It has long been known that the things you shouldn’t talk about in mixed company are politics or religion.

Ten years ago, if this were to happen, it would be a near certainty that it would lead down a path of debate, with some of that being spirited. However, today we as a nation are divided on so many levels that we simply cannot have an honest conversation or debate without it quickly turning to anger and, in some cases, all-out hatred. And, many times, this is with a family member.

Where did it all go so wrong? As a republic, we have simply become so intolerant to those with other political preferences and religions that it’s like the person broke into your home and stole the last quarter in the jar.

This has even spread to the highest levels of our government. While spirited debate has been an integral part of our democracy for over two centuries, it has now essentially been reduced to what equates to a spat on social media that includes name-calling and vile vitriol.

We must get back to the ability to discuss our issues and understand others viewpoints without it escalating to what likens to verbal violence.

Quite frankly, it is OK to disagree with one another.

As a nation, we are going down a dark and scary road where even the smallest differences will lead to huge problems. And what’s even scarier is that our children are watching and learning from our words and actions.