Live and Let Live???

Why do people change so much during election season, or, is this what they're really like and just fake it the rest of the time?

I have no problem having an intelligent discussion with anyone on just about any topic.  My understanding of an intelligent discussion is when two or more people talk about a specific subject, and they all bring up different points, opinions, and share these with each other.  You don't have to agree with all of it, but that's where the "intelligent" part comes to play.  It's alright to disagree with someone, and when that happens you usually say something like, "Hmmm, that's very interesting.  I don't agree but we can agree to disagree", or, "I've never heard that before, interesting."  No one is offended, no harm done, life goes on.  If a topic becomes offensive or uncomfortable for me to talk about, I'll probably excuse myself from the discussion by saying, "I'm really not comfortable talking about this", and just leave.

With my family, I'll usually just tell one of them to, "Shut it" or yell other things, have a tantrum and go into the other room.  That's how my brother's and I converse.  Generally, no one is offended, and it's all hugs and laughing in an hour or two.

Now that it's almost Election Day, more and more people are spewing hate like a good old fashioned "spit-take".  You remember, the old TV shows where Ricky takes a sip of coffee just as Lucy comes in the room doing her Lucy thing.  Ricky spits out the coffee all over the room.  People I've known for years, people I considered (notice the past tense) friends, people from church - they're all talking garbage about different candidates.  Some of my favorites:

*How can you vote for (fill in blank) and call yourself a Christian?
*(fill in candidate's name) wants to kill babies.
*Your so stupid for following (candidate) so blindly.
*She's a horrible person.  I heard it on the news.
*I'm sorry you plan to vote for (candidate).  I'm unfriending you from my Facebook.

Most of what people are posting on Facebook, and writing to the local papers about is just bits and pieces of words they've been able to pull together from the media and other people they've spoken with.  Add a picture and there ya' go - it now becomes a fact.  No, it's still bullcrap. 

If Governor Romney is a Mormon, who cares?  How is that going to affect me or his policies should he become President?  If anything, I appreciate the fact that he believes in a Higher Power to help him in his daily life.  If President Obama is a Muslim, (and I don't believe he is) who cares?  Same questions as before.  How's it going to affect me or his policies?

My point is, we don't know any of these candidates personally.  We know what the media says we know.  There are a few of us that try to read about it all from a few unbiased sources, but that is really hard to find.  I don't mind having a discussion about either one, or the issues, but don't threaten to kick my butt or pray for me because I have a different belief or opinion than you do.

Recently, I had a woman tell me the Democratic Party is just evil and God will get all of them for who they are and what they stand for.  On the subject of Homosexuality, though, she believes it's something that happens to someone and they can't help it.  "Live and let live."  So in politics, if you don't believe a certain way, you're going to hell.  In issues of morality, though, it's ok, you can't help it.  What am I missing here?

I'll never understand the hate.  Some of the Facebook posts out there are just horrible.  From both sides, not just one party or from one specific group. 

Once the election is over, after everything's been counted and the winners declared, I'll still feel the same way I do about who I voted for, and what issues were important to me.  I'll also remember the people with the hate and those relationships will end.  I don't need the negative energy in my life.  Oh I'm sure they'll be all, "happy happy joy joy" but they can do it without me.  I've seen their true selves and that's type of person is one I'll vote against every time.