
That process, like many of the others in our new life, has a distinctly Washingtonian flare.
On the second day of school, Child #2 announced he had a new best friend.
"That's great!" I said.
"Yep, sure is. We traded for it," he told me.

"So Mom, it's like this. He told me he'd be my best friend, if I'd promise to be a Republican."
"And you agreed?"
"Yep. Democrats are bad. They attack people. Sometimes they bite."
I could have pointed out that he'd spent a lifetime in Portland, where people recycle EVERYTHING, vote to the left of liberal and go door-to-door with good cause clipboards. I could have mentioned that, in the rare moments I stop to give politics more than a glancing thought, I'm pretty liberal. Instead, I said, "I think both parties attack, but I haven't heard of any actual bitings," and left it that.
The next day, on the way home from school, Child #2 announced, "Jack says I'm his eighth best friend now."

He looked at me uncomprehendingly. "It was on the playground, Mom, but I guess I was the eighth person to agree so I'm pretty far down the list."
"Maybe you should branch out. Expand your basis of support," I suggested.
And the next day he did.
First life lessons from the beltway: Don't make backroom friendship deals. And a wide base of friendly support will always be your best asset.
13 comments:
Democrats bite - that is hilarious! I'll remember that.
He can do better than #8. And Republican? Welcome to the East Coast and the South.
LOL LOL. Backroom deals on the playground? Kids must be a lot more sophisticated than they were when I was in school.
It just occurred to me that that was what was actually said!
I know Diane! That's what I told him.
Julie, I was kind of blown away too. We were all about the monkey bars.
Oh my gosh! I can't believe it! Johanna, that story blows my mind! When I was a kid, we were friends or not depending on whether you wanted to play make believe or not. LOL.
That "friend" is tea party for sure. Does he know about independents?
I drove the beltway often. Now it's your turn.
That is hilarious. Of course when I was a kid we were plotting world domination on the playground but political parties never came into the mix.
And don't let someone pressure you into politics in exchange for being a friend. Hmm-mm. What does that say about the Republicans. . .?
Kids pick up this sort of thing from their parents, other uninformed kids, etc. I'm more like your Portland person, Johanna.
There's wisdom there for all of us!
This was a funny post! When I was a kid, I don't think I even knew what a Democrat or a Republican was. Maybe your child's friends' parents work for the government or something.
Long way from Portland, hope your family settles nicely into your new surroundings.
Great advice as always, Johanna!
Oh my gosh. Eighth on the list? Lord have mercy. I love your advice. Here's hoping he broadens his friendship horizons.
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