OMG - my parents LEAVE the Republican Party!

[erichzann]

Ok, I know most of you don't know me well yet. But I just have to share this story.

I have a very close relationship with my Mom and Dad. But they have been Republicans all their lives. They were raised as protestant evangelical Christians to equate Republican with "moral." No, my parents don't hate gays, nor do they want to see the nation turned into a theocracy. In fact, if you met them and didn't talk about politics, no matter who you were, what you thought, or what you looked like you would find them to be welcoming, friendly and loving toward you...

..which is why as I grew up and begin to understand the fundamental wrongs of the Republican party, I couldn't understand how they could possibly call themselves Republicans.

Hence began about six years of friendly debate. There's probably not been a week that's gone by during that time where politics hasn't come up. I continuously sent them example after example out of the news of all the things the Bush Administration, Neo-Conservatives, or the increasingly extremist Republican Party was doing that went against the very things they value.

My parents had such blind faith in Bush because they believed he was a Christian. We argued over and over and over again because my Mom believed the Administration when they talked about WMDs and the threat from Iraq. My father, who himself was a veteran felt that supporting the troops meant supporting the administration, as well as feeling the things my mom felt.

So we would argue and go round and round and round. Sometimes I felt like they would never understand because it seemed like no matter what evidence would come to light about dishonesty or betray by the administration or the party, they just couldn't accept it. It was almost as though their will/need to believe that these were good men doing the right things drowned out any attention to reality.

The it came to election year, and our debates reached there most intense. For the first time, my mom was beginning to ask some questions I never thought she would ask. She had reservations about voting for Bush. I talked, and talked and talked with her about what she was feeling and how Bush and the republican party have sadly betrayed all the things she cares about and misled her. But despite her questions, she just couldn't come to vote for Kerry. In the end I think she and Dad did vote for bush, but for the first time ever - did so with a troubled conscience.

Finally, this week I emailed my mom about the downing street memo. I reminded her about the reasons we were led to war and how that have all turned out to be false. I highlighted the most damning part of the memo and asked her how this could represent an administration of "moral integrity?" I made my most impassioned case yet, even though I didn't expect anything from it.

But then, to my total astonishment -- this is the email I got back:


Well you will be happy to know that when a guy from the republican party called here last night I told him we had been registered republicans every since we cast our first vote some 30 years ago but were now leaving the R/party to become an independent.

When he asked why I told him because of the ill advised war. I told him my husband had served in Viet Nam and this war was turning out to be exactly like that with our sons and daughters dying for the same ground, no exit plan, and no stabilized government any where in the future.

I told him how incredibly disappointed we were in President Bush. We believed him to be a good man but he really has no case as to why he divided our forces that should have all been focused on finding Bin Laden and go invade a country with no clear objective and such obvious misinformation as to how much of a threat Saddam was to us then and now. I said alot more but you get the point.
Love mom


I'm telling you folks, they're flying a part at the seams. And if 30 year long members of the Republican Party can see how messed up this administration has become - I believe that is a pretty amazing cause for optimism for the future!

[progressivebydesign]

1. Congrats on having such level-headed parents! Very cool! n/t

[dweller]

ya done good erichzann

:thumbsup:

dp

[1956]

2. This is great!!!

And I hope quite representative of things to come!!! WE THE PEOPLE!!!

[nashville_brook]

3. totally nominated -- b/c this is in the air today!

as i listen to the base closings i'm thinking there's no way sane people can be cutting back like this while we're at war! it makes no sense. this has to be getting thru to people!

[FreedomAngel82]

54. I think so too

On the local news they were talking about this at the noon hour and had a man on there and he was saying how insane it is. I think it's insane too. They must be up to something. :\

[PittLib]

71. What pisses me off about the base closings is that ...

Rick Santorum is trying to make a positive name for himself here in PA by defending the bases. Arggh! There are several hard core Repubs jumping on the issue.

On edit: Just to be clear, I disagree with closing bases ... however I fing it ironic that those who consistently vote on side with the problem are suddenly trying to be the solution. And the people will fall for it.

[The Doctor.]

73. You wanna bet that the 'lock-step' Senators get to

keep theirs while the dissenters lose?

[nashville_brook]

77. well, TN will have a net GAIN of military largesse -- 1000+ jobs

[PittLib]

79. If I bet ...

I'm betting with you, not against you!

