HINESVILLE, Ga. — With less than a month until Election Day and presidential debates underway, many people have found themselves engaging in more politically divisive conversations than ever.
And while it’s easy to become impassioned about one subject or another, a number of people have made it their mission to remind voters to maintain respect and kindness, even when they may disagree with others.
Patrick Underwood and Frank Scozzafva have known each other for over 30 years, WSAV reported.
The two men have lived in the same town in Georgia for decades and can agree on a lot of things, but they each want to see a different man in the White House next year.
Underwood supports Democratic candidate Joe Biden, and Scozzafva hopes Republican President Donald Trump will be reelected.
Despite their differences, the two men said their friendship is important, and their support of different candidates doesn’t mean they can’t get along.
“I tell people just because we have a difference of opinion doesn’t mean we can’t stay friends,” Underwood wrote on Facebook. “Frank [has] been my friend since 1990. You vote for who you think can make a difference in the world.”
The neighbors posed for a photo, smiling and embracing each other while showing support for their respective parties.
“We took a picture where he held his Trump [paraphernalia], I held my Biden [sign],” Underwood told WSAV. “Just because of who we vote for doesn’t mean we’re bad people. I said, ‘You know Frank, you’re a good guy. I don’t care that you support Trump.’”
I tell people just because we have a difference of opinion doesn’t mean we can’t stay friends. Frank been my friend since 1990 . You vote for who you think can make a difference in the world.
Posted by Patrick Underwood on Tuesday, October 6, 2020
They said they hoped the photo, shared on Facebook, would promote unity.
“I just thought about it, and I said, ‘Man, we need to come together as a country ‘cause there is a lot of stuff going on right now,’" Underwood said.
“You have this problem of Trump’s not gonna get in, Biden is gonna get in. But essentially, whoever wins, wins, and then we move on,” Scozzafva said. “We’re gonna be friends no matter who wins.”
Less than two weeks ago, Texas neighbors Marne Litton and Tasha Reese Hancock shared a similar message on social media.
“Differences in opinion regarding a lot of matters -- school, election, COVID, etc. -- I do not understand how one person cannot respect another person and their point of view even if we don’t agree,” Litton wrote. “Different skin color, different political beliefs but mutual love and respect ... Cheers to loving my neighbor even though we don’t see eye to eye on everything.”
Lately I’ve been really saddened by how people are treating others. Differences in opinion regarding a lot of...
Posted by Marne Litton on Sunday, September 27, 2020
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