Is Silence Golden

"A friend should bear his friend's infirmities," so sayeth Cassius in "Julius Caesar. And I have to wonder if truer words were ever said in this year of all years, politically.

My beloved Posse and I share the most innermost of secrets, i.e., Botox, Hair Color, along with other topics far closer to our hearts to mention. We have mourned our losses together. We have delighted in each other's joys.

We unconditionally confide in each other all our mundane fears, hopes, financial problems, health concerns, relocation anxieties and TV preferences. We know our words are sacrosanct, and none of us are judgmental. But that was yesterday before the world changed on Super Tuesday.

And that was when I realized for the first time since our friendship began years ago, there is one thing we must not and cannot share. And that is our 2016 political preference, be it H or T. Friendships of decades could be shattered by letting our options be tossed in the wind, battered unmercifully by opposing views, and exposed to rampant emotions.

We can all quote wiser sources, erudite children or grandchildren with Doctorates, our Rabbi's and Ministers, Peggy Noonan or Fox News. We can cite anonymous Internet authorities or even Papal statements. And in this year of all years, nothing will change our individual viewpoints. However, we could easily damage our opinion of one another's political acumen and destroy the easy relationship that has endured throughout countless cups of coffee, endless conversations on rainy afternoons, along with too many moments of sadness when not only our hands, but our hearts touched, along with slivers of reflected glory when we shared each other's achievements. Would it be worth it to publically endorse either H or T? I doubt it, nor do I believe our decisions warrant it.

This year a decision to cast a vote for either of the equally controversial candidates vying for the highest position in the U.S. will be determined by a long hard assessment not so much on the value of the candidate, but possibly the least damage either one will do to the Nation. It is probably one of the most decisive times in the history of the electorate. None of us will be making a choice easily, and rather than defend mine, I will keep silent and fill out the ballot without vocalizing my vote. I refuse to believe anyone I know, love or who touches my life in any way, shape or form will make their judgment without anguish. Too much is at stake in this unique period of political history.

Is my silence cowardly? It could be perceived as such, but I truly don't believe defending the least damaging of the two apparent candidates to lead our country is worth losing a friend.