[BrklynLiberal]

105. Blue states get punished. Red states win.

[tk2kewl]

4. I suspect that there are many people like your parents in this country`

all republicans can't be insane. Nice job! :toast:

[Eloriel]

52. You're right and that is the major lesson here

I had an encounter with some people this week who probably fit the same profile. They're decent people, believe in helping others, etc., but they aren't as informed as some of us and believe the right is more moral.

We have a gigantic educational challenge in front of us. And it can't be just facts and figures, either, as this case points out. These parents held onto their views for a while, wanted to stay in denial and especially to defend their choices. NO ONE WANTS TO BE A PATSY, or wrong, or stupid. It takes a while to get past all that.

[FreedomAngel82]

55. I think so too

When things start hitting home more to people (like jobs for example and crappy education policies in public schools) then hopefully they'll start waking up. Also with people like the orginial poster talking to people. Now all that's left is to get people to the polls next year and vote democratic.

[Toots]

64. I have a good friend, a fishing partner who voted for Bush*

We don't ever talk politics because I value his friendship. Occasionally I will relay a bit of news he probably hadn't heard because the MSM didn't cover it but not often. Well last weekend we went fishing and he started in. I have never heard him so upset. The Iraq conflict was really upsetting him and he is upset at the cronyism that is blatant and ridiculous. I was encouraged that maybe things are changing. I just really worry about no paper ballots.

[liberal4eva]

93. funny

how these people were so sure he was a wonderful prez-- and now, naturally AFTER they throw all their votes toward him, they are retracting their support.

and "we told you so." hard not to be like, "OF COURSE HE IS A 'CLASS A' ASSHOLE-- DIDN'T YOU HEAR US THE LAST 4 YEARS?????????????

i really can't bite my lip.

[MissWaverly]

There's 2 less contributions to this corrupt party

The Republican party that I knew as a kid was not like it is today,
look at the case of the rare coins in Ohio, these are so rare, they can't be found and that whole adventure was paid out of the workmen's compensation funds, which will leave less for those hurt on the job, what hubris. Your parents sound like good people, but the Republican party is bloated with corruption, I don't see how they
can overcome it now.

[maxsolomon]

5. too little too late

i'm glad they left, but, like my parents, heavy heart or not, they still pulled the lever for fascism.

it remains to be seen what they will do in the next election when the GOP finds a new boogeyman to scare them good.

[Tigress DEM]

63. I don't think you get it. I hear what you're saying, but ....

It isn't just that they decided to leave the party.

Her mother's email shows an entire different way of processing information, the same process that drive most of us here, the pursuit of the truth.

Her daughter has broken through the basic denial and given her parents solid facts to base their opinions on. If they still don't jump up to the Progressive platform, they are still going to be demanding facts and looking for them about whoever they vote for.

That whole bogeyman idea requires that people suspend their disbelief and don't know the facts. It's like going into a haunted house at the State Fair. You gotta play along. The kind of change that happened here took place over 6 years of loving exchange and is a good, honest turnaround that can only benefit everyone involved.

Now if they tell 2 friends and they tell 2 friends and so on and so on... Also, that the rethugs are being put on notice that they can't count on 30 year die hards as a given is PRICELESS!!!!

Those Republicans in the House and Senate that are listening to common sense and trying to get their party to quit following Bush over the cliff like lemmings will have a face saving way to do what is right, "Hey, we are LOSING long time party members. Less people voting Republican means I could lose MY job to a DEM!"

Even if they just stop acting like steam rollers so they can keep their jobs, we will get some breathing room to bring more truth to more people. EVERY little bit helps and this is more than a little bit. IMHO.

[ray of light]

85. Hi, you're totally right! It took time and energy to teach them.

That's EXACTLY the reason to join the Democracy Cell Project because not only does it teach Democracy,it activates ALL of us locally without waiting for permission from some party head, and it really EMPOWERS all of us to beat the current system.

Come join the Democracy Cell Project as well as Democratic Underground.

http://www.democracycellproject.net

[Oreo]

6. Good job!

and welcome to DU

[caty]

7. Good for them

I hope more people who voted republican wake up to reality.

