How do you refrain from telling rethug friends, family, or work buddies how FUCKED UP they are?

[RiverStone]

I had to practice deep breathing exercises today.

I almost lost it at work when a rethug Bushivik said: Even if Al Gore ran for President, I'd still vote for President Bush ahead of him; though I will admit, President Bush is the worst Republican I have ever voted for.

He votes straight red for any puke on the ticket.

This dude simply can't break away from his delusional moral authority to vote for anyone who will lead what he sees as a "Christain nation".

I've tried all reason - now I simply want to rage on this dumbfuck.

It took every ounce of professionalism to not blurt out and say: You fucking brainless lock-stepping idiot. Think for yourself! Your telling me that Shrub is the worst rethug you've ever voted for, but you feel a moral authority??? To what morality do you ascribe oh righteous one? The morality of death and destruction? Pull your head outta your narrow minded ass and OPEN YOUR FUCKING EYES!

End of rant. Maybe tommorrow...:)


How do you control yourself?

[Bluzmann57]

1. Well, I use calm and reason

But I do tell them that they are truly fucked up. But the calm and reasoned part sure isn't easy all the time. But when they start yelling at me, I know I have them because they have nothing else. So in other words, if I can refrain from yelling, so can you. Besides, it's fun watching their heads spin as you use reason and logic with them.

[RiverStone]

8. And when calm and reason do not work....

I have two choices: get mad or go home.


In general, I find it a best practice to not try and change anybody.

Though some of us by family obligations, circumstances, or work are forced to share common space with total idiots. Its their karma, but my blood pressure.

Hard to be Zen about such ignorance that contributes to an immoral and reckless war, not to mention what Shrub's minions have done to the environment, the Constitution, personal liberties etc.

Maybe I need anger management? Or attend more yoga classes :7

[cuke]

16. You always have options

You should try making fun of them and laughing at them. Reason doesn't work at all with them. Social disapproval might

[jazzjunkysue]

32. For most people I do let it go. But I "turned" my parents and boyfriend

and they're all staying, now that they finally understand what's been going on.

People should know about the Project for a New American Century and that they wanted to take Iraq in '98. Then, everything else that's happened finally makes sense. Before you know that, Monica Lewinsky and iraq make no sense at all.

[gateley]

2. Here's what I'd say:

You fucking brainless lock-stepping idiot. Think for yourself! Your telling me that Shrub is the worst rethug you've ever voted for, but you feel a moral authority??? To what morality do you ascribe oh righteous one? The morality of death and destruction? Pull your head outta your narrow minded ass and OPEN YOUR FUCKING EYES! :7

Actually I totally change the subject because if I DO get into it with them, they only end of convincing themselves even MORE that they're right and my stomach gets tied up in knots.

There are some (a lot!) of people who are incapable of listening to reason when it comes to politics. Best to just move on.

[TomInTib]

3. I don't have any.

Only my Mother's husband, and we have not spoken in years.

[ChicagoRonin]

4. Paraphrasing Jesus

"Forgive them Father, they know not what they do."

[AuntPatsy]

5. I'm not lying when I say my husband is a full faux hannity style conserve and even attempting

calm and rational insight into his over taxed faux laden brain is virtually impossible, I seriously believe him to be under some sort of mind control or he does it just to annoy me not sure which anymore but when I try to talk to him he says things like. If you love them ragheads so much go move there, really ignorant rhetoric and he is not a stupid man, he is an engineer so it boggles my mind that he cannot seem to discuss the issues rationaly....

I am no help to your question I know but living with one for many many years I still have no idea of how his mind works when it comes to what the repubs use as handbook comebacks for anyone who dares question the validity of bushies reign of terror.

[truebrit71]

7. You have my sympathy...I couldn't be married to someone like that...

...not for very long at least...

