So what should I tell the handyman tomorrow when he starts spouting his teabagging nonsense?

[rucky]

He's coming by to make some repairs on a rental property. I got his number through some glowing references from people I trust, so I know he does good work. But I called him a couple of days ago and not two minutes into the conversation, he works in his RW talking points about how the country is going to hell, etc. I told him I was more concerned about the damage to the units, and didn't really feel comfortable talking politics. Of course, he worked it into the conversation again. He can't wait until that crook Pelosi steps down as speaker, etc.

I really need to get this unit rented. He's coming by tomorrow to look at the place, and I'm prepared to say "thanks but no thanks" if he starts in again. Why do these people think it's okay to do this with a prospective client? He needs to get the message.

[The Magistrate]

1. Tell Him To Go Home, Sir: No Work Today....

[Tesha]

23. Precisely. You may hire whomever you wish. (NT)

[AnArmyVeteran]

61. Tell him to sign a contract saying for each right wing word he says you will deduct $5 from the bill

Or as a condition of employment he has to write an essay saying how many socialistic programs he used (roads, etc...) to get to your house and all the regulations he has to follow to do the job right.

[calimary]

66. Oh man I LOVE this one!

[tourivers83]

72. But I never called him back.

No, don’t do that. The OP needs the job done. Truly I got in a somewhat similar situation recently with a repairman. While he was talking the crap I just nodded ever now and then and said a word or two. Mostly just let him talk to himself. Then he started talking about gay people but fortunately about that time Amanda came home. I just grabbed her and gave her a big wet kiss right in front of him. His face turned red and he did not say another word.

:rofl: :evilgrin: :rofl:

[AnArmyVeteran]

81. Good story...

But on the flip side, he's a guy and every guy I have ever known has loved watching two women kissing. But I bet it deeply embarrassed him because of what he just said. I bet it short circuited his brain in so many ways it made it impossible for him to say anything. Hopefully he learned to keep his mouth shut.

[The Magistrate]

Multi-Post

[The Magistrate]

2. Multi-Post

[customerserviceguy]

3. If you're stuck using him now because there's no other answer

then you're stuck.

But find another handyman, if you find him obnoxious now, you'll really get pushed over the edge after Election Day.

[rucky]

8. Either way, it's a headache.

But I find it hard to believe there's not a skilled person in my area who's looking for work and is not a douchebag. I'll just have to ask around some more, I guess.

[Brickbat]

10. Try the carpenters union.

[rucky]

16. THAT is a dandy idea!

Calling the local chapter first thing in the morning. Then when mr teabag comes in, I can say that I'm waiting for another bid, and I'd rather work with unionized labor (and I would). Ha!

:thumbsup:

[customerserviceguy]

19. I would imagine a lot of people looking for side work

could be found through Craigslist. And there's the old tried and true way of asking friends and neighbors for recommendations.

But, if he's really the best of them available, then listening to him spout just needs to be thought of as part of the price of having him do the work.

[Tesha]

37. If he's so stupid as to believe tea-bagger nonsense, then...

...he's too stupid to be your carpenter/handyman.
You want a smart worker.

Tesha

[customerserviceguy]

43. Not necessarily

There are loads of people who are pretty smart in a particular subject, while being oblivious to other things, like political realities. I'm an atheist, and while I consider all religion to be bunk, I'm not going to hold being a believer in a faith tradition against the guy who fixes my car, or even the woman who is my doctor.

Now, if during the provision of such services, I find myself in serious political disagreement with that person, yet I consider their professional services to be well supplied and honestly priced, then I might have to see what I can do to minimize the time that we are in disagreement during our time together.

I wouldn't want someone to hold my politics against me if I'm doing a computer repair (yeah, customer service is my 'day' job). I would simply have the tact to avoid discussion of politics with someone that I'm likely to disagree with, but then, I think I might have better business practices than the OP's handyman.

[Tesha]

46. If your doctor's religious beliefs lead her to not believe in evolution, you'd be a fool...

...to let her treat an infection you might be
suffering from.

