Got into a 'fight' with a patient today....

[PCIntern]

My blood pressure is getting out of control with the election, the Series here in Philly and the insanity which has accompanied both, the economic trials of attempting to run an ethical health-care business and to stay alive.

I had just fielded about six phone calls from distraught people and I walked into the room to check a patient who had just had her dental prophylaxis. She is actually quite friendly, but right from the get-go she said to me, and this is a quote, "We're finished as a country if Obama's elected." My reply to these sorts of statements from patients has been, "Why do you say that?" with a smile of course. She replied, "Because he's a socialist and wants to spread the wealth around."

Unbelievably, I went right into attack-mode WHICH I NEVER DO - and I said, "Please listen to me...please just stop and listen to me. Please. This morning no one less than andrea Mitchell, married to Alan Greenspan and certainly no friend to socialists of any stripe, told your fellow-traveler Joe Scarborough that this quotation was taken out of context and that he was describing arcane points of law. Obama's a centrist Democrat, for crying out loud, he doesn't even believe in Gay Marriage. What does it take to get through to people like you. Look, I know you're going to vote for McCain and that's fine, but do it for reasons which you and everyone else with a brain, feel are legitimate. And what's more, i know you well, and you would NEVER EVER vote for the black guy."

She had no denial of the last point, and for the rest, she just dismissed it with a wave of her hand, and said, "Please just check my teeth, I have to get to lunch." I did so, stood my ground - did not apologize for my 'outburst' and she left with a smile and a good goodbye.


I never ever do this...this is really the first time...and what bothered me is that when I started the rant, my voice got pitched and I could almost feel myself crying with frustration that a well-educated, well-comported lady would just repeat this kind of talking point with me and then dismiss me with a wave of her hand as though I was insignificant. After 27 years. and you know what...I'm glad I did it in this case. she'll be back or she won't - probably will, I participate in her insurance plan. and that's what counts.

This election is going to sort many things out.

[slampoet]

1. That's not an outburst. That's just tellin' it like it is.

If she doesn't like it she can stop being a bigot.

[roguevalley]

96. she isn't well educated.she has a big fat hole in her soul and that makes her

deficient.

[elleng]

2. You did good!

Missed andrea.

Take a breath!

[Moody]

3. I did something very similar myself and also had that mixed feeling of

embarrassment for loosing my cool and pride that I stood up for what I believed in. I will admit, when I did it it, I felt I lost control and let my emotions take over, but it was one of those "I can't take it anymore" moments. I still can't decide if I regret it or not. Let's see how you feel in a couple days. :pals:

[JuniperLea]

4. We've all held it together for so long...

Taking the punches, etc. I know I have a bloody tongue! There's one loud-mouthed RWer who spouts stupidity every day, and he is a very intelligent man! I don't get how they get sucked into this! I've managed to keep my working relationship steady with him... but a few here have not. I can tell when the arguments are going to happen now. It usually starts by him saying something like, don't you feel stupid for supporting Obama? Ugh.

Yes, things, and people, will no doubt get sorted out. Try to keep your powder dry though.

:hi:

[hamsterjill]

154. I think that's it!

We have all been holding it for a very, very long time, and maybe it's appropriate that we start letting go a little more often.

I, too, am surrounded by Republicans. In one area of my life - my job - I am surrounded by those that are Republican because they are wealthy.

In another, I seem to be a magnet for the fundy evangelicals who want to discuss things with me. They are Republican because they've been TOLD to be.

For many moons, I have tried to agree to disagree politely and calmly because I was taught that you should not discuss politics and religion, generally.

But lately, I've found myself just fed up. I try my best to respond with facts and figures and real arguments, but I totally lost it with one the other night who just kept bringing her politics into ANY comment that I made, no matter how mundane that comment may have been. I finally just let her have it - AND GOOD. And I felt better afterward, too.

[jody]

5. That's not what I expect from a professional whether physician, dentist, barber, bartender, etc. n/t

[PCIntern]

10. You don't have to come see me...!

That's what's great about being an American.

Absent snark: this is not what I expect from a patient. If you come in firing both barrels, expect to take some flak.

[jody]

14. I won't and I suspect many others from all walks of life will vote with their feet. n/t

[PCIntern]

19. I thank you for your concern for my professional welfare.

[jody]

23. You meant that as a rebuke but you would do well to heed what I said. Have a good day. n/t

[PCIntern]

24. Practicing for 30+ years and I need lessons from you?

I thought we purged all the trolls.

[jody]

28. Been a patient for twice as long. I admire professionals who don't lose their cool. n/t

[PCIntern]

35. Very impressive resume... can you see a doctor's office from your house? You have obviously never

had a personal relationship with your professionals...you'd be surprised then to know that people say the darndest things.

[jody]

38. I'm in a doctor's office. n/t

[JuniperLea]

71. Maybe you need to get out more

I see very little difference between that lady snarking off to PCIntern, and you snarking him off here.

And I agree with him. If someone comes into my office and hits me with both barrels, I'm not going to turn over and let him blast me either. We lost two elections by rolling over and letting people blast us. Enough!

