My MAGA encounter last night

[cannabis_flower]

I drive Uber to supplement my other job. I picked up a guy in a nice area in Houston's Spring Branch neighborhood. He was going about 8 miles to the Greenway Plaza area to a bar called Kirby Icehouse.

I generally have my radio on Houston Public Radio which is an NPR station. There was a segment on where they were talking about malnutrition in Gaza, I think. He asked me what I was listening to and I said Houston Public Radio and he said "Well, it sounds like some Muslim propaganda". I was taken aback that he would say that and I said. "I don't need your opinion about what I'm listening to, do you want me to change it". He said yes and I changed it to a rock station.

We got to our exit and then we turned on Westheimer and got stopped at the train and it was a really long train, and then another train in the opposite direction. It seemed like forever. I had right away changed the subject but it was awkward and after the train left I just couldn't keep from saying. "Can I give you a suggestion?" He said yes and I said "Next time you ride Uber, you don't have to give me your racist opinion of what I'm listening to. Just ask to change the channel."

He said "Well, I don't want to listen to your opinions either"

I said "Fine, then just say 'Could we please turn the radio to something else?' "

Then he said "Well, I'm paying you."

That's where I said "Not anymore. I want you out of my car."

I pulled over real quick and he said "I don't want to ride with you either. I'm reporting you. MAGA" and slammed the door.

I called Uber right away and reported the incident. I made sure that I told them that the guy said "Muslim propaganda" The guy I talked to had an foreign accent so he very well could have been a Muslim. He said that he didn't think I did anything wrong since I've been driving for Uber and have a good rating and over 2000 rides. It shook me up a little so I used the next half-hour or so to go get more gas and eat a cookie.

[Agschmid]

1. You did the right thing.

[DonaldsRump]

2. i'd rate you a 5 star+

What a snowflake (him, not you)!

You did the right thing. Thank you for the courage.

[rzemanfl]

3. K&R. n/t

[RHMerriman]

4. No shoes, no shirt, no decency, no service...

No shoes, no shirt, no decency, no service...

[libdem4life]

9. Good and necessary addition for our New Normal public rules! n/t

[LiberalLovinLug]

38. No deplorables

[MyOwnPeace]

5. Cookies are good!

MAGAnuts suck!

[cannabis_flower]

8. Amen!

Oatmeal raisin cookies. I would have rather had sugar cookies but the other choice was chocolate chip and macadamia and of the three I'd rather have the oatmeal raisin cookies because at least I can tell myself they are not as unhealthy.

[deurbano]

55. Agree with everything you said and did... except the oatmeal with raisins (!) cookie!

That's the oh-crap-I-assumed-it-was-chocolate-chip cookie....

Other than that... well done!

[blugbox]

72. I applaud you sticking to your morals

and also your cookie choice! I JUST got done eating an oatmeal raisin cookie! I'm staring at the napkin with crumbs as I type this.

[Wellstone ruled]

6. Proud of you for your handeling that Racist idiot.

You made the right call and you notified your Superiors as per requirements.

[libdem4life]

7. Wow...good work and quick thinking. Glad it turned out OK for you.

Hope it was a chocolate chip cookie...LOL.

[cannabis_flower]

10. Nope

Oatmeal raisin. I only like chocolate chip every once in a while. I would have rather had a sugar cookie but they didn't have them.

[TEB]

11. Good for you

[Fla Dem]

12. Props to you. Hope he was stuck out in the wilderness.

[cannabis_flower]

16. Sadly no.

I dropped him off at a ritzy area near River Oaks on Westheimer. We had just passed a Starbucks.

[violetpastille]

13. Or you can play it another way.

I tried and failed to bond with a Trump voter on something that I thought everyone can find consensus on.

What moves you? I asked. What gets you every time and your heart just opens? For me it's hungry kids. I can't not put myself right in the shoes of children who are not being nourished. I start crying just thinking about it.

He got angry, defensive and said,

I have NEVER in my life WANTED for ANYTHING!