[AuntPatsy]

29. Well we have four children and four grandchildren and I was never

really involved in politics until 2000, I was a girl scout leader, soccer coach, helped out in church, more so involved in my children's life so I guess politics was never a problem until seven years ago since I didn't know how he felt. He didn't have time for such, still doesn't and yet he watches faux religiously and even listens to it on his radio when he is on the road, so I kind of feel it would be silly to leave him simply because his politics differ from mine after all these years.

By doing something like that I would in effect be saying he has no right to believe as he does and he has that right, I don't have to agree and he doesn't force me to adhere to his way of thinking, though when he is home I don't get on the computer because he is not the type like the freepers who spend hours on the pc attempting to harm others, he would never do that, he may have his personal beliefs but seriously he does not advocate hurting others to force them to believe as he does.

So in some respects he differs from the radicals we are dealing with that run this country, who do their utmost best to keep the citizens of this country divided. Yes he does say stupid things to me if I make comments about the high corruption of this administration and how much I despise the media but all in all he does not begin the conversations regarding politics, I do but don't push him either.

I admit to being horrified that he cares not about looking at the photos of innocent children hurt and killed in this illegal invasion but I know deep down he cares, he is just one of those old school americans who believe war is war and people die and we just have to accept it. It makes me sick but I also know that unlike say coulter he would never openly demand anyone be hurt because they believe different from him, he treats me well enough.

My point being if people did not get so hateful, we could get along, and seeing as we are neighbors, family and friends, shouldn't we at least try to understand the other if not be tolerant of their beliefs until we can change their views that at least make sense?

One at a time, look how many already have jumped ship, we are a nation of differences, lest we forget that we are looking at another civil war and I just don't wish that for my children nor my grandchildren.

This president and his cohorts should be ashamed of themselves, never in my life did I believe the leader of this country to be able to openly voice that the people of his country remain divided, I never thought such could ever happen, every single American should be alarmed at what he and his cohorts represent....that some have no shame and attempt to further this division not only worries me but it sickens me...he just does not openly do that nor I know would he.

He was raised by very racist parents and yet he himself finds actions from those like the kkk sickening, he does make racist comments but I have been with him long enough to know he doesn't really mean them, I guess hearing such so often as he grew up and from friends around him it becomes part of your vocabulary and sometimes it just pops out without him thinking about what he is saying.

I give credit where credit is due, and he has changed far more than others I know, at least he would never demand another adhere to his bigoted thoughts he hears quite often from faux....


He gives money to homeless people often, doesn't think twice about what they would spend it on, never even makes a suggestion, always stops and doles it out and along we go, he has many good points, I focus on the good ones. He has bad ones but I have yet to meet someone who is perfect yet,nor do I think I ever will.

[greenbriar]

23. I could NEVER stay in that relationship...you have my gratitude

or sympathy

[truebrit71]

6. I don't. Fuck 'em...they're the ones with the dillusional realities, not me...

...THEY can frickin' deal with it...

[OffWithTheirHeads]

36. Me too! Fuck em if they are still that stupid.

Much like fights, I go out of my way not to start em but if someone else is stupid enough to bring it on I go straight for the jugular. As far as I am concerned, these Bushbots are traitors! They hate us for our freedoms and are doing their best to return us to the feudal system. I'm fighting them over here because I, as a patriot, have no choice. If I had my way, we would be putting them all on trial for treason.

[Maat]

9. Well, I just said my piece on this.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2052339 .

[mnhtnbb]

10. I control myself by limiting time with Repub family. It's really hard.

My husband's family includes die-hard, never-miss listening to Rush members. They're beyond help and long past reason.

[ChickMagic]

11. Often I can't refrain from it

There's this guy at work who is a devoted Republican.
He's always been very clear about that and we've had
some civil conversations. During the runup to the war
he was disgustingly pleased with himself and I warned
that he was going to regret being so gung ho.

Sure enough, he came up to see me a couple of weeks
ago. He told me he's still a Republican. I surprised
him, and myself, when I blurted, "Really? STILL???"
He laughed and said I had it right about the war.