[suffragette]

13. Good for you, erichzann

And welcome to DU, caty :)

[tinrobot]

8. Wonderful!

Good for your parents. I'm sure it took a lot for them to come to that decision.

Is it just me, or am I seeing a lot more of these types of posts on DU lately? Seems like the pendulum is starting to swing back.

[Turn CO Blue]

9. Very cool.

My dear brother is such ditto-head, but even he told me right after the Selection that, at best, he gives * a grade of D-

[Esra Star]

10. Well done. Persistence pays off.

Go to the top of the class.
It sounds as thopugh you got them talking to each other.
When it's all out there in the open, the stench is unbearable.
This is a further reminder to others never to give up.

[wherewingstakedream]

11. Way to go erichzann!

Please give our love to your Mom and Dad! They sound like wonderful people! This gives me hope for our nation! :bounce: :yourock:

[nashville_brook]

12. i want children... i want, when i get old, for someone to care enough

about me to spend the time and love that it takes to change a mind. what a sweet story! and you correct; we have lots of reason to be optimistic. you've provided some right here. thank you for shining a light.

[Mrs_Beastman]

14. Congrats!

Too bad the rove campaign keep them indecisive until now...But, I do believe this is happening all over the country....buyer's remorse!

[ArkDem]

15. This is happening many times a day all across America!

LANDSLIDE in 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[erichzann]

16. Thanks all - man, this just made my day! :)

[Fovea]

17. Bless your parents!

I feel for the difficulty and soul searching this must have taken.

[Caoimhe]

18. Good work

Without you constantly keeping them talking about the issues all these years, they would not have heard the other side. I don't have the patience you do.

My parents are the same way, they think if someone says he is a Christian then he must be a moral guy. My dad was in 'Nam (volunteered twice) and came home VERY disillusioned, but instead of protesting or trying to stop the war, he married my mom (who had two boys already) and settled into family life, trying to forget everything he had seen. He didn't feel it was his place to stick his neck out when he already had, in what he thought was a good cause. Later, I remember hearing him call Carter a dumb peanut farmer and then Clinton a draft-dodger, but has been oddly silent about Bush being AWOL. So it goes...

My mom has this total anti-choice stance that drives me up a wall, but I think it is because she started having kids at age 15. She felt cheated out of her youth, she has told me as much, so I don't understand why she would force other girls into the same fate, other than as a "punishment" for sex. Her folks were weird about sex.. she is too.

I really love my folks but I have to say.. Bush has managed to drive a wedge between us.

PS I am thinking of getting one of those TV ZAPPER remote keychains that shuts down any TV. Everytime I'm at my folks FAUX NEWS is on. It makes me ILL. In fact, I am instantly in a shitty mood when I walk in the door to the lies blaring across the house.

[GreenPartyVoter]

19. Wow!

[Caoimhe]

20. just noticed you live in PDX

How ironic.. Central Oregon here. My parents live near you. Perhaps our parents know eachother :)) I think your parents could educate mine.

;-)

[MuseRider]

21. Nicely done!

You kept it up when others might have given up. Way to go. Your parents are very cool. Still using their heads. It is hard to realize that something you have believed in for so long is gone.

[Booster]

22. Your parents ROCK! I love people who have the capacity to look

at something they once believed in and have the guts to say "I've been taken for a fool". That's huge so give them a collective hug from us at DU and tell them how smart they are. I'm proud of em.

[warrens]

23. Yeah

You can fool some of the people some of the time...

Chickens, there's your roost.

[Stinky The Clown]

24. Two a Day .... Right Here in River City!

This is a great story. Thanks for sharing it.

It seems were hearing, right here on DU, two stories a day about republicans seeing the light and leaving the party .... sometimes to formally join the Democratic party and sometimes, as for your folks, to become independents.

For the new Dems, welcome! (from a former repub who left years ago). :hi:

For independents ... that first step was in the right direction ... just one more ... come on ... I know you can do it .... you'll never look back.

[CTyankee]

25. what a great story!

I hope, hope, hope that this story will be replicated in hundreds of families all across the country and we'll turn those who see the light against the horrors of this administration.

This gives me hope to go on and carry the message out there. This is going to be one of my biggest missions. Thanks for the inspiration that keeps us all going/1

[ailsagirl]

29. This is the third thread I've read today that says essentially

the same thing: people are leaving the rethug party!! Surely, what we read here is only a small sampling??

