Arguing about politics with strangers in old-time Phoenix


In a long life, I've never argued about politics. I have discussed politics, but only with people that I trust. There's a subtle but well-marked difference between arguing with strangers and discussing things with friends, and if you don't know the difference, you'd be wise to just stay quiet, and say nothing. Arguing with strangers about politics is extremely dangerous, and it always has been. Let's time-travel back to old-time Phoenix.

By the way, by "politics" I mean what usually springs to mind, which is elected officials, or nominees for office, that sort of thing. I know that politics has a wider meaning, but right now we're going to argue with strangers about whether the Sheriff should be re-elected.

It's 1914 and I'm going to argue with strangers about the incumbent Sheriff, Jeff Adams. From the careful research I've done on him, by glancing briefly at an ad in the paper, "He has made good". That's good enough for me! Barkeep! Two more fingers of whiskey, neat, if you please! Yes, I've already had quite a few, and it's only 12:40 in the afternoon, but I got started early. In fact, I've been drinking all night!

What? Who? No, I won't vote for him, I'm'a gonna vote for Jeff Adams! Yes, Jeff Adams! He hash made good! Are you poking fun of the way I talk? Your candidate? Never heard of him!

Oh yeah? Oh yeah? Well, I dare ya.... ooof!

Most of the arguments I've heard about politics have sounded like that. And since I never really wanted to get a punch in the nose, I tread cautiously. On the other hand, I do like to hear different points of view, and have done so all of my life. I can tell just about right away if someone has information that they want to share in an intelligent way, or if they just want to argue. If they want to argue, I remember how much I don't want a broken nose, or broken knuckles (if I'm lucky) and turn away. I do not argue.

But I like talking to people about everything, from politics to religion. I've known very few people who do that, which is called being "intellectually curious", and most people don't trust me. But for people who do trust me, it's been wonderful, and continues to be for me. I didn't "drop anchor" on my opinions when I was a kid, or a teenager, based on whatever I learned from my parents, or my teachers. I took it, and sifted it, and added more information, and refined it as I aged. I was very fortunate to have a friend in high school who taught me how to do this, which is a type of intellectual sparing. Points are made, deflected, and often get home. The proper response to this is "touché", or of course "You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny", then the discussion is over.

Thank you for arguing about politics with strangers with me in old-time Phoenix!
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