[jody]

74. Have a wonderful evening. n/t

[JuniperLea]

75. Oh, the irony!

You just snarked of PCIntern because of his "case closed"... :rofl: I guess you are all about the argument until you are on the recieving end. And you are how old? I'm shocked... really shocked.

[Forkboy]

78. A message board is a bit different from a professional's office.

:shrug:

[JuniperLea]

95. True... but the patient clearly came looking for an argument...

I just find it odd that someone would be rude to someone in the course of telling them how rude they are.

[Arugula Latte]

103. The dumbass patient brought it up.

It would be different if PCIntern had been the one to instigate things.

[jody]

122. See #121. n/t

[spartan61]

45. Why is it that the McCain/Palin repukes think it is OK

to say anything or e-mail anything they believe without really knowing our political beliefs? Yet we try to be polite and not give it back to them. Well,I have finally had it and I give it back to them with the facts (although they don't believe me). Just yesterday I was getting "Obama wants to spread the wealth" and "I don't want my money to go to people who don't work." I tried to explain Obama's tax plan and even told her that since she doesn't make $250,000 she doesn't have to worry about a tax hike and will get a tax cut. Then she said, "I love Fox News. They are the only network that tells the truth." At this point I said, "OMG, I'm outta here. You are completely brainwashed and nuts!"

[La Lioness Priyanka]

12. if you dont want professionals to express a political opinion, you shouldnt either

[jody]

20. Successful professionals soon learn that patients come from all walks of life and some do talk about

their interests.

A successful professional learns to listen but not react to things a patient might say and in particular professionals never get confrontational with a patient about such things as politics, sports, religion, et al.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

25. i disagree. if you have a personal relationship with your doctor, it's a very different situation

when i was a kid, our family doctor, would often get into political arguments with my grandfather

depends on the nature of the relationship

[jody]

36. Granted but the OP said nothing that would indicate a close friend relationship. n/t

[La Lioness Priyanka]

42. op knows this women enough to know she is racist.

[jody]

53. If the OP author knew the patient was a racist, all the more reason not to get confrontational. nt

[La Lioness Priyanka]

54. i disagree. i dont know about you, but if i want professionalism. i treat people in that manner

if i want a relationship i bring up politics

[jody]

57. Not all patients are as thoughtful, informed, and rational as you. My point is professionals deal

with all types and one expectation of a professional is they try to never let the patient interfere with a professional's work.

[yardwork]

114. Yeah let's just roll over and ignore the racism and bigotry.

In fact, let's apologize if we don't agree vehemently enough with the racist comments! By golly, if a patient walks into a doctor's office and starts ranting and raving bigoted lies, well that doctor is unprofessional if he doesn't agree 100%!! 'cause that's what it's all about, folks! Agreeing with racists. Tolerating bigotry. Letting the lies go unchallenged. Anything else would be uncivilized.

Maybe, if the doctor is really "nice" and quiet about it, we'll let him slink off to the polls and silently and anonymously vote his conscience. But nothing more!

[jody]

121. Obama will win and he'll teach you and others how to do so with grace and dignity. He will represent

all the people, all the time, not just those who vote for him and even those who hate him.

He will convert many of his opponents to his supporters.

It's so very sad that some people don't understand that winning with grace and dignity under some circumstances is more difficult than losing with grace and dignity.

Obama knows that! :thumbsup:

Watch him and learn.

[Lex]

136. At least Obama doesn't ride around on his high horse lecturing people

for fairly defending themselves from bigotry and ignorance. Watch him and learn.

[PCIntern]

141. well put, Lex.

[spotbird]

158. I'm not sure Obama calls

those he disagrees with learning disabled and unprofessional.

Perhaps this is a lesson you need to take to heart before you start preaching.

[PCIntern]

26. you know what...

assuming that you're sincere, and I'm not so sure about that, you missed the point of the post entirely. My point was, that I was taken aback by my own response. Get it now? Can you read subtlety, or does everything have to be spelled out for you?

remember, that it pays to be obvious but only if you have a reputation for subtlety.

[jody]

32. I understand your post but you apparently don't want to admit you lost it. IMO that's unprofessional...

[PCIntern]

40. IMO, I don't give a damn what you think. This case is closed.

http://bp3.blogger.com/_Uh0AadhL4g4/SBXxjOMEk3I/AAAAAAAAA5o/DLsCsQUsWwM/s320/slam+door.jpg

[jody]

49. Way to go, lose your temper with a patient, post it on an open forum, then lose your temper again

when a stranger suggests you may have been unprofessional.

Your response proves my point and indeed the case is closed.

[RetroLounge]

93. Wow, you're a real dick.

just sayin'

RL

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

108. Seconded n/t

[jody]

123. See #121. n/t

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

128. Nah, don't have to see post 121 to know that you're being judgemental

PCIntern wasn't asking what everyone thought of his outburst. He was asking for understanding from people who also feel frustrated. Maybe Obama will teach people how to handle others with compassion and not judgement.

[jody]

132. Have a nice day. n/t

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

135. Thanks, you too. n/t

[jody]

118. Have a good day. n/t

[deaniac21]

147. ouch!