Oh. I said. Well good for you then.

Like I said. You can play it the other way.

To what result..I honestly don't know.

[TexasBushwhacker]

14. Hi from Houston!

I live on the west side.

[kairos12]

15. MAGA. No service as they have no decency.

[trueblue2007]

17. God bless you Democrat friend. YOU ARE AWESOME.

[StarryNite]

18. He actually ended by saying, "MAGA"?

What a flippin' idiot. I don't think I could have held back my laughter as I told him to get his MAGA ass out of my car.

[Hekate]

20. Sounds like it's the new "Sieg Heil"

[2naSalit]

25. Sure does...nt

[Grasswire2]

28. !!!!!

Need to use that, DU.

[Initech]

42. They should change it to "MANA" - Make America Nazi Again!

Or Make Nazis Great Again!

[Different Drummer]

50. Or maybe this.

[RhodeIslandOne]

66. Was just about to post that

It's their secret word, their mantra, their security blanket.

[OMGWTF]

29. That makes this guy a MAGAt

[safeinOhio]

19. It is hard to reply to a racist that expects

you are part of the group.
My last quick reply was to a kid that worked at a gas station. When I paid him I missed counted my change and was a nickel short. He smiled and said "are you trying to Jew me". My quick reply was, I'm Jewish. Wish I had a picture of his face. I'd like to think I would have said to your ride, I'm a Muslim.

[Hekate]

21. Stay safe, friend

[Cha]

22. Good on you, cf. That's

how you deal with a brainwashed asshole.

[samnsara]

23. you handled that very well!

[samnsara]

24. they are so deplorable. trumps given them the right to behave as any..

...14 yr old would!

[TNNurse]

26. Please be careful out there.

Every day I am grateful that I am retired and no longer have to interact with the public for my job. You never know who may get into your vehicle. I worried about who would come into the ER. I believe it has become more secure since I left but nothing is secure.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

59. my worry

MAGA people have demonstrated they are not quite right in the head. My worry in that situation is that it would turn out to be an armed MAGAt with no self-restraint.

Better to take the ex-cabbie's advice, below in the thread.

[kaotikross]

27. As an ex-cabbie, some advice.

I drove a cab for years and learned to be a sociopath with those kinds of people. Do you believe what they spout? No. Will you vote the way he votes? No. Can you play along and get a HUGE tip? Hell yeah you can, and look at it this way: your job includes acting. Yes,to tell them off feels great, and I've done it but..playing along and getting $20 tips from one..smells like Victory. That's $20 he's out, donate it to a liberal cause if you want to. When they go low, lie that butt off, get that bankroll. They don't need it. Consider it as "repurposing the Trump tax credit to a more deserving individual", namely you and your family.

[trixie2]

35. Along your lines

I work for a public library and also sub at a public school. I serve everyone and it is part of my job. I just nod along or give them a you-are-speaking-jibberish look. I don't even think it's a good idea to even enter a discussion with any political, religious or local talk.

When I worked as a bartender/waitress through college I was like you, Kaotikriss, and went along with the program and knew how to play the game and make the most profits possible.

[calimary]

58. Now that's an interesting approach!

There are many ways to fight these assholes. Why not relieve them of some of their money? Legally, of course.

[The Mouth]

78. Major 'We're Not Worthy' wave from me to you

[elleng]

30. My 'change the subject' tack might have been:

'It's Public Radio reporting facts about the situation in the Gaza Strip, and it's very informative; I like it. I'll change the station if you'd like, but I think being informed is necessary.'

I like oatmeal raisin cookies too!

[GETPLANING]

31. I strongly suggest you get some cameras for your car.

I used to think cameras were an intrusion, but after working in a Houston car dealership that spent more time surveilling its own employees than anyone else, I came to appreciate them. If you ever have an issue, cameras always tell the truth.

[cannabis_flower]

41. I have a camera system on order.

It has a front camera, a rear camera and the passenger area. Should be here by Nov. 8th.

[dalton99a]

63. +1. Record and upload.

