a level of cruelness that most people do not appreciate.

At my age, that's becoming an issue. I won't be roofing, framing, or pouring foundations in 10 years, so will have to make sure I don't end up helpless and confronted with cruelty before then.

"...I do not think politicians are our friends."

Good.

"...politicians are usually bad..."

It comes with the territory.

"I do not enjoy eating the crap sandwich but a lot of people do and that is strange."

I have a good friend, a good man and a hard worker since he was 12. He has fallen into the Trump spell, and sometimes seeks to get my agreement. I once explained that what I knew about Trump's career made it impossible for me to believe he was serving as President for altruistic reasons, which my friend believes. That was years ago, and because I don't want to say bad things about his hero, I won't engage him on the matter now. Trump's handling of the Epstein scandal confirmed to me the character of the man, but my friend is wearing long pants and can make his own judgements. I don't agree with him, but I can't state that without him defending his beliefs, and that will make him respond like I'm attacking him. I don't want to taint our friendship with disagreements over politics.

I think some people need to believe in the system they have spent a lifetime supporting, because their life's work has meaning they understand in that way. My lips flapping aren't more important to me than his friendship, even though his grandkids gave me the flu Saturday. A good friend is worth an occasional flu.