[progressivebydesign]

82. I am a professional.. NOT a servant. If someone made that comment to me, I would respond.

No one, regardless of how much money they pay me is entitled to my silence when they make inflammatory comments.

[TorchTheWitch]

105. AMEN!

Service professionals/employees aren't a personal audience forced to listen to whatever crap a customer chooses to spout at them. If a person needs to rant at someone especially of sensative nature that may be offensive they can pay someone for that specific purpose or shut the fuck up. Paying for a service does not give one license to be rude and offensive.

[deaniac21]

148. You just made a case for not being a professional.

[Mad_Dem_X]

153. Exactly! n/t

[Doremus]

100. "Successful" professional. Perhaps there are times when success is less important than the truth.

I propose that this is such a time. In fact, I can't think of a time in our history when truth has been more important.

Professional, merchant, bricklayer, robocall worker ....what you do for a living is irrelevant.

Placing your personal success over the health of our nation is a selfish choice.

[spotbird]

155. If the patient said she believes seat belt laws

are a communist plot so she refuses to wear them, or allow her children to drink fluoridated water for the same reason, should the physician remain silent?

When I lived in the Bible belt it was commonplace for doctors to discuss "God's plan" during a regular visit for tonsillitis or something trivial. To continue a good rapport with the doctor I'd have to bite my tongue.

The patient wanted to discuss politics, she doesn't' have the privilege to control both ends of the conversation. It might have have been unprofessional for the provider to bring it up before the patient, but even at that in a certain context it would have been fine, such as discussion about the unavailability of insurance.

[AspenRose]

44. Exactly

It ticks me off that she thinks she can espouse HER opinion, but when it came time for YOUR turn, all of a sudden it's "I have to get to lunch."

And therein lies the problem: EIGHT YEARS of these conservatives cramming their ideas down everyone else's throats....talking about politics in inappropriate places without a care in the world about who hears them...thinking they can run roughshod over people who disagree with them, and not returning the courtesy of letting someone else speak their piece.

I'm sick of it. Our time for talking is long overdue. I don't care if they don't want to hear it. They didn't care when I didn't want to hear them.

And I think you handled it gracefully. She started it. She just didn't expect you to finish it.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

51. professionals arent your punching block.. thats just an idiotic idea

[deaniac21]

150. Define graceful....

Graceful

Grace"ful\, a. Displaying grace or beauty in form or action; elegant; easy; agreeable in appearance; as, a graceful walk, deportment, speaker, air, act, speech.

OOoopppsss, I did it for you.

[Midlodemocrat]

62. Epic Fail. If you don't want to discuss politics with your healthcare

practitioner, don't bring it up.

[jody]

65. You mean a health-care practitioner is obligated to discuss every topic a patient brings up?

:rofl:

[Midlodemocrat]

66. As one, yes.

Don't talk about that of which you know nothing.

[jody]

68. LOL! n/t

[Midlodemocrat]

69. Plonk. (n/t)

[treestar]

110. A professional is not a doormat

You seem to think they can be used as such.

[jody]

119. Apparently you are reading challenged. n/t

[spotbird]

156. Where did he say that?

He said that if the patient didn't want to discuss politics, she shouldn't have brought it up. It was off topic, so presumably she wanted conversation on the subject, the provider was under no obligation to pretend to agree with malicious libel.

You suggest the patient can present any falsehood and be rewarded with the tacit reinforcement of silence.

[Pithlet]

She started the discourse with him!

Unbelievable....

[writes3000]

79. Really? You could have kept this lame-ass, insensitive, judgmental nastiness to yourself.

[jody]

124. See #121. n/t

[progressivebydesign]

81. Well.. I WOULD expect that from a professional IF I made such an inflammatory comment.

It's one thing for a professional to go off on someone because you're wearing a mccain button.. but to walk into that place of business and make that comment, you have to expect that someone will respond.

I think that they handled it very very well. If that woman didn't want to hear it.. she should have kept her mouth shut to begin with.

[SmokingJacket]

84. I wouldn't subject my doctor or dentist to my stupid opinions, either.

She literally asked for it.

[Miss Chybil]

89. And I'm sure you wouldn't bring the subject up in a professional situation.

This lady was rude. Plain and simple. She had no business bringing politics up in this situation and to expect the OP to bite his/her tongue after having been slapped in the face with such absurdity is in itself absurd.

My professional opinion: The bitch had it coming.

[helderheid]

97. wow!

[TorchTheWitch]

99. tough

No professional whether physician, dentist, barber, bartender, etc. should ever feel like they have to stand still and listen to someone else's bullshit just because they're trapped servicing the person. If a customer can't keep their personal crap to themselves without forcing those they do business with to listen they can take their business elsewhere and/or pay a shrink to listen to their shit. People need to learn to keep their offensive crap to themselves or get rightfully called on the carpet for it. The OP was paid to do her teeth not be subjected to the patient's offensive drivel. It's the height of rudeness to use a service professional/employee as a trapped personal audience. If people can't engage in polite civil conversations of inane nature while being serviced they need to keep their damn mouths shut.

