I will probably not be as sympathetic as other FReepers here. Back in 92 about a week before the election I was on a "Road Ralley" with a van full of my socialist friends and eventually the conversation came around to the upcoming election.
At that time I was becoming "politically aware" and not well versed in politics. Well, to say the least, the fur really flew but I was outnumbered 8 to 1. Since that day, my relationship towards them was never the same. While we remain friends, I still get invited over for 4th of July picnics, Christmas Eve and New years but for the past couple of years I have declined their invitations.
I keep asking myself why and all I come up with is my own beliefs as to what can or can't help my country continue to be the best in the world. And when I look at my friends, all I see are people whose ideologies will ultimately destroy that which I love most. I guess for that reason I can not force myself to associate with people like that.
I guess what I have done was make a decision between my principles, my country, my future, the future of my nieces and nephews or maintain friendship with people who will unknowingly destroy all that I believe in. My "old friends", as you have labled yours, have thru no malice or intentional means become my enemies.....