I recently waded into a political discussion on my Facebook feed started by a very politically passionate relative who has many, many ultra-politically passionate “friends” of whom I know none of them. Anyway, I shared a differing POV with the participants and even tinged it with a little humor (at least what I thought to be humor). The hailstorm was unleashed. What had I done? No name calling, no slanderous comments, no one-upmanship; I just shared a different POV of how I saw the topic.

In Florida, the “Mean Season” is the mid- to late-Summer thunder storms that affect the state’s southern weather almost daily noted by huge downpours and lightning strikes. Political season could also be called the mean season. But I don’t remember it always being that way.

Now, many people who voice an opinion or point of view seem to be intolerant of anyone who doesn’t share that same view. Make a dissenting comment in response and you’ve instantly got an Army of haters lined up to shut you down –like a proverbial kicking in the teeth.

In this threaded discussion, or threaded tongue lashing, I simply tried to state I disagreed and was entitled to voice an opinion. That didn’t help. When I finally went mute, the others saw it as a victory and continued to pelt me with triumphant comments that my silence was an admission that I was wrong and they were right. I never thought anyone was going for a “win” in the discussion.

No wonder I see less political yard signs and bumper stickers today so as not to rile an opposing side. I read where many offices restrict political discussions from occurring in their workplaces so as “not to offend” fellow workers. Really? Offend?

Government is a representation of (all) the citizens it serves, and electing people into office is how citizens actively participate and influence that representative process. Government is not sports; it’s democracy.

So however, you plan to participate in this upcoming national election whether as a spectator or a player (note the sports analogy), there are levels of involvement you may want to consider as you navigate those waters. Just like a police officer who patrols Beverly Hills or South Bronx, your level of sensitivity will be affected by your surroundings. My advice? As Hill Street Blues’ Sgt. Phil Esterhaus (played by actor Michael Conrad) would always say as his trademark phrase at the conclusion of roll call: “Let’s be careful out there.”