I have 4 of them. And though we philosophically are more alike than not, we do have minor nuances in our political and general beliefs of the world around us. When we have fought as kids, we have torn each other up. When we were challenged by those outside the family, we defended each other long enough to go home and take care of business ourselves.
Recently I have seen some people snipe at others who are philosophically more similar to them than they could possibly know. Some however tend to miss the necessity of tempering an argument with a positive word of support. It doesn’t mean giving up your stand, or even lying to make someone feel good about themselves, but rather it allows a connection to be made at a common point. Then working from there, you work toward common goals from the shared perspective.
The many philosophies which drive political arguments polarize us sometimes to levels which leave us no connecting points. Legislators are becoming more polarized even now. To the point they will not even allow a simple vote. I hope I don’t see the separation of those who I call friends in my activist sphere. Minor balances we make to participate are seldom completely identical to the next guy’s.
As for fighting with my brothers.. I may not have won all the time, but I seldom gave up.