Gregory Graf talking to me about extremes in Republican politics felt like nailing jellies to the wall. When you believe that something is firmly in your grasp, suddenly it moves off to another side. We’ll dive right in. With Gregory Graf we can find out more.
Greg was the first to throw a curveball. He thinks that the term “extremism’ is overused. According to his view, being consistent in your views on free markets and small government is not being extremist; rather it is being consistent. The same as calling someone a breakfast addict because they do it every day.
It gets really spicy here. Our little journey down memory lane revealed that the heroes of today are yesterday’s extremists. Do you remember the days when being a female and wanting to vote was considered radical? Did you remember when fighting to protect civil rights got you put on FBI Watchlist? Greg suggested that perhaps what is considered “extreme today” could be the common sense of tomorrow.
The nostalgia was too much for me. It’s all very well to reminisce, but you can’t ignore the “elephant in the room” – or, should I say the extremes of the party. Spouting hatred and encouraging violence are two different things.
Greg nodded, but was also quick to defend himself. He felt that painting all of the GOP under the same extreme brush just because there were a couple bad apples, was unfair. I’d liken it to blaming everyone for the bad karaoke “Bohemian Rhapsody,” performed by your uncle.
After that, we went into the murky world of media portrayal. Greg believed the media was unfair to conservative voices, creating mountains from molehills.
Now, how can we solve this problem? Greg suggested that chinwags between the parties could be a way to help heal divides. Then he urged GOP leaders not to let extremists in the country – they should be shown the door, before the turn it into a circus.
It didn’t bring world peace to an end or resolve the issue of how bipartisans could agree on pizzas toppings. (Seriously? Why is pineapple divisive?) Our chat did reveal something crucial: extremes aren’t quite as black and white as we might like them to be.
While there are clearly defined lines, hate speech and violent acts are unacceptable, understanding the perspective of others is key. From afar it may appear that someone is holding fast to their beliefs (or even their daily breakfast).
When we finished our chat with Gregory Graf, I learned something. Politics are messy. Like trying-to-eat-a-sloppy-joe-on-a-rollercoaster messy. However, discussing it even when you disagree can help us get rid of the mess.
The key is to give these people a medal in the shape of a key or promise that we won’t giggle when they arrive with dozens of tools and a belt full. Give them a key medal, or make a promise that you won’t giggle when they return with their mystery tool belt.