My Bestest FREIND from Childhood turns out to be a "BUSH BOT!"

[KoKo]

I haven't connected with here in over 20 years...but I had a dream that I needed to CALL HER..and HER HUBBY..(also my friend)

AND ..it turns out THAT they BOTH ARE BUSH BOTS! They Support him with EVERYTHING!

I tried to explain to them..that they hadn't heard from me in a LONG WHILE because I was doing other things...

BUT...in the meantime they have FOUR KIDS AND EIGHT GRANDKIDS...and so they could CARE LESS WHO "I" AM!

Their kids are all doing great...in the "Southern Fashion" and they were delighted to hear from me...until I broached "POLITICS!"

I am an "OUTCAST" amongst their SOUTHERN GROUP..Yet, the saddest of ALL to ME is that I went from Kindergarten through Twelve with both of them...and to Church and everything...YET "I WAS THE RADICAL" who moved NORTH while THEY stayed BEHIND...and so it was up to me after 20 Years to contact THEM...(WHOM I LOVE WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL) to converse and find out that they think BUSH IS GOD...come on the EARTH!!

How can I deal with this..........How can I ....I seem to be so DIFFERENT ...yet My blood and soul and growing up is SO TIED TO THEM. We all LEARNED THE SAME..FROM THE SAME TEACHERS...WE READ AND LIVED THE SAME...yet ONE IS DIEHARD BUSH BOT...and I am a RADICAL LEFTY!

I love them...I told them that..no matter who they support..but still...My heart and soul is ripped out over this........

[Warpy]

1. You grew, they didn't.

Cherish your memories and move on.

[jaysunb]

5. Very good advice !

My favorite ex-girlfriend has turned into a Bush lover, and it really kind of breaks my heart.
Our annual romp, just isn't the same anymore.

[Pryderi]

2. "I'm a uniter, not a divider" --Bush I can't talk politics with my parent

[acmejack]

3. You can't fix this

I have had friends from school, best buds for >40 yrs. And I have always been in close touch, not anymore. Save yourself the pain. Or not. I have done everything conceivable, including humbling myself to no avail and which I would have never ever would have done in the case of a single other human being alive on this Earth.

But let YOUR conscience be your guide. I do know only to well the pain you will experience with this issue & I commiserate with you over it. Good luck & I hope it all works out for the best for you.
a

[Maat]

9. What AcmeJack said.

It happened with a couple of best friends and my in-laws.

I had to accept that we had grown irreparably apart (it was like a divorce or a death).

When one's basic belief system (the one that is integral to daily living) is SO far apart from the former friend ... well, the relationship has ended beyond basic exchange of pleasantries now and again (if that).

[KoKo]

10. Thanks so much...I probably shouldn't have posted this..but it hit me

so hard. What you say helps me sort it all out...again, thanks.

[KoKo]

11. Many thanks...and for sharing that.

"Conscience being my guide." I probably shouldn't have contacted them..I have to hope that my contacting meant something somewhere...since I explained to them that George Bush is a liar, thief and stole elections, but I told they they knew me since I was five years old...so why would I lie to them.

But...to them...I'm an outcast because I "moved away" and they stayed where they were in the George Bush South...where they have friends and support.

I am an "outlier" to them. But, they were gracious and kind in my phone conversation...so maybe not "all" is lost. When I told them I protested both Bush and Cheney here in my state...I heard a "gasp" but they did seem to respect what I said.

Maybe there's hope ...but it was really devastating.

Anyway, thanks.

[yellowdogmi]

4. Several of my friends back home

in a northern blue state are the same way. Unfortunately it has devolved to a point where I don't even discuss politics with them. It can put a strain on a relationship. I don't enjoy their company as much because several times it has turned into a group vs. me. I would not mind supporting my opinions with facts and debating issues with them but they are so misinformed and obnoxious. Good luck to you. Try to not let it get to you. Remember why you value their friendship.

[KoKo]

13. It's sad it's come down to all of this.. isn't it. I cherish my oldie

friends...but it kind of makes me wonder these days what the "Civil War" was about way back with Neighbor against Neighbor, Brother against Brother, Families against Families, Friend against Friend" etc.

Are we in a New Civil WAR? Where folks you share so much with seem to be on another planet?

