  It makes me queasy- ME of all people! I've got pretty thick political skin! But it also makes me thankful for my former co-moderator and our preference to see each other first as friends, moms, working women, doing the best we can in this fast-paced life.  Our end goals are nearly identical.  Our means are frequently different.  There's no reason to get ugly about it.
 
My point is that I believe politics don't have to become a vehicle to just be hateful to one another; most times just to feel better about your own positions.  Heated disagreements, sure, they will exist.  School yard bullying and name-calling? I'm right there with all of you other women who are turned off by politics and therefore just don't give a damn.  Hey, when your days involve attempts to rationalize with teenagers, who needs this other crap?  Really. I get it. 
 
Until the rest of the political world gets it, Nikki, my little San Fran Lib, you are the creme de la creme. You are on my mind today, and thought you should know it.
 
BTW, after all the hours of my adult life I've devoted to you, I should at least get flowers....