I just couldn't keep my mouth shut!

[Touchdown]

While I was reading this thread yesterday about how to keep from shooting back at some mouth breathing co-worker...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2052820

...as if on cue, my co-worker, listening to a Denver 80s music morning show (Clear Channel of course) said...

"See? That's why I like Dom and Jane. They say it like it is! They came back and said 'And these are the people who you'll vote for to give you government health care?' Nyuk, Nyuk, Nyuk!"

It was like some creature took me over. I got up, walked around the partition, and said..."Yeah, like the private insurance companies are doing a bang-up..."
Him, "I wasn't talking to you! Just go back and sit down!"
Me, "Government doesn't work because most people vote for people who hate government, and can't govern."
Him, "Government never works, and I wasn't talking to you anyhow!"
Me, "You shouted out enough for 12 people to hear, so your fair game."
Him, "Government hasn't done anything right in the last 30 years. Go back and sit down!"
Me, "You know why? Who's been in charge of the Government in the last 30 years? REPUBLICANS!"
Him, "OOOOH Christ! See, you have to make everything about parties. I'm just talking about the government itself. Look at how you get treated at the DMV!"
Me, "That's what you get for tax cuts!"
Him, "Get out of here! Tax cuts have nothing to do with it."
Me, "You decrease funding, you decrease services. Make the connection!" I walked off.

He yelled at me, "Next time, don't butt into conversations you don't belong!"
I shouted back, "I'm sorry! I'll just let you believe in your stupid fantasies without challenge next time!"

I just don't know what it's going to take to get through most Americans who've been brainwashed by the Reaganites all these years who still think "All things Government is Baaaaaad!" It pisses me off to no end to hear this meme being spouted as if it's beyond debate, when no REAL debate about it has ever taken place.

Then there's the GOP faithful double standard. When a Democrat does it, it's..."AAARGH! The Democrats! They're at it again! How filthy they are!" When a Republican does it, it's (in a much lower, more reserved and surrendered voice)..."Yeah. All those politicians are crooked somehow."

So I failed at keeping my cool. Anybody else?

[shadowknows69]

1. This is why I don't go into public anymore

I'll surely end up getting arrested.

[madokie]

2. AH but its good for one to do that from time to time

anger voiced is anger defused

[Demeter]

3. I Don't Do Cubicles Anymore

Or people, much. It's like one of those generally-sensitized allregic reactions--I can't stand most of them.

[Sanity Claws]

4. He's a lost cause

Good for you for standing up but he can't hear you. Next time he claims that it's a private conversation, tell him to keep his voice at a private level. As long as he keeps shouting stuff for you to hear, you will respond.

WOuld it be appropriate to report him to a manager for interfering with work? His making that remark, which has nothing to do with work, interrupts everyone's concentration. That might shut his trap.

[gratuitous]

5. Got defensive in a big hurry, didn't he?

I've known more mature 8-year-olds. Someone opens their yapper that loud in a cube farm is indeed talking to everyone within earshot. When Mr. Bigmouth goes into Tourette's mode, I'd be sorely tried not to say, "Since you're just talking to yourself, could you at least turn down the volume? Some of us are trying to do what we're being paid to do."

[Touchdown]

11. Exactly. This wasn't about me butting in.

This was about him making a proclamation that was supposed to go unchallenged, and I spoiled it for him. They hate it that anyone could possibly disagree with them. "My GAWD! It just doesn't happen!"

When your fed RW propaganda 24/7, even by music DJs, it's hard to believe that anyone could think differently.

[poverlay]

6. You did awesome. I always have a hard time not driving "w'04" stickered people

off of the road...

Self control - It's not just for perverts anymore! :freak:

[Ian David]

18. Me too...

[radiclib]

7. Interesting how his first response was to tell you to shut up

I can't tell you how many times I find myself in the same type of situation. It's like they assume everyone in the room agrees with them. I usually wimp out figuring it's not worth the agita, so props to you :toast:
When I see a Bush/Cheney sticker, I always want to ask the person if they aren't at least a little ashamed or embarrassed, but I'm so conditioned to avoid offending anyone that I never do. Shame on me, and GOOD ON YOU!

