Politics on the Camino

[AnnaWalks123]

Hello fellow pilgrims!

I am loath to even write the question, because I would sooner never speak of politics ever again! However.... I DO live in Washington DC, which, on my last Camino did lend itself to MANY people asking my opinion of Donald Trump. I shan't go into my opinion one way or another on American politics, as I am happily able to listen to others opinions, appreciate their perspective and see it as a learning experience, and not get mad/defensive.

However, this May, my mother and I will be walking only 100 kms from Ourense to Santiago. She sooner would rather not talk about it too, but I have found, especially because I was only one of two Americans on the last Camino I did, that politics is a hot topic that isn't easily dropped. She, unlike me, is quite forthcoming with her opinions when pressed - not in an obnoxious way - just in a defending her opinion way - but I am wondering, when I am in the presence of her and another pilgrim -or even by myself - if politics is brought up, a polite but firm way of diffusing the situation?

I am sure anyone who lives in the US, and even those who don't, know that its an ugly time between the right and left. I SO appreciate this is an uncomfortable question and please no political commentary - just any thoughts again on being polite but leaving DC behind as I walk?

Of course, I will advise her to give a general "no comment" yet polite response, but I found people really want to know.... And, even her aside, again while I was really appreciative of knowing other people's thoughts on our government, for me - it wasn't something I particularly wanted to discuss on my last Camino, but I accept that getting a first person account of what's going on in one's country is interesting.

I do The Way to leave DC behind and while I know most people are just curious, I would appreciate any guidance!

Thank you!

 

[Gumba]

"I know you are probably curious, but I do The Way to leave DC behind. Thank you for being understanding"

Rinse and repeat.

 

[Davey Boyd]

If someone asks you an uncomfortable question just answer "the weather is nice isn't it" with a smile. They will get the hint.

 

[Kanga]

I know that the original poster (@AnnaWalks123) was not intending that this thread become a place for political discussions, but inevitably it will. I have already had to delete one post which made an assumption about Anna's own views, gave a voting history, and used a derogatory word to describe someone of a different view. It will likely cause a response from someone of that different view.

As politics is a forbidden subject in the forum I am closing the thread. I am sorry @AnnaWalks123 but we moderators cannot watch every post.