I don't know about all that. One of the things that we seem to have lost in the US is the ability to actually talk about important subjects with people who don't agree with us. I don't know why this is- I think of Bill O'Reilly saying "shut up, shut up!" to guests on his show. Liberals thinking that if you don't agree with them you must be an idiot.

But it seems like I remember a time when people on boats and planes and everywhere else did talk about serious subjects, and if it got too hot, they'd just say- "hey, can we change the subject?"

I'll give a controversial opinion as to why I think this was, since this is F&S and I can: I think it was because we were a more violent, less tolerant, less litigious society. People acted differently twenty, thirty, and more years ago, because they didn't want to get punched in the nose. Conversations with strangers were more polite, and more people were more polite. (TV wasn't filled with people who are rude for a living, either).

So people did have more serious conversations, because thye knew how to do that. Politely, letting the other guy have a chance to talk. Agreeing to disagree-after all, this was America, right?

I worked for awhile commercial fishing on 35 -40 foot boats, 8 days out, and we talked about everything- butcher knife in hand. We only had one fight, and it was minor. When somebody started getting pushy with their politics or religion, we called it "letting your hair down." It was pretty much prohibited. We've lost the kind of etiquette that allows people to really talk.

I might detest u, think your a coward and a cad, think u have foul bodyodor and poor dental health, think your wife a skank and your children little piglets, think your moral is backwards, and yo mama a fat ugly bitch, but the right to speak your own unintelligent closeminded mind ill defend with my life..

BUT TRY THAT WHEN WHERE FISHING AND U SWIM HOME!!!!!!

I don't mind talking about anything. If you can do that with your kid, I suppose there are some thing we shouldn't say during bass fishing, but otherwise, why hold all that stuff in your mind? If you're thinking about legislation you don't agree with and want to say something about it, you actually should. Religion can be tiring because of the effect of the information act and what it's done to our traditional conservatism, but what makes the difference? Relgious people are far better to fish with, IMO. They typically come up with better spots.

Good advice John.

Religion and politics takes you back to the place your wanting to get away from when your fishing.

Definitely agree, there is nothing more that annoys me than someone who comes along on a hunting or fishing trip and wants to either talk about religion or politics... I DONT CARE!... I just want to fish/hunt.

I think Obama and his supporters are so wrong that I would not spend $ with a guide or charter if I knew they agreed with him. And there is no point in argueing here.

All of you guys made good points, but rather than risking ruining a perfectly good day by talking Religion & Politics, talk about fishin' or huntin' of even "wimmin"? We can usually agree on those subjects and makes for a more enjoyable day:) While were at it lets leave booze on shore also some people get downright mean and cranky with a load on. JMNSVHO!