DEAR HARRIETTE: I took my son to go ice skating the other day, and we ran into another family from his school. While the children skated, the husband and I got to talking. Quickly, the conversation turned to politics. It was an interesting conversation, but it was also really intense. We do not share the same political views, and both of us worked hard to defend our positions. Later, I wondered if that was appropriate. We solved nothing. I guess it was clear that both of us plan to vote, but I'm wondering what one should do in a situation like that. Should I talk politics with other parents at my kid's school? -- Not Mum, Denver
DEAR NOT MUM: I am all for people having as many conversations as they can about the political landscape, provided they are paying attention and are not just mouthing off. The stakes are high in the presidential race. Yes, the field is still broad, and there is no telling who will become our next president. But, given that the person will be the president for all of us, shouldn't we all have a stake in picking him or her? I think Americans tend to be far too apathetic about the political process. So my vote is for all of us to get educated about the issues and talk about what we are learning with one another. Let's become an informed electorate.