Frankly, I've reached the point where I would
prefer *NONE* of my money go to folks who will
invest it in my sworn political enemies.

Tesha

[customerserviceguy]

62. If my doctor didn't believe in evolution

then it would be fairly obvious in the way that she treated me. She's never once advised prayer, only sound medical strategies for caring for me. I'd avoid her if that were her approach, but only because it would be interfering with her job.

If she were Jewish (my ophthalmologist is a very conservative one) and told me that my problems were from eating pork (but not beef), then I'd have to find another doctor, too.

[Caretha]

56. It's always a choice

isn't it? If he was the only laborer available I might have some empathy, but you sir, are asking for forgiveness

If this feels alright to you, then I must say go for it...

[customerserviceguy]

63. All I'm saying is

If there are no other better or equal persons available, then you do this based on that ability, and ignore the rest, considering it a cost of having the work done. If that sounds like forgiveness to you, then so be it. I'm usually a pretty forgiving sort of person.

[RandomThoughts]

18. Personally After the election, I probably wont be posting much.

I do like expressing thoughts, but am not going to post for more years when things have been shown to not be properly corrected.

The corrections to my situation should have occurred years ago, and since they have not occurred, yet, after repeated proof that they should have, methods like posting on internet are not a means to proper corrections.


And I have posted enough thoughts to justify other actions that I will not do. So I will probably be turning off TV and Internet and just standing in a room after election. Will stare at a wall, or something. Or if issue is corrected I will travel and be around people again.


side note, I am still due correction and compensation in beer and travel money and good experiences.

And they will pay.

[Iggo]

4. 'Leave your politics at the door.'

Don't even let him start.

[TxVietVet]

5. Tell him you appreciate his talking points

but if you really wanted to know what the conservanazi republiklans' talking points of the day are, you'll tune into druggie limbaugh. That way you get the bu$hit from the king of the conservanazis and not some stooge.

His ass ain't worth the grief. Tell him if he can't shut up, you know of a couple of illegal aliens you'll put to work for less money and no conservanazi propaganda. :kick:

Let me know how it turns out.

[davidinalameda]

11. that's just funny about the illegals

hehe

bet that would make the guy's head explode

[blaze]

6. You're fired?

just sayin'

[davidinalameda]

7. then tell him that you'd prefer not to listen to his right wing drivel

and if he wants your business, then shut up

I'm sure you could find another repairman

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

9. Siimply tell him you aren't discussing

politics while he's working........... :shrug:

[jobycom]

12. Make sure he gets the message.

if he starts in, say something like "I need you to be more professional than this. Can you manage that?" That makes it about his job, and threatens him without pushing him too hard against a wall. Passive-aggressive won't work with him, so don't just avoid the subject or try to divert him to talking about the work. You'll have to confront, or he'll keep it up. Don't start arguing with him, that just will give him license, and you'll never gain the upper hand again.

And if you fire him, be wary of vandalism or even burglary for a few months. Tea baggers have a strong since of entitlement, and feel the right to punish people when they don't get their way.

[Bonhomme Richard]

13. I would let him know you are a liberal. Then he can...

make the decision. As soon as I hear any conservative rants I immediately let them know my politics. It tends to shut them down because their mentality is that of a 15 year old who just wants to rant with those that agree with him. I think he will take your money with less editorials.

[Cleita]

14. If you have the patience, you could try to

show him why he's wrong. That means you have to be right and have the sources to prove it to him. I usually ask if they get their points from Fox News, Rush Limbaugh or unsubstantiated emails, because if they do then they have been misinformed and I would be happy to show them the facts if they are interested. Those who don't want the facts shut up and the ones who do aren't that hard to convince that they have been lied to.

[Warpy]

31. That doesn't work

These people are in a CULT and the more you try to show them the error of their ways, the stronger they cling to that cult.

Yes, he's being lied to and that's sad. However, his proselytizing a prospective client is simply unacceptable.

