Detroit Free Press: Friends, family ease tension over politics

[marmar]

Friends, family ease tension over politics
Mutual respect trumps differences
BY JOHN GALLAGHER and MARGARITA BAUZA • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS • October 26, 2008


Laurie Arora is a staunch Barack Obama supporter, but she's also a good neighbor.

That's why Arora returned her neighbor Mary Beth Garvey's lawn sign for John McCain when it recently blew into her yard.

"My handyman picked it up, and he's a Democrat, and he said to me, "Here, why don't you throw it away?' " said Arora of Grosse Pointe Park. "And I said, 'I can't, it's my neighbor's.' "

The gesture gave a clue into how millions of Americans handle political disputes without the vitriol often seen in political campaigns. In a nation split nearly evenly between left and right, many people -- spouses, friends, in-laws, coworkers and neighbors -- tolerate beliefs they normally abhor.

Mutual respect helps. So does a desire to maintain emotional ties beyond the election. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.freep.com/article/20081026/NEWS15/810260396