08/16/2024
Decades ago, I joined Facebook to keep in touch with friends from San Francisco and West Hollywood, many of whom I have known since we were three years old. Then four years ago, most by a huge margin, disavowed me, blocked me and deemed me unworthy of the benefits of years of friendship. All knew I have been a Republican, including running for the California State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives, as the elected Republican nominee. I never held their beliefs as a block to our relationships, but they did with mine. On a more macro level, I am dismayed that people of good conscience, who had diverging views could not continue to even communicate. I grew up in San Francisco politics when I was a distinct minority, as a conservative. Nonetheless, I had great friendship with Democrat politicians and office holders. We respected each other and enjoyed lively debates. I am mortified that those days are gone. Now family members and lifelong friends are disavowed, simply because they have different opinions. Just because the national media and mainstream campaigns can’t discuss and debate ideas in a civilized and productive manner, does not mean that the people can’t. I therefore seek, ask and or challenge anybody who has deemed me unworthy of contact to engage with me in a debate of the upcoming election. It can be moderated and conducted over Zoom and broadcast over Facebook or X or any other platform. It’s time we debate ideas, rather than trash people. I am asking if any of you, to whom this message is sent, to debate me, in a civilized manner, with few rules and a vigorous exchange of ideas. If you limit yourself to people who agree with you, your blade will dull. I hope at least one or two of you will agree to debate me.