What you say, makes sense. And, I did manage to find some common ground...yet...I had to compromise MY PRINCIPLES...because "I" contacted THEM and they didn't start a dialog with me...

Anyway...I love them..which I told them..but they got it plain and clear that I do NOT support BUSH/EMPEROR and NEVER WILL... And, I said he STOLE TWO ELECTIONS!

But they hate Gore and trashed Clinton and didn't understand how or why I could support either.

They are good people and ENVIRONMENTALISTS (WOULD YOU BELIEVE?) Yet...their brainwashing is complete!

[Minnesota Libra]

6. I can't answer any of your questions but I can offer.........

....you the support you need so desperately right now. I'm sorry to hear of the shock you must have suffered learning of their refusal to educate themselves. At least we can offer them

I've got a cousin who is just 16 days younger than I am and she too is a HUGE Bush supporter. For her Bush all but walks on water all because he doesn't believe in abortion. Nothing else he does seems to matter if he doesn't believe in abortion. So I understand the frustration very well.

[bullwinkle428]

15. The abortion issue turns some into zombies - I was talking to a co-worker

earlier today, and he was talking about an experience a few years back with another co-worker where he was basing his vote on that issue and that issue alone (voting Rethug), even when my co-worker was trying to explain the financial ramifications of his vote, how it would impact him negatively. This particular guy said he couldn't possibly vote against the wishes of his church. The Fundie churches have truly become pseudo-cults in this country...

[Minnesota Libra]

20. YES they have and they order their people around......

....like everyone is expected to jump in line. The sad thing is they usually do jump in line.

[KoKo]

19. Many Thanks...and to all you are helping me on this post

to get through this...

[jaysunb]

7. Oh Yeah,and don't forget about all the new friends you have now.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Roland99]

12. So, you called someone you haven't talked to in 20yrs and talked POLITICS?

[tinfoilinfor2005]

14. Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

Sorry, but it does sound sort of strange, and maybe it did to them too. Maybe that is why you got less than a pleasant reply.

[KoKo]

22. No...it didn't start out that way...it started with a dream I had

waking up at 3:00 a.m and having this idea I should call them because it was really important. The conversation evolved into that.

They are "rescuing squirrels from development sites." They belong to a group that calls folks when the "back hoe's and whatever" go to tear up land for new developments and they take the babies and parents of these squirrels in.... So the conversation evolved from there.....

I didn't bring it up...but asked them how they felt about our fragile environment taking the land from the squirrel's they saved and that's how they told me they really loved Bush and that Clinton with Monica had turned them..

I have no idea how they can protect and save baby squirrels and yet love George Bush...so I did change subject into deeper Bush Bot issues...

How can one fathom this????

[WorseBeforeBetter]

31. Beats the hell out of me...

It's like the guy I saw the other day with "W04" and "I Love Mountains" bumper stickers. I asked him how he reconciles his love of Bush and the practice of mountaintop mining and he just stood there with a totally blank look on his face. No big surprise there, I suppose, but he couldn't even come back with regurgitated right-wing talking points.

[KoKo]

33. In my darkest times I think we've all lost our minds...insanity or Koolaid

I have no idea. I know I have to keep centered into getting the Bushbots OUT! But, maybe I'm just as crazy as the rest...

[Roland99]

34. All about the sex. They probably favor the proposed law in TN to ban

sex toys.

[jdadd]

16. I know how you must feel

My sister and I grew up in a strong democratic and Union household.
she says she was brainwashed in her childhood but now she has seen the "Big Picture". I really hate going to family functions because of this. I try and just suck it up and go...but her slug of a husband just wont leave it alone. I had a really good Christmas last year...I stayed home.

[KoKo]

23. That's sad about sister.....

and that's why I feel so said about my friend. I don't have a sister but she was as close to me as if I'd had one. and I was close to her hubby because we all grew up together...We shared so much...I can't understand why there's such a huge gap?

Anyway...thanks for sharing...

[Sarah Ibarruri]

17. I'm sorry to tell you this, but right wing ideology is most attractive to

....the shallowest or least educated in society. That's my observation. Your friends must be shallow as hell, and you are not. Sorry.

[fairfaxvadem]

18. It's heartbreaking, isn't it?

I'm in a similar but not quite as extreme situation w/my friend of 35 years. Her family has totally bought in to this GOP'er line. We just don't talk politics anymore. Sometimes I get the feeling she is torn between going along w/her husband and her own family vs. making a stand. I think she is taking the path of least resistance.

