FRIDAY thoughts:

I do love US politics and, as misguided as some of my friends and neighbours may think I am, I am not short on expressing my political leanings.

Until very recently I have been very vocal – especially as the election draws near.

Earlier this week, my son, 18, shared very deeply and powerfully with me that the fact that I expressed my views and did it so publicly mde him really uncomfortable.

He said things like, “I know you don’t worry about what people think of you, but I do.”

He said maybe one day he’d be as thick-skinned as I was, but that right now he was not. (These are my words, not his exact words.)

As a dad I think I lose the right to have my way in some instances and I must therefore do what may reduce his anxiety. My son said he was worried about my safety (yes, even in America), and, while public opinion doesn’t faze me much, I do care what my sons think of me. It’s a small cost for his peace of mind.

One thing I did point out during our conversation was that I did not want to model political silence.

He said it was obvious to him that I was not silent!