He needs to be told other bids are being considered, then drop kicked.

[Cleita]

33. Not all.

The ones in the cult will shut up because they don't want to know the truth and you will never convince them so that's the time to change the subject to business. But there are those who can be converted because they have gotten the wrong information that they think is right. They can be talked to and shown that their information is wrong. I have done so many times. It's as simple as opening a door to another room.

[proud2BlibKansan]

15. I'd send him home

I don't do business with right wing nuts when I can avoid it.

Lots of folks out of work. You shouldn't have that much trouble finding a good handyman.

[TxVietVet]

59. Roger that!

Hire who needs the work without the propaganda pitch.

Most of the conservanazi toadies think everyone else believes the way they do and if not, then they need to pass on the propaganda as an insult.

That's when I explain to them that if I wanted to listen to that bu$hit, I'd turn on the druggie king of the conservanazis, limpballs.

[elleng]

17. facts, politely

[CTyankee]

20. I do this with my garage mechanic all the time.

It's pretty good natured. I tell him my side, he tells me his side. If he steps over into a RW talking point I tell him "You've been watching Fox News too much." Then he tells me he doesn't watch Fox News. I give him a load of grief then he starts in about "government jobs."

I give as much as I get. It's a process of education...he has another strong Dem who challenges him too so the guy is besieged...he's in a neighborhood of liberal Dems in New Haven, CT! Mercy, me!!!

[pennylane100]

21. Write him a rubber check.

[mitchum]

22. Pay him less than minimum wage

[mmonk]

24. Tell him to go Cheney himself and concentrate on his job.

[Matariki]

25. Tell him you don't want to discuss politics and change the subject.

Don't engage him on those topics.

[MindPilot]

26. Two words:

Angie's List

[blaze]

42. Do a search on Angie's List

Not sure I'd rely on that.

[Doremus]

27. I don't argue with fast food workers or pizza delivery people.

For the same reason I probably wouldn't argue with someone who could do me harm surreptitiously through shoddy workmanship or other sabotage.

I would decide ahead of time whether to allow him to do the work and, if so, tell him part of the work requirements is that he keep his thoughts to himself.

Personally, I would line up someone else and then see if I could get the puke's head to explode in some creative manner. :)

[kevinbgoode]

58. If his politics is so wrapped up in his professional dealings

that he cannot seperate the two in a simple conversation about contracting for work, I wouldn't trust him to do a good job. And I wouldn't care what his reputation is for the work - there is something inherently off about someone who would deliberately inject politics into a discussion about contracting for unrelated work. He can't seem to seperate the two.

[lumberjack_jeff]

28. "I'm a liberal democrat, and I'm not paying you to argue with me about it."

"Your choice"

[GoCubsGo]

45. You don't even need to mention that you're liberal or a Democrat

Just say, "I am not paying you to discuss politics. Either get back to work or go home."

[lumberjack_jeff]

47. a) I'm proud of it. b) I have the checkbook. n/t

[rucky]

29. I was just talking about everyone's responses with my wife...

and my six year old daughter's listening in, and when we're done she asks me - very upset: "Dad, why don't you like tea parties?"

[Spazito]

44. LOL! Gotta love that!

I know I do! I have no doubt you and/or your wife assured her that her tea parties and tea set were safe and then added a big hug!

[Phentex]

48. THAT is precious!

:rofl:

[Divine Discontent]

30. the handyman that does work for my bro does that crap... I like the idea of finding one that doesn't

spew that crap. I know it's kinda hard to find, but they're out there. That, or tell him, I really don't wanna hear about politics.

[TNDemo]

32. If you want to do it "politely", like we tend to do

in the south (though we do reach our boiling point and occasionally tell people where to stuff it and that is up to your discretion), change the subject immediately whenever he starts to wander off course into his RW points. It should become rather obvious to him as soon as he gets a few words out when you immediately butt in with another subject (over and over again) or when he starts talking you start texting or making a phone call, etc. It's no fun for him if he can't get you riled up about the evil liberals. Or you can tell him to just shut the f**k up.