And whether the MSM carries the truth or not, people are getting fed up with this incredibly screwed-up "administration." Maybe we don't NEED the MSM after all.

:bounce:

[Sparkman]

26. Getting them off the REPUB Cool Aid took 6 years, but leaving will open...

open up a whole world of freedom from dogma and freedom to re-think and learn new ways to view the government. We Democrats change our minds and vote much more independantly than the lock-step Repubs, 'cause loyalty to truth is more important than loyalty to any politician?

[jean]

27. Well done! Your Mother had a ton of facts to blurt in that guy's ear!

You taught your parents well, Erich. I bet they're educating their repub friends - passing along your truth!

[otohara]

28. How Exciting

thanks for sharing this with us and welcome to DU

[dhinojosa]

30. Maybe in 30 more years, you can get them to join the Dem Party!!!!

Congratulations for you and your parents

[mpendragon]

36. maybe Wes Clark would help speed that up?

He's a vet, Rhodes Scholar, and looks the part.

[Donailin]

31. As I listened to the Tom Delay is a hero party on C-span today

it occurred to me that this pow-wow of his wasn't some sponateous event where folks were compelled to celebrate him, but was in fact damage control organized by Rove and co. in hopes that americans who are now questioning the party they voted for would just say to themselves, "Oh, he has done some great things and he's practically a saint -- it's all the liberal medias fault" and just continue to follow blindly. But as I was listeneing, which was difficult to do without puking, I thought, no one is gonna buy this sappy sweet piousy bullshit, it's just THAT ovwer the top. You can fool all of the people some of the time, but not all the time.

I say let them continue on telling to the press that they represent the majority. Let them continue to pretend that Americans are unhappy with the deomcrats. Let them keep making a spectacle of themselves like they did last night. By 06, folks are going to tell them to fuck off. The dems won't have to lift a finger.

[oxbow]

38. In DC, When they start holding benefits for you you KNOW you're in trouble

Delay is a sinking ship, and everyone would do well to scramble

[Donailin]

62. Even Grover Norquist didn't show up. I strongly urge folks

to listen to the taped event on C-Span. Delay had his little Russian Alibi Family there portaying Dealy as Christ who saved them from the evil empire. And when he finally had his turn to speak, Delay says there was no golf courses in Russia, but real reasons why he was there -- to save good decent people from their plight.

Bingo! There's the alibi all set up at a worship delay dinner.

What a POS that guy is. If there is a hell, I will probably go there, and I want to greet that sombitch myself.

[many a good man]

32. New bumpersticker: STILL a Republican? n/t

[banjosareunderrated]

96. that's fantastic!!!

Monday to-do list: go to kinko's. Thanks for the idea.

[chadk]

99. Suggest you make

the question mark stand out, eye-catching, though. :)

[spooked911]

33. Nice work-- and I bet there a few thousand others just like them-- getting

fed up

[B Calm]

34. E-Mail this to them..

WHAT HAS GOP DONE FOR

WORKERS?

CLINT C. GOLD
10/24/1999
Tulsa World


Not too long ago, my wife and I attended a TV football
party in south Tulsa. With a lopsided score, the
conversation turned to a livelier subject -- politics. The
crowd was, of course, top-heavy with Republicans. With each
point expressed their faces became more flushed, eyes
bulging a little more and veins popping in their foreheads
as they railed against the liberal programs.

Finally a lone, liberal voice asked: "Will you people
name me one bill your party ever passed to help the working
man of this country?" The question created much din and
clamor, and someone sputtered, "Well, what have the
Democrats done?"

The liberal responded with a few programs and was
interrupted by howling and disdain. He noted that he had
not promised they would like the programs and he asked to
complete his statement -- a difficult task to ask of
Republicans.

He spoke of Social Security; Medicare-Medicaid; Peace
Corps; unemployment insurance; welfare (for the poor and
corporate); civil rights; student grant and loan programs;
safety laws (OSHA); environmental laws; prevailing wage
laws; right to collective bargaining (which brought about
paid medical insurance, paid vacations, pensions, etc.);
workers' compensation; Marshall Plan; flood-disaster
insurance; School Lunch Program; women's rights.

