Now, this is something that CAN be avoided however, we are but human beings. I've held a number of titles in various fields/levels and never escaped the looming geist that is politics. We seem to become bored in some circumstances, however, where YOU stand may have real consequences if you are not careful. Even remaining silent can sometimes lead to unwanted attention--there must be a middle-ground? I have found a safe haven when I did not remain silent but was very careful with what I did say when expressing my rhetorical opinion on the flavor of the week; stay humorous, smile, make like you do not take it seriously, yet, acknowledge it. This seems to deter accusations of any sort. I am just the guy who smiles and makes silly puns/jokes. I have learned to stay out of the snake pit.