I asked him what he thought about the Republican
ticket. He's not the least bit thrilled about any of them.
I told him we have some good Democrats. I haven't been
able to convert him, but there's still time.

[unpossibles]

19. wait! You had a Republican admit being wrong?

Must not have been one of the "Stubborn Few" (the 23%ers), because the ones I know - about the only people still supporting Bush - never admit they were wrong about anything. They were told that's a sign of weakness, I guess.

[ChickMagic]

40. Yeah, he did

But he says he's still a staunch Republican. He has
issues with them and I think he acts like a human
being with me because I discuss issues I have with
Democrats.

[unpossibles]

55. that's fair

I know the type, but they seem rare these days. Plus the loudmouth variety (you know, the ones who call us terrorists and whatnot) tend to make me want to listen to any of them less. Good to hear though.

[ChickMagic]

56. They are rare

Mostly I don't engage Republicans in any kind of dialogue.
It's not that I can persuade him or anything, but he
doesn't call me names or berate me for my political
leanings. Even my father calls me a terrorist sympathizer.

It's funny because this guy is built like a
Frigidaire. He shaves his head and has a big barrel
chest. He soooo looks the type.

[Javaman]

12. I give them facts and links and if they still don't believe, I walk away.

no use in trying to change a persons mind when they refuse to listen to reason or facts.

[TransitJohn]

13. Hmmmmm.....

[pacalo]

14. Ignore, ignore, ignore.

But do develop a "what you just said is beyond stupidity" glare. It takes two to argue & giving this I-can't-think-for-myself-so-I-rely-on-Rethug-talking-points dolt an opposing view could lead to disaster in your work environment. Politics should be avoided completely in the workplace if your paycheck means anything.

During a conversation I had with a co-worker the other day, Miss (I-live-for-the-church) ILFTC told me that her husband thinks Democrats are "little devils". There were three of us talking & when she said that I simply gave her a "you've got to be kidding" look. She awkwardly left the room & the two of us left were laughing & mocking what Miss ILFTC said. Politics aren't mentioned at all at our workplace; what started out as an innocuous conversation about how Miss ILFTC's son was doing (he works in the press office for Gov. Blanco), it turned political when she said he may be out of a job in November. I had asked her if her son was a Democrat & she said "oh noooo" but he isn't really "into politics". If he is in fact a Republican, his hiring says a lot about the character of Democrats: Gov. Blanco's administration didn't base his hiring on his political views.

[OHdem10]

15. It took me a long time to recognize what I call this "weird trait"

in Republicans. For some reason, they can never admit openly
that someoneelse just might be right(correct). It some type
of foolish pride thing. So patience, is required--believe
me I do not always succeed and sometimes end up almost screaming.

I find putting thoughts in form of question.--hoping they will
think about it later. Over the years even though some in my
family might never admit it directly, I have heard them repeat
my comments to other people. To me this is a win.

Sometimes, I bite my tongue and wait until I am in the frame
of mind that I can take deep breaths and stay in control.

[iconoclastic cat]

17. I don't refrain. But I'm nice about it. nt

[dysfunctional press]

18. i don't.

nt

[unpossibles]

20. I usually ignore it, or politely suggest alternate viewpoints in as friendly a manner as possible

sometimes it breaks (although not at work - I avoid arguments at work) down. After trying to be rational and have a discussion on health care which devolved into a discussion of Rush Limbaugh and election fraud, I finally told a jerk I know (friend of a not-friend) that he is a dumb ass. This was after he had been saying I was an American-hating communist, etc. (the typical Rethug attack points), and he acted offended and implied that I started the name-calling (and threw in a "typical dem response") comment. I told him that after he refused to address a single point I made - all of which were documented - that he was either a dumb ass or an asshole and that I was trying to take the nicer choice.

meh.

