It has long been said that both religion and politics are best avoided when people of good manners communicate with one another. They both tend to stir passions and they are unlikely to reach resolution by the application of logic. Many of the wars that have engulfed nations and led to unspeakable acts have been generated by either religion or politics being enforced by the power of a military weapon.
America is riven by a deep political divide. The form of government chosen to hold office has been decided by the anonymity of ordinary citizens casing their vote in secret behind a screen and dropping it in a ballot box. The will of the majority applies and they get to reinforce that choice at regular intervals.
The same sex marriage issue introduced a new trend. Those opposed to same sex nuptials declined to supply services like flowers or a wedding cake as their act of protest and this became an issue with the anti discrimination crowd. The legality of withholding a service because of opposition to whatever it will be applied broke new legal ground.
Now that same issue has devolved to the personal level. To be associated with politics now seems to be a reason for that person to be denied personal service. That opens an ever widening gap of frightening dimensions.
The victim was the woman who draws her payroll as the press secretary for President Trump. It seems that she walked into the Red Hen farm to table restaurant in rural Virginia and was recognised by the chef because of her role of making announcements on television. The restaurant owner who resides nearby and had strong anti-Trump feelings immediately drove to this twenty-six seat restaurant and asked Sarah Huckabee Sanders to leave. This owner commented that " the restaurant has certain standards that I feel it has to uphold, such as honesty and compassion and co-operation. I said ' I'd like to ask you to leave ' ".
This raises a whole new political schism that could rock the nation. Love him or hate him - Donald Trump won the presidential election and is now the legitimate president of the country. In November he will face the mid term election. Will we see those wearing " Make America Great " caps be ordered out of restaurants or off public transport ? Will we see " Vote Democrat " badge holders suffer a similar fate where the opposite opinion holder is the service provider ?
Such extremity could be condoned under the " only in America " label but we would be wise to keep politics in Australia firmly shackled to the ballot box. Taxation reform and immigration are both emotive issues which invite deeply divisive views. This personal political rancour is territory we don't want to tread !
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