[spooky3]

106. I presume, then, that you don't raise the subject of politics and certainly don't

attack what might be the professional's political opinions without provocation?

That is what happened here. PCIntern was entirely within her professional bounds to respond as she did. If a patient doesn't want to hear her/his views, the patient shouldn't have brought it up.

Your suggestions sound perilously close to the behavior of bad boyfriends who order around waitresses because they think they are paying for the privilege and/or are recognized as such superior beings that the waitress gladly submits.

[sandnsea]

112. I expect if he'd praised guns

you'd have thought his comments were fine.

[SidDithers]

130. Oh, snap!...nt

Sid

[yardwork]

113. As a patient, I want my professionals to stand up for what is right.

I'm tired of people being bullied because we're Democrats. I'm tired of watching polite people take lying crap from losers with big mouths. That's what got us into the mess this country is in now. That's what got all those people killed in Iraq - still ongoing.

I bet that other people are sick and tired of that loudmouth racist woman yammering nasty idiocy about Democrats and thinking that they have the right say anything they want but nobody has the right to point out their lies, hypocrisy, and bigotry. Maybe she'll stop and think before she attacks her dentist next time.

[pecwae]

117. Precisely.

I'm not paying for a political or religious lecture from a health care provider. If the OP was Repub and had done the same thing this place would be screaming for a boycott and license revocation.

[Hepburn]

131. Hello?

I am a retired lawyer...which, of course is a professional occupation...and the conduct of the PCI's patient is NOT what I would expect from a client.

That patient got into a PERSONAL area with a dental professional ~~ the patient invited a personal reply. If the patient did NOT want a personal reply, then the patient should have left the personal area ~~ politics ~~ alone and untouched.

You come to see a professional...act appropriately, OK?

JMHO

[louis-t]

6. What makes me nervous is these nuts are really scared.

They've been pumped so full of shit by their heroes, they're scared to death. They really believe their world will end if McStupid doesn't win. I blame rush, hannity, savage, billo, and all the local repug radio screamers. There will be a lot of frightened, angry people on Nov. 5th who will make themselves sick with worry and grief. Be prepared for an onslaught of EMS calls.

[trof]

7. 1. She had it coming. 2. You needed to say that.

I hear ya about the BP.
whew
BTW, I always enjoy your posts.
If I should ever move to Philly (not likely) you can be my doc.
Better yet, come on down to the beach and hang out your shingle.
:hi:

[kestrel91316]

8. I am SOOOOOO glad the vast majority of clients are liberals.....

And of the conservatives, I can't think of any who are nasty people, even though they know I am liberal. I can't imagine how stressful it would be to have to deal with racist nutjobs at work.

[jillan]

9. I've been there too.

In 2004 I was a loan officer at a bank and got into it with a customer that I knew for many years.
Come to think of it, it started because he said Kerry was going to raise his taxes!
(do they ever change their talking points?

I finally had to take a deep breath and mumble - "We'll see".


We're just human afterall.

[Quantess]

11. Anytime someone spouts their political views, they shouldn't assume that everyone will agree.

Either they know that beforehand, or they find out for themselves. No need for apologies.

[TheKentuckian]

13. Maybe its time to stop pulling punches

I'm not saying turn into the unhinged but what is the purpose of pretending that these people have reasonable or well intentioned beliefs.

[rucky]

37. far past time.

think of all the times we felt we've had to sit there and grin out of politeness because our family raised us right.

[man4allcats]

15. I think you were remarkably composed.

I'd've yanked one of her teeth out (no warning and no anesthetic) just for the pure hell of it! }(

[PCIntern]

18. !

[CakeGrrl]

16. I was lucky to have the opposite situation last week

I was most of the way through my first appointment with a specialist; he asked me about stress factors and I mentioned that I felt I'd been following too much election coverage than was good for me.

To my great surprise, he said he didn't know what would happen if Obama didn't get elected. Wow! We conversed about the issues and the Palin pick for a few minutes before we finished up the appointment. Sometimes you never know who's on your wavelength.

[MadrasT]

17. My sister came to your office?

Sure could have been. Hugs, because I feel your pain and share your frustrations. :hug:

[bmbmd]

21. A woman in my office confessed that she could never

vote for Obama because he is a Muslim, and once a Muslim, always a Muslim. I told her I had had enough of lies, that A) there is no crime being a Muslim and B) he is not a Muslim any how. I then reminded her that false witness was a breech of the Ten Commandments. I told her that she was welcome to find another doctor. The next day, there was a complaint to hospital administration about that mean old doctor from her employer-the sheriff of Collin County Texas. (reddest of the red, in case you haven't heard). The next day was I was paying for my tires when the attendant at the Goodyear Tire store pulled his knife out and stuck it to my throat because "anyone who votes for Obama should be shot and killed". It's great to be a Texan during election season.

[pnwmom]

31. OMG. The knife story? Then what happened? n/t

[rucky]

33. for real?

guess you couln't call the Sheriff on that one. Stay safe anyhow - even if it means staying safe Texas-style.

