How do you handle diverse political ideas between friends?

So, I live in Wisconsin where the recall Walker stuff is going on. While I don't disagree with everything, I strongly disagree with his ideas on reproductive rights and his ideas that compromise women's health. 

I'm pro-choice in that every woman can make her own choice based on whatever grounds she believes. I believe people that disagree and want to shove some moral idea down my throat is wrong. They have some superiority complex that needs a step down or two. Two of my friends are against the choice for women, and one believes that rape victims should not be able to have paid for abortions. 

It angers me that my two best friends believe this way. I feel frustrated. I can't believe people would support someone like Walker who actually cut funding for screenings for cervical cancer and STI and HIV testing for men! 

How do you deal with friends on an issue like this or similar? 

p.s.- sorry if I sound a bit worked up. i am. 

ETA: Ha, maybe the best idea would just to not talk about it...we haven't ever really until these last couple of weeks. Even then, they were rather vague about their ideas. Probably because they know mine....

Decline to discuss the issue with them.  Changing their minds is unlikely, and if you want to continue to be friends with them despite the idealogical schism, avoiding the subject is probably the way to go.

Easily.

Just don't talk about it.

And if you do, try to remember that they probably have reasons for feeling the way they do, just as you have reasons for your feelings. 

to me, some of their ideas lack compassion and real world experience. if they ever were in danger of losing their health insurance, i feel their minds might be different. 

for instance, in my family, my stepdad has serious heart issues. my mom is divorcing him and there goes his health insurance. we are all trying to work together so he can get his own health insurance. my friends come from families where this kinda of stuff doesn't happen. they rarely worried about money the way my family has had to. 

maybe i need a better explanation of their ideas? i'll still disagree with them of course, but perhaps that would help me with the frustration...

I am very much a progressive, and I have a childhood friend who is a conservative Republican. I just don't talk to her about it - she will sometimes try to bring it up, but I always change the subject. 

As much as I don't agree with her, I know I will never change her views, and I frankly don't want to ruin a perfectly good friendship over politics. 

By either ignoring their opinions or stopping being friends with them, depending on how offensive I find their ideas.

Original Post by teatoddy:

 I believe people that disagree and want to shove some moral idea down my throat is wrong. They have some superiority complex that needs a step down or two.

For starters, it would help to be more open-minded and fair regarding the content of the hearts and minds of your friends who are against abortion. 

You'll have a hard time making/keeping friends if you're burdened by preconceived notions like this about them.

How do I handle diverse political ideas with friends?

With silly string and a water cannon, if that doesn't work I duct tape them to an office chair and roll them off the roof. ;}

Original Post by gotborked:

Original Post by teatoddy:

 I believe people that disagree and want to shove some moral idea down my throat is wrong. They have some superiority complex that needs a step down or two.

For starters, it would help to be more open-minded and fair regarding the content of the hearts and minds of your friends who are against abortion. 

You'll have a hard time making/keeping friends if you're burdened by preconceived notions like this about them.

Based on my experience, the same could be said of the pro-life crowd and their perceptions of the hearts and minds of the pro-choice crowd. 

Original Post by kbella24:

Original Post by gotborked:

Original Post by teatoddy:

 I believe people that disagree and want to shove some moral idea down my throat is wrong. They have some superiority complex that needs a step down or two.

For starters, it would help to be more open-minded and fair regarding the content of the hearts and minds of your friends who are against abortion. 

You'll have a hard time making/keeping friends if you're burdened by preconceived notions like this about them.

Based on my experience, the same could be said of the pro-life crowd and their perceptions of the hearts and minds of the pro-choice crowd. 

yep.  If you're going to discuss such things, it's usually more fruitful for everyone to stick to the issues.

Truthfully it's easier just to avoid certain political topics, and if someone is pressing the issue, to use humor to diffuse the situation or change the subject.

Example: My Democrat friend was complaining about rich people who didn't work to earn their money, but instead inherited it. I joked that he must really admire Michigan's Republican Gov. Snyder since he grew up in a middle class family and worked to become a billionaire. We both laughed and moved on to talk about non-political issues.

Maybe I just am not as passionate about any political issue as you may be about reproductive rights, so it might be hard to joke about it.

By pointing and laughing at them.

Original Post by feralfern:

How do I handle diverse political ideas with friends?

With silly string and a water cannon, if that doesn't work I duct tape them to an office chair and roll them off the roof. ;}

You should teach a conflict resolution seminar.

You have to be able to stick to the issues separate the person from those issues.  If you can't do that, you shouldn't bring those topics up. 

To be honest, you sound quite judgmental, and it wouldn't be surprising to hear that they don't feel comfortable talking to you about their ideas and thoughts regarding certain subjects.  You come across and quite close minded and unbending on the subjects you have listed above. 

They have reasons for their thoughts and feelings.  Perhaps it is based on their experiences in life.  Are you able to ask them why they feel the way they do?  I would encourage you to do so, and then do not respond.  Period.  Just say, "okay thank you for sharing" and mull over what they say.  Friends listen to each other. 

If you cannot or will not do this, don't talk about those topics.  Nothing good would come of it.