What is WRONG with my family? Here's yet another odd email from my dad

[Writer]

So my cat had emergency surgery this weekend to remove a foreign object from his tummy. As a joke, I decide to send my family a picture of Gandalf with an Elizabethan collar about his neck. Actually it was a paper plate fitted about his neck to keep him from licking his stiches.

Here's what my dad writes back:

Writer, I am glad you explained the plate. I hear that the
Democrats are 'celebrating' the anniversary of the Abu Ghraib prison
scandal this week. I know that couldn't be possible at a kitty vet
place.
(very cute kitty) Pops

We're "celebrating" the anniversary of Abu Ghraib? WTF?

Here is what I write back to dear old dad:
---------------------------------------------------------
Ah. You've heard! Absolutely, the DNC is sponsoring
nationwide "Ghraib-Out" parties. They're costume
parties - bring your best burkha!

Then, during the wee hours, they get in a circle and
start chanting "4-5-6-8 Abu Ghraib, we 'preciate!"
while eating kebobs and baklava.

It's quite a show. Parties are going on all this
week!

;) ;) ;)
---------------------------------------------------

I hope I got my point across! Is this type of BS rumor circulating around conservative talk shows now? WTF!

Writer.

[ContraBass Black]

1. Anyone in my family who sent me such a thing

Might never hear from me again.

[Mutley]

2. same here

[LostinVA]

9. My Dad is a major conservative, and knows not to say stuff like

That to me. I wouldn't talk to him for months.

[Wickerman]

3. Damn, I hate it when we celebrate stuff and no one tells me

and I have to find out from the damn conservatives. It happens way too often.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

4. Forgive me, but

your father sounds mean, mocking Democrats and the scandal and shame of Abu Ghraib. Your response ducked the issue, but I understand that it's a lot easier than confronting him directly.

That kind of weasel comment is so annoying and typical of Ratface's supporters who need to "make a point" every time they take a breath. It's them showing how insecure and shaken they are by their Fearless Leader's failures.

I'm glad the pussycat's doing all right.

[Writer]

7. He's really not that bad

We've debated politics quite a bit, especially when I was working for Clark. We've arrived at the point where we simply agree to disagree, so we tease each other quite a bit.

I'm wondering where the hell he heard this crap, and why this fairly intelligent man actually believed it! (or he may have been just busting my chops a bit)

Writer.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

11. You're more accepting

I have no patience with passive-aggressive bullshit. It's the Breakfast of Weenies. Abu Ghraib's no joke.

Why would an intelligent man repeat something like that?

To diminish you and your beliefs. It's just plain disrespectful, although I'm certain he's not conscious of that motivation. But, believe me, it's meant to make you feel less than what you know you are, to mock your political values.

(This is a mother talking, a mother with a doctorate in clinical psych.)

[Writer]

12. Well, let me fill you in...

My dad used to be much, much worse. Verbally abusive and very controlling. Finally he said a few things to me a little over ten years ago that finally crossed the line for me, and we didn't speak for seven years.

We reformed our relationship four or five years ago, and he has been much more tame since. He is who he is, and he is almost 65 years-old. I can't change him, and I know that verbally confronting him will bring us nowhere.

He is damaged goods, but he isn't going to be around forever. On the phone we have civil, and sometimes great conversations. I don't feel maligned by his ignorance. I simply label it as ignorance and move on.

With my dad, I am in control.

Writer.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

14. Good for you

You've accepted and learned how to protect yourself at the same time. That's as great an act as any human being can commit. I do hope your father understands what a remarkable child he has.

I'm almost your father's age, and I cannot tell you how painful it is to see your story played out in such large numbers. Something there is about too many people who need to impose their weak and erroneous wills on their children.

Sounds like you made it out intact, so good for you.

[Writer]

15. Thank you n/t

[Maat]

5. I'm surprised my husband hasn't got that e-mail from Papa.

I've been thinking about this. We are just in TOTALLY different places (both figuratively and literally), and have totally different viewpoints and belief systems (Hubby, Daughter and I v. The Midwest Relatives).

I'm sorry you had to deal with it.

Just know that you aren't alone. We were very close to these relatives at one point. Now, we see them once a year, and work hard during the visit not to say anything objectionable to each other.

I just don't think that it is like old times past (I'm 46) when we just disagreed on a few things, and we could find common ground. People are extraordinarily divided right now philosophically.

[democrank]

6. Dear old Dad is lucky

he got the reply from you instead of me.

[sinkingfeeling]

8. I would have said, "No, you misunderstood. It's the GOP celebrating

the one year anniversary of burning the Geneva Conventions against torture. Isn't it cool that the USA doesn't have to abide by the rule of law?"

[LostinVA]

10. that's a perfect reply

[Richard Steele]

13. I always dread these rumors...cuz I know there's gonna be one...

...in my inbox! Every damn time!

I honestly think that someone has a full-time job distributing this Repub propaganda-puke!