[crispini]

39. GTFO!

:wow:

Move to Dallas, honey. It's not that far south and there are a lot more of us down here. :hi: These days WE are the ones that are stomping around intimidating THEM. A little bit. :D

[renate]

48. O. M. G.

How terrifying. What happened? I hope you reported him to his boss even if you couldn't report it to the sheriff.

I would still be shaking if that had happened to me. It is SCARY that someone like that is walking around in society.

:hug:

[Midlodemocrat]

63. Forgive me if I don't believe the knife story. If true, why isn't that guy in jail?

[bmbmd]

72. Thank you for calling me a liar.

I was there. It happened. It was my neck. I have bought tires from that store for seven years, and know that the young man is a good enough fellow. He is a Desert Storm veteran, and I have known him a long time. He thought he was being funny-he said that he would use a hatchet and then a knife just like Mr. McCain said. Emotions are raw here-they know that McCain is doomed to failure, and they know that both houses will be in strong Democratic control. So, yeah-I cut the guy some slack. I thought about writing Goodyear, and I thought about calling the cops-but to what avail? Changing hearts and minds is done by mature, peaceable means-not by confrontation and posturing. I choose to be grown-up. Kind of like Obama. But-I still don't like you calling me a liar. Come to North Texas for a while-see what we put up with.

[Midlodemocrat]

77. I didn't mean to call you a liar, but your statement above is

totally contrary to your previous one. Above you indicate he was being 'funny', in your other post you indicated no such thing. Frankly, if someone put a knife to my throat, even in jest, they'd not only be eating pavement, but they'd find their sorry asses behind bars.

[Caretha]

104. Here's another true No. Tx story

that happened Monday. Guy comes in to rent a storage space (he'd called the day before to see what availability was & if I was the cute brunette that had helped him last year). I laughed when he said that & told him yes & we could accommodate him. He comes in...tells his story, he's a construction contractor, been everywhere North & East for the summer and has helatious stories about the economy and no work anywhere, everyone going bankrupt, no credit, & no money, projects shut down, yada, yada, yada. He's tells me he has come back to this part of Texas because the tailspin hasn't hit our neck of the woods yet. The dude is really scared, he sees how bad it is and he's having a hard time making ends meet for the first time. I rent him his unit, and with a big smile he tells me he's voted for McCain. Well the schmuck was just dumb enough to ask me what I thought. I took the next twenty minutes to educate him about why our economy was tanking and how stupid & corrupt Sarah Palin was, McCain's history & involvement in the Keating 5 scandal, the other corrupt repub's including info on Phil Gramm and how he instigated deregulation for the financial institutions.

The sap is almost crying before he leaves and tells me "I wish I'd known that before I voted.

Hope that makes you feel better.

[Erin Elizabeth]

102. Honey you need to come down to my neck of the woods.

Dallas County. Get outta Collin County!

[Starry Messenger]

22. I wish you were my dentist.

Well she came in guns blazing. It's not like you got her down and tortured her with the cleaning tool to get her to fess her political leanings! My mom's dentist is a Libertarian and actually pressed literature on her and lectured her about Democratic malfeasance the whole time he was cleaning her gums. That should be against the Geneva convention.

[PCIntern]

29. A couple years ago I posted about

a patient fo mine who got a root canal from a guy who, after he applied the rubber dam, lectured her about far right rethug politics until hse stood up and told him to stop or she was leaving. Rubber dam on and everything!

[bklyngrl60]

27. It's OK being a Pennsylvanian right now has got to be incredibly stressful...

PA is McCain's *only* path to winning. He has to turn PA red - so my guess is you're being bombarded with ads, etc.

Hang in there - change is never, ever easy. It's painful - even good change. You did the right thing. You may not know this and the woman may not change her mind - but I'm positive you gave her a LOT to think about. Obviously she's been getting her misinformation from soundbites - believe me, if you are who I think you are - possibly someone who is earning at or near the $250K threshold and YOU'RE for Obama, that must give her something to think about.

[rucky]

30. They seem to have no problem spewing their shit.

We shouldn't have a problem getting right back into their faces about it.

[pnwmom]

34. Medical professionals are human too. You reached your limit. We're all

probably very close to that point. Thank goodness we probably only have 7 more days of this.

[PCIntern]

41. jody upthread woudl disagree but I thank you1

[DrPresident]

43. You should've knocked her teeth out

then she'd HAVE to come back to you. just playin'.

[Lex]

46. Jody's wrong. That woman clearly wanted to bring the topic up and you

did nothing to provoke it. You expressed your opinion. But she's the one who wanted to talk about it, and she's the one who brought it up in such a rude way.

[GalleryGod]

52. Jody-from-Alabama....who's been here since 2001

Made his point. I think he was DEAD wrong. I agree with you. Somebody comes to the office "Loaded for Bear"...they relinquish patient-professional relationship.

The lady was an asshole...and a racist,uneducated,asshole at that. I see lots of them in the greater philly area.

[jody]

126. See #121. n/t

[jody]

125. See #121. n/t

[TxRider]

47. I have a different take..

I just say calm down, don't get so excited..

The country will go on and we'll all survive no matter who gets elected...