[Myrina]

34. "You're Fired" works for me ...

:shrug:

[Jamastiene]

35. I don't know.

I just had flooring and plumbing replaced in my kitchen due to leaks. I started with one plumbing contractor, then he hired a subcontractor to do the non-plumbing related stuff.

Oddly, the sorta preachy religious ones (the subcontractors) did the better job of the two. That one woman with them was kind of preachy though. She also cleaned areas behind the cabinets that I can't reach, voluntarily. Plus, they did great work on the floor. I cannot complain about how they did the floor and the effort they put into doing it RIGHT. So, I'll call it even.

The plumber didn't preach or talk politics but left me with the leak, by reusing the old studor vent under the sink. He also told me to go buy a new register for the A/C vent even though 2 new registers, installed, were included in the contract. He also did a really crappy job trimming under the window using scraps that he didn't even cut straight. The window looks awful and the sink is still leaking from that vent pipe. :banghead:

I'm at the point, that if I thought listening to a little preaching would finally get this plumbing stuff fixed, I'd really consider it at this point. If this crap can finally be fixed and I don't have to get up so early and wait around for them all day long from 8 in the morning until 8 at night to come whenever they damn well please (even though they told me 8 am) and all the other hassles, I'll at least pray with them. Something. Anything. At this point, I might even consider going to church once to have all this crap fixed right so I can move forward with my life, ffs.

It's a crap shoot. If the dude does good work and you don't have continual problems even after he is done (any you get a receipt when you pay the balance, which I never got other than my returned check, and I'm still pissed off about that), be glad. I would just ignore that teabagger stuff. Don't even acknowledge it. Just shake your head to acknowledge that you heard them say it and let them get the work done first. If you plan on saying anything, wait until you are sure the repairs are finished and done correctly.

He who holds the tools decides how well your repairs get done. That's why I have to put on my nice face when I call the plumber back in the morning. I hate being nice, at least when I'm facing bullshit. A week of being nice despite the waiting around all day long and lousy work has seriously caused me to start up with the stomach ulcer again. I hate being nice for too long at the time when someone is steadily doing me wrong. I REALLY hate being nice when I got shafted. I want to cuss him out, but I don't want my stuff to get damaged any more than it already is from the leaks. And I really do NOT want to see his ass crack and smell him again, but it looks like I'm going to have to call him back. Gah.

[rucky]

39. Half the repairs that need to be done are re-repairs from the last guy.

Nice guy, but shit what a sloppy flake. If I hire the teabagger, I want him to do a good job for me, so I'm tempted to keep my mouth shut if I have no other options. I don't want to take any more chances, but I refuse to believe this has to be an either/or proposition.

i'm taking some advice from up-thread and calling the Carpenter's Local first thing in the morning. This way, if he starts in again, I can tell him the truth: I'm waiting for another bid to come in, and I'd prefer to work with union labor.

[Jamastiene]

That is a good option.

I wonder if we even have a Plumber's union in my area. I'll look into that for my future plumbing needs.

[stray cat]

36. Why say anything - is he going to convince you too change your mind or vice versa?

maybe you could ask some questions and actually listen and even learn something about where he is coming from

[rucky]

41. Call me old fashioned...

but I don't think it's appropriate to discuss religion or politics with someone until you've reached a certain comfort level with them. I have plenty of friends and family who hold right wing viewpoints, and I'm happy to have spirited discussions with them. And if I want to hear a monologue, I can turn on FOX.

[onethatcares]

38. tell him he's only there to work.

show him the projects you have and tell him you'll be back in 4 hours to see how he's doing. Then leave. Most working guys don't want anyone hanging over their shoulders anyway.

[emilyg]

40. It takes two people to carry

a conversation.

[femrap]

49. Do you want to be paid for your

work or not?

I really can't give $$$ to people who are bad Karma....I'm sure there is another competent handyman/woman around.