He spoke of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which
established a minimum wage, instituted child labor laws,
and set up time-and-a-half pay for over a 40-hour week.

He mentioned FHA-HUD with its public housing, urban
renewal and 44 million residential homes (before WWII
almost 70 percent of our nation were renters; by the 1970s
this had been reversed). And farm-conservation
subsidies -- USDA programs, Farmers Home Administration (the
bankers didn't want to make rural loans), small
flood-control lakes (more than 3,000 in Oklahoma alone),
rural water districts, rural electricity (REA).

The GI Bill was passed, which the Republicans at the
time bitterly opposed. They were salivating over millions
of returning veterans to hire as cheap labor. More than 8 million have used college benefits, creating millions of
entrepreneurs; most of us had never dreamed of college. For
the unemployed GI, there was $20 a week for 52 weeks to
help get started (a lot of money in those days). The
Veterans Administration provided more than 2 million home
loans.

For the bankers at the football party, it was pointed
out that the liberals saved their industry with the
creation of FDIC and FSLIC, insuring their deposits, and
saved Wall Street with the establishment of the Securities
Exchange Commission.

The oil men came on bended knees to FDR at a time when
East Texas oil was 4 cents a barrel and begged him to save
their industry. He did; prorationing overturned the rule of
capture and the days of flush production were over.
Prorating has served this great industry (and nation)
well.


And the list went on and on, but of course this group
didn't let him get halfway through. He noted they were
weary, inattentive, so again he challenged them to offer up
any Republican legislation examples.

"I'm sure your party has authored one or two comparable
bills from time to time, but I can't think of any, and
apparently you can't either. What it boils down to is this:
the liberals dragged you into the 20th century scratching
and screaming with your heels in the mud, fighting anything
that's progressive, everything that's made this country
great. You Republicans have never understood that the
spending power of blue-collar workers, obtained through
Democrats and unions, is what really made this country
great. You really believe "The Good Life" was obtained from
your own endeavors. You cloak your greed in religion and
patriotism, railing against any form of tax, never
comprehending that these programs have benefitted all of us
and our country."

Well, I almost didn't make it out of the house. My wife
and I didn't even get to see the end of the football game.


If Reps. Steve Largent or J.C. Watts had been there,
perhaps politics would never have come up, only the game
plan ... pity.
Clint C. Gold is former mayor of Moore and a retired
savings and loan executive.

http://www.MikeMalloy.com

[skoppa]

35. That is the coolest thing I have read all day.

It gives me hope that someday I will be able to help my parents see the light.

[oxbow]

37. If only all GOParents had children like you

We would all be laughing about the neo-cons right now without a worry in the world. Way to open their eyes while still maintaining love and respect for your parents. I wish you all the best.

[liberal4eva]

94. well,

i used to go at my parents like a pit bull, and i just wasn't making any headway. so lately, i wait for them to bitch about oil prices or educational system (lack therof) and i pounce: "oh, well. you voted for him!" they are puzzled for about 1/2 second, then just grumble something inaudible.

best i have been able to do. :/

[deadparrot]

39. Glad to hear it.

Hopefully several millions more see the light like your folks.

Great news. :)

[LiberallyInclined]

40. Make 2006 an Electoral March on D.C.-

throw the pugs OUT!

they had the "Contract With On America in 94, in 2006, we'll unite behind the Electoral March on Washington D.C.

[Synnical]

41. Good for them

And Good Job to you! Well done.

:toast:

[Hatalles]

42. I've been reading a lot of similar stories here the past few months...

Definitely a good sign... and a big pat on the back to ol' Mom and Dad. :)

[Swamp Rat]

43. Give your mom and dad a hug from me!

:hug:

[stanwyck]

44. Very encouraging

inspirational for us all. I'm sure more thinking folks will abandon the party. I'm old enough to remember the thousands who fled the Republican Party during Viet Nam and Watergate.
That's when my folks switched to the Democratic Party.
The Bushies are following the same course...a costly, misbegotten war growing uglier every day. And constant stories of corruption and scandal.
Meanwhile, the economy is listing badly.
The Kool-Aid drinkers will stay. All that matters to them is continued racism, evangelical enforcement of religious beliefs, and the subjugation of women.
Your parents don't belong there. Congratulations to them for leaving.