Anything one president does, can be undone by the next one if it's so awful.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

50. yeah like the way bush undid the clinton surplus. or the way he undid the peace.

or the way he undid the safety of our water.

things can be undone. its just better not to have them worsened in the first place

[TxRider]

87. Of course..

But if a customer told me "We're finished as a country if that man is elected"

I would still reassure them that no, the country will not be finished....

Rather than pick a fight.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

137. maybe some people value their principals rather than their customers

i know i do

[Lex]

55. Well, tell that to people who've lost their loved ones to a wholly unnecessary war.

Some things can't be undone, even though the country "goes on."

[galaxy21]

56. well done!

Glad you got to be honest!

[stillcool]

58. If not you, who? If not now, when?..

the lack of information in this country has been a problem for years..as we all know. Information is contagious.

[mvd]

59. Oh, I know how frustrating these people can be

Especially when they spout the latest talking point lie as cover for racism.

It's not exactly like you were dealing with a critical care patient, and you seem to know her well enough to get into politics. She also invited it.

I want the Phils to win very badly and am almost sure they will (once they finally play,) but if they blow the series, I'll go on. If Obama loses, I think this country is done. I'll be heading for Canada or Mexico. This election is far more important. :hi:

[PCIntern]

73. Agreed...

between the rainout last night and the election, I'm deathly pale and think I'm going to stroke out.

If the Phils lose this Series, I swear that I'm never ever going to follow professional sports again.

[TorchTheWitch]

107. I know how you feel, but this is our year

I feel it. But I'm pissed they even started the game last night with the weather that bad and knowing it would get worse. I feel bad for all the ticket holders that spent so much money to stand in freezing practically hurricane conditions and couldn't even see a whole game only to have to go back another night (if they can!) to see the rest. They should have postponed it before it even started seeing as they already knew they weren't going to be able to finish it that night.

The Phils will win the series, Obama will be the President, and I can go back to smoking only one cigarette at a time. LOL!

[frogmarch]

60. That was beautiful!

You did the right thing - and very well too. :thumbsup:

[knixphan]

61. PCIntern, I salute you.

THIS is where the war is fought. And you earned a medal today.

There will be other skirmishes. It's going to be a hard 4 years, but we're the front line now. We all got your back, baby!

:kick:

[elizm]

64. SAME happened to me today...with a coworker and friend!

I know exactly what you mean about the pitched voice and frustration! I finally just threw my hands up and walked away before I said something I would regret.

[FloridaJudy]

67. Funny. I just got back from my dentist

She couldn't have missed my Obama button - it's the size of a saucer and was prominently pinned to my chest. But in the intervals she had her fingers out of my mouth, we chatted about almost everything but politics. I decided she must be a Republican, which is a pity, because she's a good dentist and a very funny lady.

As I leaving, she gave me a pat on the shoulder and remarked "By the way. I really, really like your button!"

Whew.

[demokatgurrl]

70. Can I just say....

:applause:

[Batgirl]

76. It sounds like you were blunt, but not uncivil.

Her comment was an invitation for you to offer your own opinion.
I think it's part of the liberal personality to feel responsible for everyone else's feelings and avoid "making" someone uncomfortable by expressing disagreement. Often the person we're trying to spare has no such restrictions on what they will say.

I can understand though how you were taken aback to hear yourself responding. This election feels like some fork-in-the-road situation that will somehow determine our national destiny and it's hard not to be overcome with emotion.

[npincus]

80. you're only human.

[Forkboy]

83. Mixed feelings on this.

On one hand I can't blame you and want to applaud you. I quit my job screenprinting right after 9/11 when my boss took an order to make a dozen shirts with a mushroom cloud on them and the words "Nuke Afghanistan", so I can understand taking a stand. I had printed many shirts I didn't care for, but that was a line I wouldn't cross. My boss called me anti-American, and I responded by asking him what was patriotic about vaporizing innocent woman and children? Before he could answer I just said, "Nevermind, your answer doesn't matter", put down my work and walked out.

On the other hand, I'm not so sure what you did is what I would expect from someone in your position. Insurance plan aspect or not, I would have walked out. It sounds like she got you at a stressful time, and you let her have it (in a civil manner though, to your credit). While she may have deserved it, I'm not sure that's the setting one should do it in.

I hope you understand I'm not trying to knock you. As I say, I really can understand your frustration and can't blame you for doing what you did. I'm just not sure it's right, even if does feel good. I'm not doing a good job of explaining my position here that well, but I hope you know what I mean.

Peace.

[crossroads]

85. You handled it well imo!

You spoke the truth and came from the heart! I applaud your convictions...
CR

[rug]

86. I never argue with people who can legally put sharp objects in my mouth.

[TorchTheWitch]

109. Very sensible

I wouldn't either especially because I'm afflicted with Dental Hysteria and have enough trouble just continuing to inhale and exhale while in the dentist's office.

