For politics - talk issues not red/blue.

One way to realize that people have much more in common than they don't - is to approach political issues, instead of politicians, as what you/they stand for and with. Let me give you some examples of what that can look like.

Do you support mental health training for people who focus on mental health care for veterans? If you do, then make sure the people that represent you know that, both when you vote - but also for when they take office. That means contacting the person and saying - I support (or I do not support) mental health care for veterans.

You have kept it a topic, you agree or disagree, and you want them to do something about it. You are paying attention, and it doesn't matter if you voted for them or not, because that is who represents you now, and you get to say - this IS or this is NOT important to me.

I support due process, (or I do not) due process is the legal right that says you are innocent until proven guilty, and the burden is on the prosecution to prove you are in fact, guilty.

And yes, you should still tell them, even if they are already for or against the position you agree with, because that gives them a stronger voice to say, hey my constituents, the people I represent, with my behavior, choices, and my votes want this. And yes that means your local city council, your local mayor, the county supervisors, the state elected officials, including the Gov, and those federal elected officials that we send to DC, and yes even the office of the President and Vice President.

Finally, that also gives you a way to post your politics, in a local way, that is not created from division or all the things, but one piece at a time, and no pretzel logic needed.

​For example, I DO support mental health training and mental health access for all of our veterans. These folks have served our country, served freedom, and I believe they have earned and deserve the very best health care, mind, and body. The current data shows we have 17.6 veterans die by suicide each day - to me, that alone is reason enough to support mental health training, intervention, and care. If you are struggling or in crisis, call or text 988, the National Crisis and Suicide Prevention hotline, or call 911.

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