[Ishoutandscream2]

21. I'm surrounded by them, and can't change one of them

It's very frustrating. But I have learned to live with it. One of the sacrifices I have to make, but it's the least of my worries.

[greenbriar]

22. I can't talk to any repuke anymore I just want to ask them

what the FUCK are they thinking



usually that doesn't bode too well so I walk away

[dkofos]

24. I don't. Yeah it causes some problems but they can get over it.

[RB TexLa]

25. I guess the fact that I don't care what they think does it for me

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

26. I don't know any Republicans

thank god. If I did, I'd probably be in jail.

[BeFree]

27. Oh Lawd

It ain't easy to keep from whipping out the clue by four.

There are so many damned idiots that life has been rough. Even the dems need a clue sometimes.

The only way to safely corner such creaures is to use their own words against them. Listen carefully as they set their own trap and snap the jaws of truth lightly so that they don't feel injured.

Otherwise just laugh and walk away.

[mulsh]

28. I tell them " the more you talk the less I can listen. " If I need to get

forceful I thank their party for introducing "cocksucking" via the Clinton witch hunt into polite conversation. if that doesn't work I have an arsenal of very disgusting sexual practices I learn from working for 5 years at the coroner's office which I gleefully will and have discussed as they relate to particular well known republicans. I have a couple of relatives and former friends who now avoid me.

Seriously.

why bother with these morans? No amount of reasoning will persuade them. It's better to let them keep talking and reveal how they really think than to change their minds. It's like talking to racial supremacists, which come to think of it is part of the republican party platform.

[Marrah_G]

30. I avoid speaking to them

[EFerrari]

31. I avoid them like the plague.

It works pretty well here. :)

[cynatnite]

33. I laugh at them really hard...

seriously, I do. They are twits and to listen to them is just hilarious because they are so delusional. It's funny.

[jazzjunkysue]

34. A guy who wants to date me thinks he's a conservative. I asked him: Do you think all americans

deserve health care?

Sure.

Well, Rudy doesn't, so you'll have to vote for Edwards.

Pretty much stops the talking points, right there.

BTW, after I gave him the links for the Iraq oil contracts and proof that the government prevented images of flag draped coffins, he said he wanted to take a break from politics.

I haven't bothered with him, since.

[Greylyn58]

35. I mostly try not to talk politics with most of these dumb-asses

However I just can't seem to stop when I'm around my youngest brother. He has become a total poster boy for the repugs. He watches O'Reily, listens to Limbaugh, has joined a real Fundie church and spouts more talking points than any one person I have ever known. All this despite being raised in a strong Dem household.

He has truly gone over to the darkside and he and I really get into some screaming matches. I can not control myself around him and my blood just boils. I usually end up with a crushing headache because of the stupidity that flows out of him.

[mondo joe]

37. Why would I have friends I feel that way about? My friends share my values, more

or less, which means we wouldn't have those issues.

[enki23]

38. i don't work around people who say that sort of thing

if one did, i'd tell them they were a dumbass. may well get me fired. *shrug*

[Arugula Latte]

39. I don't have any around me -- that helps a hell of a lot.

I really went through a freak-out phase when my mom started seriously dating a guy who she guessed was Republican (they live in another state). Later she said he doesn't think much of Bush and thinks the war was a mistake and was open minded enough to go see "Sicko." I still haven't met the guy, and I have to say, I'm not enthusiastic about doing so, even though my mom is always gushing about how he's the nicest guy in the world, etc. I just didn't ever think I'd have to deal with another Republican in my family, which is what I'll have to do if they get married (although, granted, he seems to be of the Republican-Lite variety). Cousins who turned into rightwing religious nutcases I have little to do with (holiday cards -- they make a point of making theirs as Xtian as possible and I make mine as decidedly non-Xtian as possible). The one remaining high school friend I have who is a Republican, I have basically stopped communicating with, except once or twice a year. I figure she's in danger of me channeling all my rage into her and ripping her to shreds, so I just prefer not to talk to her.