[AngryAmish]

50. 1. Tie him down

2. Take a huge, steaming dump in his mouth.

[southerncrone]

51. Is his name Joe? Get another handyman....there are lots out there.

[JVS]

52. Tell him "You're fired!"

[Dappleganger]

53. Business should just be business.

IF he says anything be clear that you want a professional and not someone who spouts their opinion about everything but their damn job.

Or if you can, choose someone else. Surely there are other handymen out there?

[BlueIdaho]

54. Ask him if he reports all of his income to the IRS

Tell him you are concerned about those economic terrorists not paying their fair share for the services they use.

[Skip Intro]

55. Just tell him you're paying him to do a job, and you're not interested in hearing his political view

If he continues, tell him you'll find someone else if he doesn't just shut up and do his job. If he continues after than, tell him to hit the road.

[jberryhill]

67. +1

[jberryhill]

68. +1

[joshcryer]

71. +1

Said the same thing downthread.

[liberal N proud]

57. Find a Democratic handyman

The Christians have a whole network of right wing fundamentalist contractors, mechanics and handymen business.

Maybe we should start a Democratic network of the same. That way we wouldn't have to listen to their political hogwash in our homes.

[AnArmyVeteran]

60. FIRE HIM!

[malaise]

64. Tell him his leader John Boehner, defender of the billionaires club

is the king of TEE bags on his way to the golf course

[mistertrickster]

65. What to tell him? You're fired. Have a nice day. nt

[hatrack]

69. "GTFO" seems appropriate . . .

But then, what do I know?

[joshcryer]

70. Tell him you have a no politics rule, and he will not say a word about his political views.

I assure you that he will do his job like a good little boy and not mention anything political the whole time.

[begin_within]

73. Tell him that his job has been outsourced to someone in India who will do it for 90% less

[TK421]

74. Tell him to watch out for his thumb if a nail is in the other hand nt

Oh...edited to add: tell him you're giving his job to the Mexican guy down the street who is asking for $5.00 less than what he was offered

[Brewman_Jax]

75. Fire him/don't hire him

like most RW'ers, they don't like having the rules applied to them that they'd gladly apply to everyone else.

A TRUE business professional knows the rules of polite conversation, and NOT to engage in topics of religion, politics, or sex.

[Odin2005]

76. Tell him to STFU and work.

[applegrove]

77. Tell him it is an old conservative tactic to get the masses to vote on patriotism

issues instead of on what is in the best interest of their pocketbook because when the middle class votes thinking of their economic welfare they vote dem. If they vote for some made up issues like god, gays & guns they vote Republican.

[Ramulux]

78. Try to get through to the guy

If he is anything like the average teabagger it shouldn't take more than 5 minutes to shove this guys talking points back down his throat. Be polite, be calm, and explain to him why what he believes is wrong. Maybe you will make a difference, maybe you wont, but at least you will have tried.

[Maru Kitteh]

79. Um. You're fired? Your rightwing teabaggery has just cost you more than any liberal policy

ever will.

[azul]

80. Check why you trusted the people who recommened him.

Tell him that he lost the job prospect for un-professionalism, and give him shitty recommendations if you please. He is obviously a sad shoot-yourself-in-the-wallet blue-collar Reaganite that needs some self-respect, and tough-love words.

I work in a health care profession where that is such a no-no as to be a resignation notice.

[rucky]

82. UPDATE: I hired a UNION guy.

The teabagger never bothered to show up, which is kind of a bummer because I was ready for him with the "perfect zinger" haha.

Monday morning I called the Carpenter's union - per a suggestion on this thread. I left a message saying I could use a handyman. Someone called me back that day, and was at my place the next morning. He came back with a reasonable quote, itemizing every repair, and suggested a few things I could finish myself to save a few bucks.

I guess the moral to this story is something I shouldn't have overlooked in the first place: Need skilled help? Call a trade union. Duh!

[TheBigotBasher]

83. You are sacked.

Blaaagh.

i can do that in the free market you want.

So

Blaagh.


And again Blaaagh.