[TwistOneUp]

74. Right.

Record the mofo and if uber takes you to task then send 'em the recording.

Also just play along with the guy and get his tip. I'll listen to the lamest country n western if it doubles my tip. And take his money!

Remember if you're arguing with a true believer you will never change his mind, so relieve him of his budget and maybe he'll see things differently.

[geardaddy]

32. You did the right thing

I used to drive Uber and Lyft in Minneapolis. Luckily, no one said anything racist, but if they had, I would have dropped them at the next corner like you did.

[benld74]

33. Good for you Did the right thing

[magicarpet]

34. They are like monkeys at the zoo.

They shit in the cup of their hand,.. and then fling it at people who happen to walk by.

Except it is not shit they toss,.. although it is toxic and bacteria laden,.. it is much worse,.. it is racism wrapped in the bow of mindless hatred. Their gift to the universe.

[enid602]

36. Trumpers

I dropped into a Subway sandwich place last night, and there were 2 middle aged, heavily tattooed skin heads that came in later. Tight black T-shirt’s and black short pants. Each had a long pistol holstered around the waist. Their truck parked outside was black with huge American flags in the bed. The truck was festooned with trump and Martha McSally posters.

[ejbr]

37. Thank you

Though those MAGA types are fairly thick-headed, let’s hope the inconvenience of having to find another ride might make him think twice before talking sh*t next time

[vlyons]

39. They can't take criticism or correction of any kind

Criticism is perceived as a personal attack on their egos, their sense of self. Their egos are all entwined and wrapped up with "I" versus "other." Just like Trump. I swear their parents never taught them any manners.

I would have handled it a little differently. I think I would have said something like, "A courteous person, a gentleman, simply asks to change the station, or turn off the radio. You do know how to behave as a courteous gentleman, don't you? Your mother did teach you some manners for how to behave in public, didn't she?

and if he gave me back a snarly answer, I would have replied. "I'm sorry. I thought that you were a much better person, a gentleman. Oh well --- "

[CharleyDog]

40. It is beneficial in the long run to (non violently) push back

Otherwise, these people have a mistaken impression that people agree with their racist ideas. They may be surprised when others don't tolerate that shit. Usually, I find, they run home to Mama (RW media) to reinforce their shaky world-view.

[ooky]

43. Good job.

I would likely eat at least 2 cookies, maybe 3, to relieve the stress from that kind of close encounter with a MAGAt.

[cannabis_flower]

47. Had 2

[agincourt]

44. Good work

they need to have consequences for the things they do and say. They have gotten away with too much already.

[oberliner]

45. What would you say if you got into an Uber and the driver had a RW station on?

[cannabis_flower]

46. I would ask him to change to music without commenting on his choice

I have no problem changing the station. I had a problem that he would make the judgement that I was listening to "Muslim propaganda". Keep that to yourself, ask if you can have music.

[oberliner]

48. You wouldn't make any reference to the "right wing propaganda" being played?

[cannabis_flower]

51. I might say I didn't want to listen to politics.

It's his car and I respect that.

[RhodeIslandOne]

67. They answered your question

Why the right wing propaganda in quotes?

[oberliner]

71. Because that would be a direct quotation of what one might say

Going off of the example of the person from the OP.

[SimpleC]

52. I think my reply might have been...

Oh, you must be a FOX news kinda guy... and attempt to engage in some intelligent debate on what propaganda truly is...

[cannabis_flower]

53. I've had a few discussions, but only if they start it

They don't see Fox News as propaganda and any discussion is usually pretty useless.

[SimpleC]

54. I never like Fox News

Even before our current turd in chief got slid into power...

I thought they were full of shit years ago and never liked them...

