Friendship In The Time of Trump, Continued

Where I attempt reconciliation and get rebuffed

In February of 2018, I wrote about how my attempt to preserve a life-long friendship failed. In the last 21 months, I have spoken to her on Facebook messenger, encouraged by a friend who comes into play in this piece, mostly about Michigan football and the baseball team’s amazing run to the precipice of winning the College World Series.

I messaged her recently about Wisconsin’s blowout of Michigan a few weeks ago (hey, at least the Wolverines scored against them, better than Central and Michigan State did). And we chatted pleasantly until this came up:

“Sorry we can’t be FB friends. I have my political views you have yours. Just the way it is.”

My response went (mostly) like this:

“You know, that’s your choice, not mine. We’re not enemies. I tried mending fences. I’m friends with people of all political persuasions. You, of all people, should understand my fears and crap I put up with every damn day. After Obama won re-election, I was threatened on here, to the point where I had to call the police and the FBI. I’m sorry you feel this way. I still hope you can see your way clear one day.”

She then went on to say she’s a victim of age discrimination (of which I have no doubt) and that I don’t get it. She’s 59, not 29. I do, but that’s not the point. The point is that she ended a 43-year friendship over politics.