[Blue Gardener]

45. Great Post!

I'm glad your parents have finally figured out what Bushco is all about. And, kudos to you for helping them along on their path to enlightenment.
And a belated welcome to DU!
:toast:

[Catamount]

46. Great news-- will they vote to get the repugs out in the state -

elections in 2006?
I sure hope that this is going to become a trend
:toast:

[AnotherMother4Peace]

47. Unbelievable, isn't it? Same thing happened to my Dad.

I thought hell would freeze over at the same time pigs would fly before my dad would leave the Republican party - but he sent back his party card in disgust. He even had pictures of George and Laura on his wall. I don't know what his political status is now, but he sure is unhappy with his party.

Thanks for sharing.

[powergirl]

48. Congratulations - I can relate

My Dad, after 30 years of GOP speak, left the party, held his nose, and voted for that "Massachucettes liberal" John Kerry. John Ashcroft and the Patriot Act pushed him over the edge. Way to go!:applause:

[GetTheRightVote]

49. It sounds like good people will always go the right way,

so we can continue to have faith in other Americans, I just hope it is not to late. Congrats on your family, they sound like good people.

:kick:

[Kurovski]

50. Thinking Americans=great Americans.

God Bless your parents!

And may god bless and guide all Republican Americans struggling with what has happened to their party.

[marions ghost]

51. thanks for the uplifting story

:applause: :toast:

I want to think that some folks who have voted R in the past will start to see where the hijackers are taking us....

[FreedomAngel82]

53. That's great!

I'm glad you got through to your parents. I know how tough it can be to get through to people who you try telling stuff about. I finally got through to my Mom thanks to DU and other internet website's I go to and she's no longer a republican either and for the first time next year will vote straight democratic. On one hand it's kind of sad to think of people leaving the party and not changing it from within the inside but the republicans have no one to blame but themselves. They allowed it to happen by being greedy and caring about invading the world and our lives to the point of annoyance. For some reason now I'm very excited for our next convention. :)

[Ferretherder]

56. Great news!

You have VERY intelligent parents, who gave birth to an EQUALLY INTELLIGENT son!

Glad to hear some encouraging news from time to time.

Say 'HI!' to H.P. Lovecraft for me, will ya'?

[Ladyhawk]

57. Good going! I'm jealous.

I can't talk with my family about this. They always tell me to shut up. :( Nominated and kicked. This is a great story.

[Straight Shooter]

58. Your parents put their faith in someone who didn't deserve it, Judas bush.

bush has betrayed them, bush has betrayed the Republican party, bush has betrayed our Armed Forces, and bush has betrayed this country.

I wish your parents the best, and I congratulate you and them for working through your differences all these years. Quite an amazing story.

:thumbsup:

edit: changed a word

[BamaLefty]

59. Sweet!

Welcome to DU.

[demgurl]

60. I never thought I would say this but maybe Bush was right!!!

* said he was a uniter and look at this! More and more people are leaving the grand old party every single day! Maybe he spoke the truth. (for once) Maybe we should unite even more.

[Byrdsmyman]

61. Now all you have to do is buy them some Bush Ham!

This would make a republican party goodbye gift:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws191NRUM/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5581263589

[daydreamer]

65. Are they still watching Fox?

Switch them to Air America.

[liberal4eva]

95. hi, person that posted above me...

......an you tell me how i can tune into air america? PM if you can.

thanks!

[Clark2008]

66. Yeah Mom!!

I am so fortunate to have been raised by an avowed liberal (my own Mom - "Yeah Mom!" again and an Independent - Dad was one of those "Reagan Democrats," but he had his reasons, I suppose). My grandfather on my Dad's side is a Democrat and my grandmother on my Mom's side, God rest her soul (she died less than a month ago), was a paelo-con and, despite four strokes, she would roll her eyes at what the Shrub had done to the Republican Party.
Good for you and your family that you kept a loving relationship in which politics and/or religion could be debated and not rend your family asunder - and better for the world that your way of thinking finally won out (because it's logical).
:hug: - 'you done good,' as we say down here in the red states. ;)

[Vektor]

67. I'm glad to hear that!

It took a while, but they finally saw the light. It's happening everywhere. The Bush Admin. is alienating it's own left and right. Kudos to you for talking with your parents patiently and effectively until they "got it."

