By March Twisdale
“Please do not come to my house to clean. I can’t have someone in my home who supports this administration and the destruction of our democracy. I am not open to any discussion.”
This is the text I received two days after President Trump’s inauguration. To be clear, I worked for this woman for roughly four months, with zero problems, plenty of compliments, a few tips, and we had just confirmed the next three months of house-cleaning dates. I certainly NEVER brought up or discussed my political views or any controversial topics. I have no idea how she learned of my political leanings.
According to her text, I was fired because I voted differently than she did, and by doing so, I was apparently “supportive of the destruction of our democracy.” However, in my book, democracy is dismantled every time an American becomes accustomed to “casting out” their neighbor, sibling, co-worker, or friend over a difference of opinion.
I honestly value, treasure, desire and am deeply relieved by the diversity of thoughts, ideas, solutions, and opinions expressed across the spectrum of our melting pot society. It is through traveling the world that I have come to realize just how wonderful and rare it is to live in a country where so many different people live side-by-side, in peace.
To spend my day, engaging in commerce, conversation, trade, work and good neighborliness with people of all stripes – fits my definition of a strong democracy. And, it’s no surprise I think this way. My generation was raised on Sesame Street, Mister Rogers, and Schoolhouse Rock!
Of course, I fully support our right, as Americans, to decide who we do, and do not, want to hire. But, I have a question. Are we nurturing our democracy when we fire someone for their personal or political views? Especially if, over the previous months of employment, they’ve proven their ability to perform the work asked of them with a cheerful and positive attitude?
When I grew up, I learned that American democracy worked because a Republican wife and a Democrat husband could be happily married, in spite of their political differences. Myth or not, the idea was beautiful and I fully absorbed it as a child. The result? My friends come from every segment of society and, rather than making me uncomfortable, our ideological differences inspired my curiosity and appreciation for all sorts of insightful conversations.
If we want to “save our democracy,” do we not need to do it “together?” Is that not the very definition of “preserving” our diverse society? Do we not all have something of great value to offer? Yes, yes we do. But, we won’t discover what those gems are if we cannot restrain ourselves from leaping to assumptions based on the labels and stereotypes we assign to them.
Actions have consequences, and this is why there are laws and common cultural mores surrounding the idea of firing a person for their personal beliefs. In general, Americans know our lives are made better (not worse) by the uniqueness of the people around us. Vashon Islanders are of every faith imaginable, we have the greatest density of queer-identifying homeowners in Washington State, and we warmly welcome neighbors of many nationalities and backgrounds.
We are also very politically diverse. This might surprise you, but it’s true. And, it’s not a problem. How do I know this? Simple. Every day, when Islanders go into town for groceries, banking, coffee, pastries, pet trimming, laundry, the post office, and more – they are served, helped, educated, encouraged, and entertained by people who voted differently in November.
I speak up a lot about my own opinions, but when it comes to what other people tell me? Well, what goes in my ears rarely leaves my mouth. This is a life skill when you live in a small community, and this is how I know that Republicans and Democrats, Christians and Atheists, Vegans and Hunters, and Pro-Lifers and Pro-Choicers are all getting along quite well with one another, whether they realize it or not.
In other words, if you think you can’t work with someone based upon a difference at the ballot box, let me reassure you. You can! How do I know this? Because you’re already doing it.