[T Wolf]

13. We do seem to be too polite for the confrontation that the wingnuts

constantly provide. I guess we listened to our parents when they taught us about courtesy and respect. But, the turn the other cheek thing does not work as well when the enemy, not only slaps that other cheek, but kicks you in the groin and steals your wallet.

Because of the passivity and general civilized behavior of those on the left, I really fear for the future of our side when things get nastier. And they will get nastier.

[radiclib]

19. You're so right, and maybe we could ratchet

down some of the internecine squabbling that goes on here, and save our energy for the real enemy--Islamofascists! (kidding) Seriously, I'm as guilty as anyone.:blush:

[JHB]

8. He cites the DMV. How ironic...

It may depend on where you live, but my experience is that the DMV is one of the few points of government/citizen direct interaction where the "customer service" aspects have actually improved over the last 30 years. (or maybe their improvement peaked and they're on their way back down again?)

Specialized lines, pre-screening to make sure all your ID paperwork is in order BEFORE you have to stand in line, "take a number" systems that let you sit down while you're waiting your turn, evening hours, etc. Certainly beats the interminable (and seemingly immobile) series of lines I remember from childhood standing with Mom or Dad to get something done.

[Ian David]

14. My local DMV is awesome. You even get a free "Happy Ending" with every license renewal. n/t

[Buzz Clik]

9. That conversation would play better with organ music in the background.

[Drifter]

10. Unfortunately ...

he is right.

Not about his views, but about the fact that you did, in fact, butt into a "conversation" that you were not welcomed to join. And when they informed you (more than once) that you are not welcome in the conversation, you continued. It does not matter the volume of his conversation or comments.

If that had happened to me, my supervisor would have received a note about a co-worker creating a hostile workplace. I have already done this with a co-worker who was pestering people about Hillary being a terrorist (a Rush-bot). This resulted in this person going to every member of the team and apologizing.

Cheers
Drifter

[Touchdown]

15. My office is not a strict nose to the grindstone place.

Conversations about all things under the sun happen all the time, and most workers join in freely.

This is not about his private little "conversation". This was about me challenging it. I sit right behind him, and he shouted it it loud enough to dare me to respond.

I'm kind of notorious in my office. Most people know that I'm a serious Democrat and a political big mouth. The vast majority of the time, nobody will ever spew their shit in front of me because they know I'll talk back. They do say things behind my back, like the oh' so hurtful "Socialist" bullshit. It doesn't bother me. If I scare them because I fight back, that makes me smile.

[Ian David]

17. You have a point. The O.P. might have violated an unspoken rule of cube life.

In Cubeland, you are required to help create the illusion of privacy where none exists.

Early in my working life, I was "informed" that it was very bad taste to contribute to a conversation outside your cubicle, or to acknowledge in any way that you hear it.

I was also told that it was bad form to pick-up and read an office supply catalog off your manager's desk while waiting to speak to them, because all mail is private (even junkmail) even when it's left out in the open.

And masturbating in the bathroom is frowned upon, even when you have a doctor's note. (I'm just assuming that one).

Other than violating Cubelaw, I think the O.P. handled things very well.

[Ian David]

12. I just want to say, good luck. We're all counting on you.

[Touchdown]

16. You could've counted on George Zipp over Macho Grande

[stillcool]

20. Isn't this a perfect example...

of the go along to get along belief that so distorts our collective truth? Fear of consequences has ruled my life...and for what?

[Rageneau]

21. We should communicate with the Rethugs via T-shirt.

Mine says "Worst President Ever." So if the pukes don't like it, it his THEY who have to bring the subject up, offering me the lovely opportunity to explain WHY Smirk is the worst president ever -- a proposition that no intelligent or informed person could possibly contest.

[Touchdown]

22. Heh, I still wear my "Vet for Kerry" shirt to work at times.

I get sneers, but I get more high 5s.:D

[Touchdown]

23. Shamelessly kicking, because I'm vain

:evilgrin::kick:

[raccoon]

24. Good for you. I agree, if he was talking so loud, he's fair game.

Sounds like a libertarian. Never thought I'd say this, but I almost believe they're worse than Republicans.

[lonestarnot]

25. Why didn't you tell him you were just trying to help him out while he was shouting to himself,

since he was leaving out material facts.

[bdamomma]

26. good for you!!! these people need a rude awakening.