[gatorboy]

88. PCIntern, slowly put the drill down...

:rofl:

A few weeks ago my wife called our cable service telling them we needed to cut one of our channel packages because we just couldn't afford it at the moment. The man on the other end of the line completely disregarded anything she said and instead tried to sell us MORE packages. Well after a few minutes of this, she interrupted the guy and said, "Look, we can't afford it, WE CAN'T AFFORD IT. We're hoping for some 'change' in the next election and maybe then I can get back to you."

Well this guy was having none of that! He replied, "Oh, so you want a socialist republic, do you?" to which began a half minute of uncomfortable silence. :P

Eventually, my wife finally said, "just cancel my package, please." to which he replied. "Ma'am, would you please grade my customer service on a scale of 1 to 5." :rofl:

[Cha]

90. Rec'd~ I know it's very hard to

be quiet in the presence of such unmitigated ignorance and our country's future is too important right now to bite our tongues.

[Beacool]

91. You need to calm down.

Work is never the appropriate place to vent about politics. Besides it's unprofessional and you could possibly lose a patient.

Think of something else. How about them Phillies? I'm rooting for the team as I lived in Philly as a child for a few years.

Hang in there.........

:hi:

[spotbird]

157. It is inappropriate to allow a lie to stand. nt

[Beausoir]

92. Completely unprofessional.

[Milspec]

94. Hard to make as judgment on this without knowing

your actual position in this work environment??In what capacity are you interfacing with patients?

[RhodaGrits]

98. Yes, you lost it.

And yes, she deserved it. I'm a veterinarian and I've been wearing my Obama-Biden button on my white lab coat. I don't say anything about politics unless the client brings it up. If they bring it up and I've concluded my exam and treatment of my patient, I don't hesitate to discuss politics. I brought a RW conservative over to voting for Obama just yesterday after he started with "Don't you think he's a terrorist who's going to redistribute wealth?" Made my day.

If a client want an automaton without feelings or personal views, they can go to the corporate practice with fully interchangeable associate veterinarians. Since when does being a "professional" mean checking your personal identity at the door? Lots of my clients have asked me about politics because we have a trust relationship and they know I am informed - I see that as a good thing.

But you do need to take a few deep breaths. Only another week :-)

[windbreeze]

145. uh oh....I'm jumping in here....

you said...."I'm a veterinarian and I've been wearing my Obama-Biden button on my white lab coat." then you said this "I don't say anything about politics unless the client brings it up."

is that called an oxymoron? IF you are wearing a political button...you ARE making a political statement....you don't have to say anything else...your political statement is there on your coat...now see...I happen to agree with your choice of Obama/Biden...so I wouldn't have a problem with it...or you...and I most likely would say something positive....HOWEVER....like the poster below who says he went into a veterinarian's office...found a corner dedicated to the Republicans, and NEVER WENT BACK....that would have been me too...In fact...I most likely would have canceled the appt. I had made, and just left...I feel THAT strongly about it...but IF there had been no indication he was Republican, he had no buttons on, and said nothing about politics...most likely we would have been seen, and I would have made my decision based on his skills as a vet, and nothing else would have entered into my decision...

Wearing a political button to your office, is unprofessional...and YOU ARE asking for comment by doing so...However, when no political affiliation is apparent or obvious in a professional office....ANY patient or customer, who then brings up a political subject to any other person in that office...IS asking for discussion and opinion...otherwise it would NOT have been brought up, in the first place...and IF as a patient, you bring it up...then be prepared for whatever response you get...you asked for it...we seem to forget professionals are human too...jmo...wb

[Erin Elizabeth]

101. For everyone saying it was unprofessional,

my former veterinarian had all sorts of bush propaganda up in his exam rooms and waiting room. One was a framed letter from Bush thanking the vet for his letter and his prayers for him, blah blah blah.

One corner of the waiting room was like a shrine to the Republican party and there was even a sticker that read "I think, therefore I'm Republican."

I didn't go back. He was a good vet, but screw that. And I let him know why I wouldn't be coming back, either.

You see, in that case, as in the OP's, HE started the political conversation. There's a reason why people used to say (do they still say it) that it's not a good idea to bring up sex, religion or politics in mixed company. And that's why. If you open your mouth and express your political opinion it's ridiculous to think people won't answer back, but instead sit in silence.

It works BOTH ways. Customer/patient and provider/seller. If my dentist were to start going on and on about how horrible Obama is, you bet I'd say something, after he got his hands out of my mouth.

[PCIntern]

115. I haven't worn a button in the office since Mondale/Ferraro

People don't have to be confronted with my political beliefs. If they want to talk about it that's great and I'm happy to engage. My upset here was that I found myself utterly frustrated by an otherwise intelligent person's spouting nonsense and that I had had about enough. As I posted: if you don't want to vote for him, odn't vote for him for real reasons: he's black, he's liberal, he's a Democrat, he's for gun control, etc. Don't make shit up and use that for an excuse.

[Moody]

139. So how you feeling today now that you have slept on it? nt

[PCIntern]

140. the same...

people who engage deserve an answer from me. I didn't scream or yell, I was exhorting her to PLEASE LISTEN TO ME FOR A MINUTE. too much to ask, however.

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

111. PCIntern, we've all been there at some point

:hug: You can be my dentist anytime!And I've got some BIG teeth!

