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[MIMIC]

I just met one of my dorm mate's new room mate and we just came back from eatin (just the two of us...just to get to know one another).

Anyways, we managed to slowly creep-up to the epitome of all heated political debates: Iraq.

He said something to the effect of it being irrelevant that the U.S. supplied Saddam with WMD (we were loosely discussing trial), after I said that Saddam could use that very argument to his advantage.

I asked myself, "Should we go at it on a later date, or should I tear this bastard a new one?" :lol Because he's a really nice guy and we have a lot in common (we both love Halo 2 ), and I didn't want to start a new friendship as being his political enemy.

So, in the end, the friendship outweighted the political scuffling....but I ended the topic by subtly hinting at the fact that that is a really damaging case for the U.S. (or something like that).

But it's weird...HE was the one that brought up the fact that the U.S. gave WMD to Saddam, but was quick to reject it as being relevent.

So, did I do a good thing?

 

[Zaptruder]

All other differences are superficial! If he doesn't rally under the same political banner, he's your enemy! TAKE THE NEAREST FORKE AND GUT HIM!

 

[videogamer]

No no bad thing. Keep in mind two categories:

1. Acquaintances (business,school)--be nice to them and keep it light. Hang out once in a while. They might end up calling you a "friend', but deep in your heart you know they are one of them. Dump the other side here.
2. Friends-- people you can emotionally invest in. Put people who can be trusted as allies. People who won't sign the petition for something you are vehemently against (and thus betray you).

Try not to bring up politics in either case, but if it ever does come up, you won't be hurt too much. If you haven't separated people like this, I suggest that you start purging.

 

[Die Squirrel Die]

Nah you were right not to delve deeper. I find it hard to imagine that you could skirt around other political issues without him getting an idea of where you are on matters. And if you are trying to be friends with this guy (and ina genuine way from the sound of it).

The most I would have done would be to let him know you disagree, but leave it at that. Don't start a confrontation, and don't try to tear his opinion down straight away.

 

[Chony]

I have found out that people are so deeply imbued in their political affiliations, no amount of facts, logic or arguments will sway them away.*

*talking from experience

 

[AntoneM]

I don't know, one of my dearest friends and I are political opposites. It's pretty cool to have someone who you can let it all out with and they won't hate you after, also it keeps your agruments shap and makes you more interested in the subject, if only to one-up them later.