The folk over at Gay Patriot have very little in common with me. I’m left of center and they proudly are not. They’ve been nominated for blogging awards. My only claim to fame is when I post minus grammar mistakes. So when I went to the site yesterday, wasn’t looking for much; however, it’s always a good idea to read, and study, the opinions of your political enemies. And by the way: read and study does not include  using these terms: “self-loathing Nazi” or “liberal hater of America.”

The site earned my everlasting respect because of a post about The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola’s ode to family, crime, and the perversion of the American dream. GP is eating dinner, getting prepared to do a few errands. He figures he can watch an hour and then move on to the work that is waiting to be done. Yeah right. That’s like me turning down good cherry pie or a free drink.

“Never start to watch that movie unless you’re prepared to watch all three hours.  I should have known.”

Come on GP. What were you thinking? From the bit players to the major stars, there isn’t one  false note. And who doesn’t watch with fascination as the youngest son (played by a non-hammy Al Pacino) starts the film denying his family legacy but ends as its ruthless guardian.

Why am I yapping so? Well I always yammer about the film (my favorite character is consigliere Tom Hagen); however, it’s always good to be reminded that while we argue and fight over politics, there is much that binds us together. There is nothing wrong with vigorous, and respectful debate, but at the end of the day our connections are what really matter. Seems to me we can have our arguments over policy and share wonder over the things that are beyond the political.