West Jordan Neighbors With Opposite Political Views Find Unity

WEST JORDAN, Utah – Despite being on opposite sides of the political spectrum, two neighbors decided to have a little fun instead of getting angry with each other, and they said they learned something in the process.

We should all have a neighbor like Jerry Enright.

“It’s a birthday present,” said Enright with a laugh as he took the cover off his ’82 convertible Mercedes. “I gave it to myself.”

His next-door neighbor, Robert Vest, likes seeing the classic car because Enright lets him drive it sometimes.

“It’s a beautiful car. It drives really, really nice,” said Vest.

Enright said he has no problem with Vest driving the car.

“What good is having a toy if you don’t let other people play with it,” said Enright with a laugh.

These two have a great friendship.

These neighbors are on opposite sides of the political spectrum. So, instead of getting angry with each other, they decided to have a little fun. In the process, they say they learned something. @KSL5TV at 10. #ksltv. pic.twitter.com/AzBdu77VVH

— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) November 6, 2020

They often see other each doing yardwork and stop to chat at the fence that separates their West Jordan backyards.

“I enjoy talking to him. He’s a good guy,” said Vest.

Like many conversations these days, though, their talks eventually turn to politics.

Then, the question of what presidential candidate they supported came up.

“I was a little bit surprised when he said he was for Trump,” said Enright of his neighbor. “He seems like such a smart man.”

Vest gave it right back.

“Well, I was surprised when you said Biden,” said Vest with a smile.

Suddenly, the two neighbors found themselves in a situation that has torn many friendships apart.

“Everything he (Trump) has said he would do, he has done,” said Vest.

“The last four years have been horrendous,” said Enright.

“He (Trump) has built the walk and reformed the tax code,” said Vest.

“I can’t imagine why we would want a bully to lead us,” said Enright.

“It’s not his fault the coronavirus came,” said Vest.

“I sure don’t want him representing our country anymore,” said Enright.

They talked about all the issues — and then some.

But, through their discussions, they came to find out they still liked each other.

“I’m not sure how to solve the world’s problems, but I’m certainly not going to let all of this divisiveness come between me and him,” said Enright.

They even respected each other’s opinions even if they disagreed.

“He means more to me than this fighting,” said Vest.

So, Vest with his Trump sign, and Enright with his Biden sign, decided to get a third sign.

In between Trump and Biden, they put up a sign in their front yards reading; “We disagree, but we still get along.”

“We kind of did something good here,” said Vest. “I’m concerned about the country. He’s concerned about the country. We want the best for the country.”

Even both sides think their way is better, these two neighbors are proof the debate doesn’t have to be filled with the kind of anger, hatred, and vulgarity that seems to have become the norm on social media message boards.

“I think our country is big enough and strong enough to get through it,” said Enright.

Both admit there are serious issues to talk about and it’s not as easy as just talking.

But they also say they understand talking is where we must start.

“If you’re just going to fight, you’re not going to get anything accomplished,” said Vest.

Right now, it seems to be easier said than done right now, but these two neighbors are proof it can be done.

“I like him, yeah,” said Enright.

“And if there’s anything you ever needed, I would be over there in a heartbeat,” said Vest.