[lonestarnot]

41. I don't.

[seabeyond]

42. ALL the republicans (which is most of the people around me hands down)

admit bushco is a piece of shit and has done a real poor job and i live in the panhandle of texas. i am not seeing anyone accepting this administration anymore. BUT the problem now is the republicans say they all do it. both sides are as bad. this is just what politicians do.

not accepting their side has lowered the bar so far, and that they as supporters are responsible, they bring in both sides to lessen the wrongs of the republican party over the last handful of years. creating an illusion that they have no part in what has happened to this nation

the sad, .... until they own what their party has done, and stand up against it... they are ok'ing what has been done and that line will never rise to the level it was before this administration but will be an acceptable norm

[Tommy_Carcetti]

43. When it comes to my mother in law, I just roll my eyes....

...and try to change the conversation.

Like this weekend, when my wife, myself, my father in law and mother in law were all in a car. We passed a peace protest on the side of the road, and I heard my MIL say "I hope they are on the first bus that gets bombed by the terrorists. That will show them how stupid they are."

The crazy thing is, when she's not on the topic of geo-politics, she's actually a very nice, likeable, funny person who's enjoyable to talk to. My outgoing relationship with her is fine. I've never argued with her, or felt the need to debate politics with her. Considering her ignorance, it's not even worth it. But get her on the subject on the subject of politics--especially foriegn affairs--and she turns into Dick Cheney's dream woman. The verbal diarrea that comes from her mouth is something else.

The problem is, she is the ideal sucker for the Bush administration's campaign of fear. She's by nature a person who obsesses and worries about things, and when the folks on Fox News tell her to be afraid, very afraid of all the "terrorists", she becomes afraid, very afraid of all the "terrorists." I hate to say it, but she doesn't strike me as being very smart, and therefore, she's very gullible to the neo-cons.

But in the end, she's just one foolish person. My father in law is also a Republican, but usually keeps his views to himself and strikes me as being a lot more rational. Sometimes I think he has the patience of a saint with her. My wife is pretty much non-political. So it just becomes a matter of "What crazy stuff is coming from her mouth this time?"

[RiverStone]

53. geez, just reading what she said spiked my mellow mood

It's one thing to try and maintain cool at work (I rationalize that political battles would interfere with our professionalism) but outside of work I don't think I could have kept quiet on her comment.

If she was my MIL I probably would gently try and discuss what the hell she learned that feeds such ignorance and hate. My ex-wife's dad was a HUGE Rush fan. He basically bought all the b.s. at face value, without even an ounce of room for negotiation. It did affect our relationship as I never hung out with him - minus the minimal amount of obligatory family functions I had to attend. He is a good grandpa and my kids like him, so I don't diss him or ever have in front of my kids. But I have no social relationship with him - he is an ignorant bigot who refused to ever consider (even for a second) that the world was not flat.

I hope someday you can at least have an intelligent conversation with you MIL and teach her something.



peace:)

[Love Bug]

44. This is why I don't discuss politics at work

and if any of my coworkers bring it up, I let them know I'd rather not discuss. People like your coworker are beyond reason, unfortunately, and it's not worth what those kind of discussions do to your blood pressure.

But yeah, it's hard to listen to that stuff.

[Le Taz Hot]

45. How is that philosophy different

from the Democratic Party faithful? "Vote for anyone with a "D" next to their name." This simple-minded, "because we must win a majority" smacks of the most rudimentary superficial thinking and yes, I have had my primal scream moments here on DU.

As for IRL situations, I tell the offender that discussing politics in a place of business is inappropriate and suggest they change the subject.

[yardwork]

46. The only ones I know now are at work, and I simply don't discuss politics.

If a particular issue comes up, I'll calmly state my opinion, but I don't bring things up and I try not to make general statements. I'm out at work as a lesbian and a pagan and a socialist. They know where I stand. I know where they stand. Discussion is mostly useless.