[lunasun]

56. Thank you for resisting and not accepting him telling you NPR is Muslim Propaganda

[mtnsnake]

57. Something like that can really ruin your day, but you handled it courageously. Thank you! n/t

[Scarsdale]

60. I had a totally different experience.

Years ago my son had a court date in Gary In. for a car accident. We went to Chicago, to catch the train to Gary. Missed it. Hailed a cab, he was worried about missing the court date. The driver was African, wore the headdress, had the accent. I didn't ask which country he was from. We had the most pleasant conversation all the way to Gary. This man knew politics better than most Americans, and best part - he LOVED Bill Clinton. He thought he was treated very badly by the gop, for the affair. Best taxi ride EVER. My son enjoyed his company, too.

[Vinca]

61. Aren't you afraid when you encounter someone like that they might put a bullet in you?

Seriously. I'd think driving for Uber could be pretty dangerous in some areas. Stay safe.

[MarvinGardens]

62. Occasional Uber driver here.

I drive in Atlanta. I've never had anyone say anything overtly racist like that. I have told myself that if anyone did, I would pull over as soon as practical, cancel the ride and tell them I don't tolerate that sort of language in my car, and to please get out. Easier said than done, I realize, and you did right to immediately report to Uber. They give more credence to whomever reports first. I did have to throw some guys out once. They were already being dicks, and then they canceled the ride through the rider app, I guess thinking it would be free if they did that. They didn't want to get out, and I had to raise my voice, then they got out quick. I think it helps that most Uber stories in Atlanta are headlined "Uber Driver Attacks Passenger" and not the other way around. We get some herd immunity from that.

I have had passengers who are overtly political, but usually they are anti-Trump, in which case I feel free to agree with them, and we commiserate. When I get the rare passenger spouting RW talking points, I play dumb and pretend to be an apolitical person who doesn't follow politics. I just say "oh yeah?" and let them spout their bullshit. But if you want to push back, I think that's fine too. It's your car!

[JayhawkSD]

64. It's not over.

"I just couldn't keep from saying. 'Can I give you a suggestion?'" Followed by describing to him his "racist opinion."

You picked a fight with your customer. The issue was dead. No more needed to be said, and you brought it back up.

He did not accuse you of anything to begin with, he did not disparage you, he did not accuse you of bad behavior. He made a comment to the effect that he did not like the station, and in the process said nothing about you.

You then raised the subject and told him that his opinion was racist. His Muslim comment could have been religious rather than race based, but you knew he was a racist and felt obliged to tell him so.

He did not attack or impugn you. You attacked him. You feel very virtuous for having done so.

You then describe your Uber supervisor as "having a foreign accent" and so possibly being a Muslim. Who's the racist in this story?

[Dem_4_Life]

65. WOW what an ass! You did a great job.

Former Houstonian here too!

Stay safe out there and keep up all the great work.

[ploppy]

68. Great job, cannabis_flower!

You spoke up!!

[UpInArms]

69. I despise Magats

They definitely are deplorable and you are awesome for not taking his money ... I hope his karma catches up to him soon

[RVN VET71]

70. Special recognition award for "Magats"!

Con permiso, I will use it and spread it around.

[UpInArms]

77. Permission happily granted

Spread liberally

🤣

[niyad]

73. Dear Goddess, I am so glad you are safe--that guy--it could have gotten REALLLLY ugly.

[nolabear]

75. You did well. Be careful out there though.

Can you warn other drivers about him?

[bpj62]

76. Fellow Uber Driver here

Why is it that some people think that because they are paying for a service they can say whatever the hell they want. Some people will always look down at others and this guy is clearly one of them. Fortunately I haven't had an obnoxious MAGA passenger yet and I live in DC.

[Ellen Forradalom]

79. Load some choice songs on your phone.

I suggest the Dead Kennedy's "Nazi Punks Fuck Off" or Billy Bragg's "The Internationale". That'll give 'em something to listen to.

[cannabis_flower]

80. What's funny..

is probably that most of them would not even get it. I'm not really familiar with The Internationale but I favor some Green Day "American Idiot". It was written about W but applies even more so to Trump.

[ecstatic]

81. He yelled MAGA?!

[cannabis_flower]

82. Yep, As he was slamming the door

after I canceled his ride and told him to get out.