Good work, citizen!

[orleans]

68. wonderful post. congratulations!

[lilymercury]

69. My Mom, the same! Yeah for smart people!! n/t

:applause: :applause: :woohoo: :hi:

[Miss Chybil]

70. Oh, if the Brits had only come out with that memo in October...

Good job, though! It's nice to know there are still reasonable people out there. I think a lot of these far-righties are going to have a rude awakening. For some reason (like cable news) they've come to think they're the majority in this country. They're like leaches sucking the blood out of their party. Let them keep sucking till the blood runs out! The party's going to be pretty lonely when they're the only ones left in it.

[SoCalDemGrrl]

72. Yee- haw!! Way to go!!!!

:bounce:

[nytemare]

74. They will need your support!

A few years back, I realized that I wasn't Christian anymore. I read a book that came as quite a shock to me. Everything that I believed was turned upside down. It was difficult, because for so many years it was truly part of my identity.

I imagine your parents are feeling much the same way. Give them support through this, and encouragement. It may be a hard time for them.

[lonestarnot]

75. Wow... more and more people are waking up to his idiocy... 30 years

that says something!

[wryter2000]

76. Good for them!

Give you mom and dad a big kiss for me. :bounce:

[Democracy White]

78. I wish I could get my

mom and stepdad to see the light.

Everytime I come up with something that I have read on here or elsewhere on the Internet, they always have tos ay something like, "you can't believe what you read," and stuff like that. Everytime I point out that Bush's assminstration does or did, they always have to refute it with some Bush gushing argument that is so half assed that I can't believe that my parents actually belive. Like yesterday, I was telling mom how the Assmimistration has decided to close down 30 bases. She was like "well there was a reason why for it" and I said that it was hypocritical of them to close it down because we are at war, I can't remember what she said after that but it was something like "They have to put their money elsewhere" My stepdad is a Democrat (or so he says) My mom says she is more of an independent but has conservative leanings.

And get this, my mom always comments on how good Bush looks. "I think he has a good looking face." "I think he looks majestic as an eagle." etc.
Every time I comment oh how Bush looks like "a damn monkey" she gets mad and says "no he doesn't"

See?

Dee

[go west young man]

82. I actually had a knock down drag out with my parents

just yesterday. They are in the same boat as yours. They never have facts or research anything. They just tell me theres nothing true on the internet. I was talking about Chavez and oil and Bush's bad foreign policy after my dad complained of the price of gas and next thing you know he's telling me I'm a fool. My dad has a rare disease called Padgetts and stem cell research offers a chance for a cure to it yet he still voted for Bush. How does one make a decision like that?

[Democracy White]

89. I know!

I personally think that stem cells are an ultimate sacrifice that a being could give. Think about it, frozen embryos that aren't used for artificial insemination are usually thrown away, can't remember where I read that but I know it's a fact. Plus aborted embryos are thrown away. To me this is a complete waste of life. And they are telling us that we are culturally immoral?! Please.

Also my mom and stepdad have confessed that they don't read the news on the Internet and if they do it is, as my stepdad put it "from a reliable source such as CNN or MSNBC." he wouldn't go to a site like DU and read stuff there. My mom believes what is said on the news (although she has admitted that she doesn't totally believe them either) Still they love Bush.

Dee

[Pam-Moby]

80. erichzann, thank you so much for sharing your

families story. I am so glad that Mom has seen the light. Your post gives me a ray of hope that people are starting to wake up. God bless you and Mom. :)

[chomskysright]

81. every testamony/ protest/ gentle persuasion MOVE US ALONG

[DinahMoeHum]

83. Yep, one by one by one by one by one by one. . .etc.

:kick:

[EVDebs]

84. If you really want to blow their minds, buy them these two books

1. End Times Delusions by Steven Wohlberg

and

2. Perfectly Legal by David Cay Johnston

I'm sure you will have even more defections from the Republican Party after they digest the material in these books !

[ray of light]

86. Congrats on your hard work!

Please join the Democracy Cell Project and become a local activist. We need all of us to get involved locally and that is what the DCP is about. Hope your parents get involved too.

At work, there was a woman who voted for Bush and now she is a complete convert. Unfortunately, she didn't educate herself until it was too late, but you can see how it takes time to bring people around is so important. And we don't have time to wait until 2006 to convince people 3 months before an election. We have to start now, just like they do.