I dropped some right-wing friends since the invasion of Iraq. I decided that I didn't want them as friends anymore.

[riderinthestorm]

47. Who would Jesus bomb?

I have clients who are hard core Rethugs, my mother is a hard core Rethug, and my BIL is the worst of the worst. I also live in hard-core Rethug Jesusland so I can't get away from it. You just have to practice your strategy, hone it, develop it, so when you are confronted by them, you stay cool.

Everyone knows my politics - I host peace potlucks which I advertise heavily, I've been in the papers for anti-war activism, there's no way to keep it secret. So when it comes up (and it will with them - they want to provoke me - it's as though they want to try out their chops on the "misguided" Dem), I answer everything they bring up with the question of "Who would Jesus bomb?"

It stops the convo cold. There is no answer to that. If they try to deflect the convo and move it onto RW talking points, I politely ask the question again and tell them that if they can answer my single question, then we can have a conversation about their talking point. I have found that with co-workers, clients, and around town, they usually drop the discussion about politics at that point (in fact, only one of them has persisted in more than 20 years).

With my mother and BIL, I only see them now at major holidays. I have made a point of being in charge of the "kid's table" which means I am in the other room eating with the kids so I am out of their range. I am now the "cool aunt/mother" who tells the kids' stories at dinner, and plays games after dinner or takes them to the park after they eat etc. It's a win/win for me. Perhaps it's a cop-out to hang with the kids but bitter experience proves me correct in keeping my distance from them however I can. My youngest niece is only 6 years old so I've got a while before she makes it to the grown-up table, and by then I'm sure I'll have figured out some other way to maintain my space from these two Rethug family members.

You'll find your own technique that works for your location (since I live in Rethug Jesusland, bringing him up always works for me). Good luck!!

[EnviroBat]

48. I don't control myself anymore...

This pacifist restraint is a bullshit methodology to life. A bully will continue to attack until they are confronted. A republican is generally a bully in my view, so I've taken to confronting them right back when they start spouting bullshit. I don't even need to dismantle their arguments any more. I simply call them a fucking moron. Tell them that their party is meaningless and corrupt beyond all recognition, and go about my business. If they are the "get in your face" type, I simply slam my forehead into their nose and upper lip area. Look, it's simple really. They are the enemy, they are traitors to this country and constitution. They have allowed this shit to go on complicently, and I have no tolerance for republicans; their greed, their bathroom stall perversions, their continual ass-raping of the environment, their "I've got mine so fuck you" mentality, their religious fundamentalism, any of their bullshit. Quite frankly, I've had it with them. Perhaps the 30% that are still supportive of this fascist asshole calling himself "President" should go live in their own country. I'm sick of them stinking up mine.

[WilliamPitt]

49. Easy. I just ask them the deadliest question of all time.

Why?

(when he/she makes any declarative statement or expressed belief)

Why?

Why?

Usually takes seven or eight before their heads detonate. Fun.

;)

[screembloodymurder]

50. Do it ! Have someone film it. I want to see it on utube.

I want to see his stupid fucking face when you tell him to remove his head from his narrow minded ass. Do it!

[Sparkly]

51. I'll bet the look on your face said it all. :)

I mean, when any of us are thinking, "Are you an IDIOT?!?" it's bound to show up on our faces. And it's possible that's enough. (Although I might blurt out, "WHY?")

[CANDO]

52. They often attack me after they overdose on Gush Limpjaw.

I usually point out to them they are very frightened people and I feel sorry for them that they live their lives in fear of other citizens based upon what they hear from some obese, drug addicted psychopath.

[redqueen]

54. I keep in mind the most constructive way to deal with them.

Raging at such a person isn't going to change their mind. After a lengthy discussion, if things get personal, I will get nasty. But at first I try to use reason and logic.

I consider statements such as his to be an invitation to debate. :)