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Politics and social media don’t always mix

Politics can be a divisive aspect of any culture. It is a cornerstone of governments, with groups formed and people taking sides all in the hope of sending the nation in the direction they feel would be best.

In the early days of our country, those often overly romanticized but which never really lived up to our thoughts, there were many political debates.

Arguments included topics of the type of government, how powers would be divided, slavery, military concerns and much more. There were long days and nights, and people didn’t always get along. In fact, there were some of our Founding Fathers who downright hated each other, but they understood the goals before them and they eventually reached a compromise.

We have many of the same debates today, with those we elect set to discuss the topics of concern. They don’t always get along, either. Some would argue whether they would ever be willing to compromise in order to do what this country really needs.

Those debates aren’t limited to the great halls of Washington, D.C., or Charleston, or Columbus, or Harrisburg.

They also take place in the streets and homes of every community. Neighborhoods and families don’t always see eye-to-eye.

Personally, I have developed a rule to stay away from political discussions. It’s partially as a result of this job, where I do end up interacting with some of those involved in the system, and partially because I really don’t want to deal with the headache of a debate.

I’ve even been known to leave the room when two or more coworkers get into a spirited discussion over the topics of the day. I simply prefer not to get pulled into it.

I have my opinions, they have theirs.

The political debate, though, has been taken to new levels with the advent of social media.

Whatever the platform, social media provides new avenues to express ourselves, and that includes politics.

I see if often on my Facebook timeline and through my Twitter feed. I’ll even glimpse the occasional political post on Instagram.

According to an article which appeared in this newspaper Saturday, Facebook reported there were 4 billion political posts on the network through Aug. 1.

It doesn’t matter if it is Democrat, Republican or other, there is not a day I don’t see some kind of post, and sometimes it does get messy.

There are even friends and family who bash the media coverage as part of their various rants.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so I do my best not to let it get to me. It’s difficult, but I do my best.

Some, however, take it personally, and it has led to the dissolution of relationships.

There are those who unfriend anyone who posts something related to the presidential election. Some have even shut down their account entirely.

I have seen postings where people insult each other just because of their candidate choice.

The Internet makes us all feel as if we have more freedom to express ourselves, but those words also are out there forever. Unlike regular arguments, social media also invites others to get involved, which can only add to the problem.

This is definitely a divisive election year, and there are still a few months remaining.

Discussion of those aspects which affect our nation is good. It can be healthy, as long as it is civil.

But, like anything, discussions can get out of hand. There is name calling, personal attacks, hurt feelings and much more.

When we are passionate about something, we sometimes go too far, and that is something we all have to watch more carefully.

There are going to be arguments and debates, but at the end of the day, we should also think about what is more important. Is it a political party and candidate, or those who have actually been a part of our day-to-day lives?

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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