Talking politics and recent violence in the news in a work environment

DEAR AMY >> With all of the social and political turmoil in the world: the shootings, police problems and political discord, what is appropriate to discuss at work?

I feel very strongly about these issues but feel uncomfortable discussing them at work, because I don’t feel it is the correct setting and can disrupt others’ work.

I have a co-worker who has no problem discussing these issues very heatedly in the middle of the office, which is made up of cubicles.

I dread it when he comes up to me, because I know he will try to engage me in an intense discussion, yet, I don’t want to come off as unfeeling and uncaring, as I am very upset and affected by these events.

Please advise how to deal with this situation.

— Weary DEAR WEARY >> You can say to your colleague, “I’m upset about all of this, but I don’t want to talk about it at work.” If he persists despite your request, you should go to a manager.

Good managers don’t want employees to have problems with each other; equally important, they don’t want for one employee to disregard a direct, reasonable and respectful request from a coworker.

DEAR AMY >> The letter from “Upset Mom” made me see red. This woman had the nerve to judge the value and quality of birthday gifts her twin sons received.

I was once a parent who struggled to afford small things like birthday gifts. I hope others didn’t judge me the way this woman judges this other mom.

— Furious DEAR FURIOUS >> I’ve received a large volume of responses to this question. All agree that “Upset Mom” should find something else to be upset about.