At least in her case, for example, after exploring some of the "private" schools around here, she decided the parents were all kooks and pretentious, and put her kid in good old Fairfax County public schools where she doesn't have to fake it. Although when I asked her, with quality public schools, why spend the money on a private elementary school, she did use the code words of "cultural" crap. I attribute that to too much Fox News watching and this weird, misplaced fear of gays and lesbians that so many GOP'ers seem to have fallen prey to.

Good luck with your friends. If you ever get that phone call down the road when they wake up to the realities, welcome them back.

[KoKo]

25. Thanks...so many of us are being torn apart by our beliefs with friends/

family. I probably shouldn't have posted here...but I was really thrown that someone so close would be so different and how we had grown apart.

It's hard to deal with...and thanks for sharing. It helps me to deal..
And I'm sorry for sounding "Soapy" ...I am just very upset still.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

27. With top notch public schools like in Fairfax County (for DUers, this is

one of the best if not THE best school system in the country, I grew up in neighboring Montgomery County and am well familiar), it seems crazy to spend thousands on private school unless you are really well off and can afford the absolute best prep schools without too much pain.

To forgo these excellent schools, and spend loads of cash to go to possibly inferior schools because they espouse wingnut Christian theology seems the worst folly.

[Swamp Rat]

21. This 'Southerner' welcomes you.

Ignorance knows neither North or South. I know what you are going, through, as I have friends and family who are ignorant BushBots... I have gotten through to some of them, so there is hope. IF you you want to pursue an education campaign, I recommend first trying to talk to your female friend privately. In my experience with RWers, the husband is usually the one who is overbearing, and makes the "political" decisions for the wife. If you work on her first you might be able to turn them away from the fascists. Otherwise, you might have to just let them go, and try to remember the good times.

[KoKo]

28. Thanks, Swampy.......

back atcha....

In this case it was the "hubby" who was with me but both still support Bush to the hilt..even though they are on the "Squirrel Rescue Squad" alert where they take care of the babies and parents who are being "backhoed over" from the developers.

How can one work to save baby squirrels and yet love Bush and think his WAR is GREAT? How can they not see that the Developers and BUSH BOT's are driving out our wildlife in the name of GREED? (I did NOT say this to them, but it was in my mind)

How can folks who try to save squirrels from death by developer bulldozers be TOTALLY BUSH SUPPORTERS?

I love these two...but their views on Bush were beyond even what I (trying to be fair) could deal with...

How can folks still support this MadMan FASCIST! ...HOW..
Anyway...I'm still "raving" from the conversation...but thanks for what you say. I think I need to back off and think more...about this and what you say makes sense...along with other posters here.}

[bedazzled]

24. my favorite cousin turned into a rush-bot

and i don't want to have anything to do with her now.

she has a picture of george and laura displayed in her house! he's a uniter not a divider

[newyawker99]

36. Hi bedazzled!!

Welcome to DU!!

[GrumpyGreg]

26. People change--that's the way it is.

[KoKo]

29. Probably the Wisest of words...but hardest to deal with...thanks..n/t

[Terran1212]

30. I live in 2nd most republican district in nation

I have plenty of friends who are Bushites. I just settle for calling them lame and them calling me a communist ^_^

[KoKo]

32. It's so hard these days to not speak up......and yet to keep peace..

in families and with friends what can we do. We can "nudge" and give a few talking points ...but in the end we are left wondering...HOW CAN THEY NOT SEE!!!!!

I don't know.. I wish I could sort it..

but, thanks.

[seaglass]

37. I look at someone pushing their politics at me the same as I

would look at them pushing their religion at me. I don't appreciate either.

I'm very angry about our current political situation but my relationships with people I love are more important than trying to score political points or convincing them to see the light (as I see it).

I'm sorry this happened with your friends. I don't know them so I can't say if it's worth letting the relationship die or not, only you can decide what you can make of it with them - if you want to.

[KoKo]

35. Thanks to ALL of you who posted to help me with this....

a big I don't usually get "personal on DU" but this kind of got into my soul and made me wonder who I am.

you all gave me some good commiseration and perspective. I'm heading offline now...but you guys were great support...truly.