Originally Posted by
Chip
Living in Wyoming (roughly 80% voted for Trump) I'm surrounded by people who disagree with my politics quite strenuously. The guy who rents our former house nearby works at a weapons plant and wears t-shirts with slogans like SOCIALISM KILLS! Still, we've never had an argument, which has taken restraint on both sides. I see him as decent, if misguided, and respect him for it.
I vote my convictions, donate to candidates and causes I support, and tend mostly to associate with people who share my beliefs (tribal, perhaps). But we share more than just political affiliations. At times, I've been attacked for representing values other than those of Wyoming, to which I reply (with a grin) that I was born here. Where are you from? Nebraska? Texas? California?
The idea that living in a place means one has to adopt a slate of values and opinions that fit some vague concept is tribal in the extreme, but I see it a lot hereabouts. If I couldn't coexist with people who claim to hate me and all I represent, I wouldn't be able to survive.