Photo by PoPville flickr user JoshBassettPhotography
Dear PoPville,
Is there therapy for families with differing political views? Don’t laugh – I’m actually serious. Does anyone have sincere advice for how to handle tensions in a family that’s divided on party lines? My situation is this: my mother is a Republican, while my father, siblings, and I are Democrats. Many of us even worked or volunteered for one or both of Obama’s campaigns. Over the years, it’s gotten harder and harder to even have a discussion with my mother about politics. Four years ago, we engaged in spirited discussions in which one or both sides would eventually get angry, but at least we tried to air out the issues. This time around, no matter how hard I try to be calm and respectful, she gets defensive, angry, and shuts down. I have also tried avoiding the topic altogether, but she often brings it up herself, plus it makes me sad to just give up. If we can’t make it work in our family, what hope is there for Congress to talk frankly with one another?
I would love to have lively debates and agree to disagree, but it just feels impossible. If we didn’t get a reprieve from the election cycle, I really feel it might destroy the family. What do I do?
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You are cordially invited to the Embassy of Austria for a thrilling evening with Mozart. What a better way to spend Christmas and Hannukah! Our full orchestra and lead singers, some of whom sing at the Met, will appeal to teens as they begin their journey to the classics! We expect to be sold out soon…..
Get your tickets now!
Under the Gracious Patronage of H.E. Petra Schneebauer, Ambassador of Austria
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Julien Benichou, Conductor
featuring:
Kevin Short as Figaro
Manna K. Jones as Susanna
Stephen Powell as Count Almaviva
Laquita Mitchell as Contessa
Anna Kelly as Cherubino
Maggie Polglaze as Barbarina
John Gibney as Bartolo
Leah Heater as Marcellina
Christopher Jon Hartung as Antonio & Don Curzio
Narration provided by Robin Phillips
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Embassy of Austria
3524 International Court NW
Washington, DC 20008
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Doors Open/Cocktails 6:30 pm
Performance including Intermission 7:15 pm
Wine Reception with Heavy Hors d’oeuvres 9:15 to 10:30 pm
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Tickets:
Box Seats $250
Orchestra Reserved $150
Unreserved $125
Seniors (over 65 years old) Unreserved $80 [sold out]
Students with ID $50
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Cocktail Attire

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