[agentS]

116. She suffers from Foot-In-Mouth disease

and you just scrubbed her clean.

[Marrah_G]

120. err wow. I hope you own your practice.

I understand your frustration. Just think, in less then a week, McPalin goes away and President Obama takes the reins, regardless of what that deluded patient thinks.

[mucifer]

127. I'm a pediatric hospice nurse. I've had to bite my tongue many a time. But, if someone

starts a liberal dem kinda conversation, it's lots of fun. These days living in Chicago I can talk politics with a fair amount of
dem families of patients as long as they start the conversation. Most all of us are very proud of our senator.

[Laelth]

129. I own my own small professional business as a solo attorney.

I launched into a McCain-supporting client last week--something I've never done before. Looks like I'm not the only one who's on edge. Thanks for sharing this story.

The United States is a LIBERAL Country.

:dem:

-Laelth

[mwb970]

133. Like so many, many others, she has been poisoned by Fox "News".

You didn't mention it in your story, but it is obvious that this person gets all her info from Fox "News", Limbaugh, Hannity, etc. As a result, most of what she thinks she "knows" is simply dead wrong.

I understand your frustration. Our objections to McCain are based on true facts (he is a hothead, he does agree with bush on everything, he did pick an airhead for VP, etc.), whereas their objections to Obama are based entirely on falsehoods (he is not a Muslim, he is not a Marxist, he is not going to "raise everyone's taxes", etc.).

Their vision of the apocalypse to follow an Obama election is entirely the product of their mindless belief in everything they hear on Fox. Right-wing media is slowly killing America by poisoning the minds of a significant subset of its citizens with lies.

[SidDithers]

134. I hope that banishing the memories of Mitch Williams...

and the Phils beating TB eases your BP a bit.

:hi:

Sid

[PCIntern]

138. thanks...

funny part of the 93 series was that that idiot manager never should have brought Williams in to pitch. The guy before him was doing great...

Mitch is a very respected radio broadcaster now here...gave great insight into the whole scene from the other night. It was fascinating...

[SidDithers]

144. Joe Carter is still a god up here...

among Jays fans. This year, tho, I've been cheering for the Phils 'cause you guys are lucky enough to have Pat Gillick running the show. And Matty Stairs is a fan fave in Toronto. We like to see him do well, being a good Canadian boy. :)

Sid

[TK421]

142. She instigated the whole thing...you merely replied ( quite nicely, I might add )

Why do some people feel that if you work in any type of customer service-oriented field that you are required to just sit back and take it up the ass from the insane public? Having worked retail ( and I understand that this is not as intimate of a customer-employee situation as yours is ) and dealing with cranky, uppity assholes every day I can understand your frustration. My only concern would be if this moron were to file a complaint against you...she seems like the type to do so.

[yodoobo]

143. Don't let it bother you. You did her a good service

Probably the first time she's ever had the truth told to her.

With any luck, she'll reconsider her idiotic ways when she realizes that highly educated people such as yourself support Obama.

Don't be ashamed. Thats exactly what -they- want.

[deaniac21]

146. Very professional.

Actually, it goes beyond professionalism. The patient and "professional" both acted like children. From the "professional's" attitude, I suspect this wasn't an isolated case.

[EnviroBat]

149. You should have wired her jaw shut.

And sent her on her way. Told her that the wires come off on Nov 5th...

[Yes We Did]

151. I wouldn't worry about it.

Sounds like she had it coming.

[Mad_Dem_X]

152. I understand your frustration

Some people will never get it, no matter how you try to explain it to them. They just flat out refuse to hear the truth.

Those here that are bashing you for what you did are forgetting that the patient actually started the argument. ("We're finished as a country if Obama's elected" - how can you NOT respond to that?)

[Bushwick Bill]

159. Here is your response next time.

Bush, Bernanke, and Paulson have socialized the entire fucking American financial system. What does she say about that? Here is a tally:

Money market fund bailout: $540 billion
AIG bailout #2: $37 billion
AIG bailout #1: $85 billion
Commercial paper bailout: $1.3 trillion
short term loan auctions: $900 billion
9/21 bailout bailout: $700 billion
Money market fund bailout: $50 billion
Lehman bailout: $87 billion
new FHA loans: $300 billion
Fannie, Freddie bailout: $400 billion
first-time home buyer credit: $8,000 per person * 3 million annual
buying and rehabilitating foreclosed properties: $3.9 billion
Bear Stearns acquisition: $30 billion
Calif* zero down payment loans: $200 million

$4,457,100,000,000

[NoodleyAppendage]

160. It's a generational thing. Things will get better when those who lived during Jim Crow die off.

Personal memory is stronger than institutional memory. Many older whites still think of all African-Americans as "n....rs," and that's only going to change when they are 6 feet under.

J

[dugaresa]

161. I commend you for your actions - Many folks ASSume that all doctors

and other professionals are republicans....

So...this person probably thought you would coddle her nonsense and you didn't.

I can't tell you the number of right wing hate radio programs I have been exposed to in Doctor's offices, so it is good to know that your office isn't one of them.