“In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” — Margaret Thatcher

After the explanation of my experiences in getting cleared to leave the good ol’ USofA for Panama a couple of weeks ago, I would certainly attest to the former British prime minister’s theory.

And with good reason, it would seem.

I have heard our Republican representative from the Sixth Congressional District of Missouri reiterate several times that he stands ready always to assist any constituent, with any problem. What else would, should, he be expected to say, especially in an election year? (If you want anything said …)

Upon calling his Washington office with a definite problem related to the apparent validity, or invalidity, of my passport —clearly dated to not expire until October 2008 — I was referred by the male staffer who answered the telephone and listened to the confounding circumstances of my situation to call a female staffer in the office back in Liberty. My call to that location was politely answered by a feminine voice, but when I asked for Alicia Endicott, I blanched at the response: “I’m sorry, she is out of the office today.”

According to her job description, “Alicia serves as a caseworker for Congressman (Sam) Graves. She assists him in acting as a liaison between constituents and federal agencies to ensure the Congressman’s constituents are treated fairly and according to agency guidelines.” With a valid — according to expiration date — passport that had just been declared invalid for my intended travel because it would expire within six months, I thought I was a valid candidate in need of a liaison between me and the Department of Immigration to ensure I was being treated fairly.

Rachel, the assistant on duty, assured me, however, that she knew passports and would be happy to help me. And, long story short, and already told, she did.

So, when I resorted to paraphrasing the old rhythm and blues song, “Jim Dandy to the rescue,” inserting Congressman Graves’ name instead, I thought I was pretty clever.

I also thought I was clear enough in outlining my relationship with the young politician from Tarkio, as well as my general feelings about the party he represents, but apparently such was not the case.

At least as it is being interpreted by several of my closer friends in the community, i.e. my longtime friend from Gentry County and golfing partner, his bride of longstanding, and at least one of the other two we play cards with on a somewhat regular basis, and his wife. They have seized every opportunity in the past week to jump my case, relentlessly humming the refrain as I quoted it, and accusing me of providing a campaign slogan for the fellow who never seems to lack in material to disparage his opposition. No more invitations to the bridge games? Worse yet, no more invitations to meals that I so enthusiastically look forward to?

For an ol’ Arkansas boy who would probably be considered a “Yellow Dog” if such a Democrat classification still existed, this has been somewhat difficult to absorb.

I trust that their barbs are in jest (I hope) and intended to play games with me, but they also reflect a troubling sign of our times, especially when it comes to the politics of our nation.

Left or right. Liberal or conservative. Republican or Democrat. MU or ku. The tendency nowadays is to cut anyone whose opinion differs from ours no slack whatsoever. There seems to be little or no room for civility in discussion; you are either for me or you are against me.

“I could never divide myself from any man upon the difference of an opinion, or be angry with his judgment for not agreeing with me in that form which perhaps within a few days I should dissent myself,” is the way Sir Thomas Browne put it in 1643. I strongly suggest that his assessment still has merit to this day — a lot of merit.

I know my friends are kidding with me — at least I keep telling myself they are — but while we are frivolously jabbing back and forth, for far too many vying for positions — read that votes — today, it is no joking matter.

From the Nodaway County sheriff’s race where, contrary my strong Democrat feelings, I favor the incumbent, all the way to the presidency, where I happen to think the more qualified person will apparently not be the Democratic candidate, there is absolutely no tolerance for difference.

Whatever happened to agreeing to disagree, to respecting the other side’s right to a differing opinion?

All kidding aside, until we as the nation espousing democracy to all others, return to honesty, respectfulness and civility in our political discussions, we are, ourselves, as much in peril as those we seek to influence. More so, perhaps, because we stand to lose something most precious to us, something they have never even known — our way of life.