This morning I was at my child's playgroup. If you've never been to a playgroup, it is where parents, usually mothers, of similar aged children get together to let their children interact, learn to share and socialize and it gives the adults a chance to do the same.

I opened my mouth this morning about politics. I've been trying to keep it shut for a while, so as not to "stir it up" in a nice relaxed atmosphere where our children play, but I thought it was time. Everyone in the group seems to be very intelligent and I was sure I was not the only one who has been reading up on the candidates, thinking about the war and watching the debate the other night!

So, I opened up the door this morning for what I thought could be an eye opening discussion, just to see what other people have been thinking. And, to my surprise, the subject was dropped like a hot potato. One mother mentioned - oh politics is such a bad thing to discuss, it causes too much anger. Are we still scared too discuss politics in public?

I thought we lived in a day and age where conversation is as important as watching the news. Sharing views and ideas is important not just to help others see your point of view but to learn about other points of view yourself.

Now, I know we live in an age and time where you need to be "politically correct", but since when does that mean that we cannot share ideas and views. In playgroup we complain about our spouses, compare which child is walking first, teething today and potty trained or not. But, the name Bush, Clinton or Obama comes up and everyone panicked? I was absolutely floored.

I am an intelligent mother of two. I do think about other things than Cheerios and tricycles. I think about my family's safety and future which also includes the safety and future of my country. I thought it would be a good topic and on the minds of the other parents.

Maybe not, so I just ate another Goldfish cracker and joined in the conversation about the weather!