Just think, if all of us could keep working on this 24/7 like the NeoCONS do, we really could convince people that the "old fashioned" parties of 30 years ago no longer exist.

[MGKrebs]

87. Great post. Belated welcome.

Recommended for front page.

[Wizard777]

88. I think think those wise old parents....

aren't as dumb as some children like to think they are. Shhh.

[kiraboo]

90. True, I don't know you...

but I love you! Kudos for your excellent efforts in the name of Truth and in opposition to the Shrub who has brought our country to the brink of disaster. It's not easy to change minds which have been fixed for thirty years - even intelligent minds. Keep up the good work!

[cat starbuck]

91. Your story makes me thing there IS a God....

...and that good things can still happen in America. If one set of Republican parents can be turned away from the Dark Side, why can't more?

[sinkingfeeling]

92. Hope they're more conversions coming soon! You did a great job.

[The_Casual_Observer]

97. Erich Zann of cello playing fame?

I have been trying to find your street......

[TexasThoughtCriminal]

98. Realizing ur party's screwing you is like finding out ur spouse is cheatin

There's a lot of defense and denial, ignoring the obvious, but when the realization finally sinks in, watch out!

[chughes1614]

100. I have also been seeing this lately.

I do a tremendous amount of freelance grassroots work, and I have been seeing this happen lately. People that were moderately hardcore a few months ago, are begining to strech and open their eyes. I am proud to say I have turned two fundamentalist christians against Bunnypants in the last month or so. About 8 more months of animalistic levels of work, and we may be OK.

[Maestro]

101. My parents have left too

My dad now is more an independent but mom is embracing the democratic with open arms. My father is a Viet Nam vet who too has grown sick of the idiocy in this admin. Congrats on helping your parents figure it all out.

[harpo]

102. I see some light at the end of the tunnel...its getting brighter

[SalmonChantedEvening]

103. This is beautiful

The more people pay attention, and believe what they see instead of what they are told, the more this will happen.


Welcome Back America.


:patriot:

[bcingu]

104. My mom has voted Republican for over 50 years.

Last november she voted Democratic for the first time for many of the same reasons stated at the top of the page. Hopefully next year's mid-terms will indicate the depth of dissatisfaction the nation has with this "President".

[Ganja Ninja]

106. All well and good but ...

leaving the GOP doesn't necessarily mean joining the Democrats. Bush isn't running in the next election. Will they still feel the same in 2008? Will they vote against republican candidates for congress in 2006? Will they pass over Republican's and vote for a Democrat instead or will they just not vote?

Sorry to be so pessimistic but I've seen this too many times where people grumble about Bush and still refuse to vote for a Democrat.

[BOYLANE]

107. thank God for people like your parenst

Your parents are a breed of Conservatives fast dying in America. They are able to think about a situation, look at the facts, and come to a reasonable conclusion. If the facts dictate, they change their minds. Unfortunately, the Republican party is in bed with the radical right wing fringe fanatics. They certainly aren't the majority, but they are definitely the loudest. They are allowed to set the agenda for the country because far too many "Conservatives", who don't necessarily share these people's views, continue to vote conservative because of habit, pride or even sheer ignorance. It warms my heart to hear about your parents. It's comforting to know that there are still descent Conservative folk out there who are willing to reexamine there political priorities. The Republican party has abandoned true conservatives. Hopefully this will be their undoing, if not, get ready for theocracy and W prez for life.

[goclark]

108. Congratulations to you and your parents! N/T

[McSpazitron]

109. My parents, too...

My father has always been an Independent - but ALWAYS voted Republican. He's still fairly conservative, though he's now 70 years old and on Social Security. Hell, he's still a Nixon apologist!

But last November he (and my mother who had been politically apathetic) both voted for Kerry.

Why? Well nothing pisses my father (a wounded Korean War vet) off more than seeing the government throw the lives of it's soldiers away for some stupid reason. And he views the Iraq war as one of the stupidist. That, and he keeps pointing to how this administration is screwing the middle class in favor of rich corporations and businesses.

It's apparent to them, too. ;)

Oh, and I've pretty much convinced them to vote against Santorum next year.... :)