My Republican neighbor surprised the hell out of me today.

[mcscajun]

We were having one of our usual chit-chats about our adjoining properties, repairs needed, plans for the Spring, landscaping, etc. The conversation strayed from property assessments and traffic lights into politics, which we rarely discuss, and he asked me "So, do you think we can survive another three years with Bush?" I *swear* those were his exact words.

:wtf:

::THUD::

Once I picked my brain up off the ground, it was like talking to someone here on DU. Turns out that although my neighbor is a registered Repub, and in fact is the town's Committee Chair (as am I for the Democratic Party) his leanings are more Independent than Republican.

He went on to say that Bush didn't win the last election, that the Democrats Lost It. I countered with the issue of election fraud, and how all the "anomalies" went in Bush's favor, and how that's not to be expected in the usual run of anomalies. Thank you, DU, for my education this past year! I followed up with the mention of Diebold and Sequoia having control of the electronic voting, and how the former head of Diebold had virtually promised to deliver the election to Bush. Definitely planting seeds there in my neighbor's brain. :)

As the conversation continued, I mentioned to him how much money Sen. Menendez will need this year to beat challenger Thomas Kean, Jr. Maybe another seed planted? I sure hope so. I mentioned to him how we need to get control away from the lunatics before we can do anything about BushCo. (didn't use "BushCo" on him, though, didn't think he was ready for all that.)

Later in the conversation came the kicker...I'd run for office in our town last November...turns out he voted for me!

::THUD::

We live in interesting times. It pays to keep talking to the Republicans around you.

[acmavm]

1. Really? If a republican said that to me they'd have to call the paramedics

The repubs around here are rabid.

[mcscajun]

5. No kidding. I had a bit of a "lie-down" when I got inside.

It was mentally exhausting...but in a good way. :)

It was all I could do NOT to ask him to come on over to the Democratic Party. Maybe next conversation. :)

[wryter2000]

22. Good for him

I occasionally run into Republicans who despise Bush. I don't invite them to become Democrats, although I sure invite them to vote for Dem candidates. I ask them to please, please take their party back. IMHO, this mess will never get cleaned up until reason returns to the Republican party.

[Nay]

14. Same for around here. I would go leg up if any of the pukes I know

said that. Only one guy I know, who is not always a puke, said he voted for Bush and is sorry he did. The rabid ones around here? They're still worshipping at his throne.

[Nostradammit]

17. Where do you live?

Out of curiosity - can you give me the state, even?

I don't see any Bush stickers anymore and this town was hard-core conservative.

[readmoreoften]

18. I'm guessing New Jersey.

All the politicians mentioned are NJ folks. I think NJ republicans are usually less rabid than Red State Republicans. (Born and Raised in Jersey)

[Nostradammit]

19. Thanks, I was directing the question to the Nay-sayer in post #14 n/t

[Nay]

20. I live in Richmond, VA. The capital of the Confederacy. The best

I can say about the repukes who live here is that at least they have STFU about their 'golden boy." I feel sure they will happily vote for another repuke, thinking that because he isn't *, it will be all right.

[Ecumenist]

2. Wow. Just wow!!

Were there flying pigs overhead and snowballs flying out of hell?:wow:

[mcscajun]

4. Nope...but I sure was "watching the skies"

It was Way beyond bizarro-world time.

[Warpy]

3. The GOPer across the street sounds like the most

foaming at the mouth DUer you'd ever see on these boards.

Stupid has lost his own party. I don't know where they find the snuff juice dribbling, knuckle dragging inbreds to comprise that 34% approval rating he's supposed to have, but it's sure not around here.

[mcscajun]

6. Wonder if there's funding to develop detecting equipment to find them?

:rofl:

[amitten]

8. Oh honey, they find 'em right here in Texas.

Just not in Austin, thank God. ;-)

[bliss_eternal]

7. Sounds like an enlightening conversation!

Thank you for sharing with us... :hi: Your neighbor sounds thoughtful, intelligent and interested in what's going on as opposed to the kind of republican that buries their head in the sand and ignores what's going on around them.

[mcscajun]

13. He's a thoughtful type, interested in local history, and one who

regularly engages his neighbors.

I've always been happy to live near both of my neighbor families. I'm very fortunate in that respect...especially as I live alone. Neighbors Are Important.

[Rainscents]

9. WOW. just WOW!

Sounds like, he at least know right from wrong!

[MuseRider]

10. It has been a long time since I

talked to a Republican who likes Bush**. However, this is Kansas. For the most part they would vote for anybody to keep a Dem out. Another however...we do have a Democrat for our governor so maybe, just maybe times are changing.

[mom cat]

11. Good job. I credit you a lot for keeping lines of communication open.

Miracles can happen.

[mcscajun]

12. I have two wonderful neighbors here. Both families are (ostensibly)

Republicans.

Both are genuinely nice and caring people. Both families have lended a hand to me in hard weather. I've always responded in kind, 'cause life IS really about more than politics. Good neighbors are just good neighbors. :)

[PuraVidaDreamin]

15. You must have the magik!

Whatever it is, keep it going
Don't ever stop

[autorank]

16. Well, we're due for some truth on 911. That will sink Kean. n/t

[Minnesota Libra]

21. Yes it does, I'm very.......

.....proud of you.:applause: Thanks to the Bush Criminal Mob we've got 2006 in the bag if we just keep hammering away at people.

[mcscajun]

23. Thank you. As I said in my OP, much credit goes to DU.

Before my time here, I wasn't nearly so glib politically. I had strong opinions, but couldn't quite articulate all the facts at a moment's notice. Now I can. :)

Sneaky is as sneaky does...and it's not always a bad thing. :)