When I am in the line at the grocery store and politics comes up

[Eliot Rosewater]

I will tell people "I dont want to hear you complain about rump and his agenda of hate if you did this"

[MichMary]

1. Why have I never

encountered a political discussion in a checkout line? They apparently seem to happen quite frequently.

I think I would avoid controversial discussions with complete strangers. The closest I've ever come was when I saw a lady with a few huge skeins of yarn, and I asked her if someone was getting an afghan for Christmas. (Yes, someone was.)

[Ohiogal]

2. Lucky you!

I seem to be accosted by Trump loving loonies more often than not! They are total crazies. I wish they'd leave me alone! My hubby says I must look like an "easy mark" for them to lay out all their crazy.

One time the guy followed me out the door yammering away and I was afraid to go to my car for fear he'd try to accost me, so I made up the excuse that I forgot something and went back in the store.

[Leith]

7. If It Happens Again, Don't Make an Excuse

Tell him flat out that you are going to get the store manager or security to make him stop bothering you.

I learned a long time ago that raising a fuss works in your favor. If you are a female shopper being bothered by a male shopper, passer-by, or some guy hanging around, it is easy to keep the high ground and victim status.

Do not be afraid of making a scene. What's the worst that can happen? People look at you? They're doing that already. You have the advantage - use it!

[WillowTree]

3. I was thinking the same thing. Has never happened to me in all my many years.

[NCTraveler]

4. You must not wear your Pink Pussy Hat shopping like we do.

[Eliot Rosewater]

9. Nah, my comments are to be put down whenever possible

that is what that is.

Used to it.

[NCTraveler]

16. I wore my hat to Publix once.

I love your comments. All of them. Even the ones I don't like. You rock!

[Eliot Rosewater]

17. Hey, I have been a fan of yours for a long time!

[leftstreet]

6. Same here

Never happens

Brief comments about the weather, the loooooong wait lines, whatever - but never politics

[anneboleyn]

10. Ive never experienced this either I never talk to anyone else in line other than excuse me

or “thank you” — small little social pleasantries. I seem to be missing all the excitement.

[George II]

15. Being a local, low level politician, I get approached too often in stores here. Invariably...

...despite the initial intention of the discussion, it eventually gravitates toward trump. That's where I cut it off.

[Ohiogal]

5. At one of the grocery stores where I shop

They have TV screens hanging from the ceiling near the checkouts .... I guess they figure if you're in a long line it gives you something to watch. Most of the time they have them on the Food Channel, but once in a while they have them tuned to a news channel .... so naturally the idiots are going to comment on whatever's showing.

[LanternWaste]

8. Political proselytizing is as effective as religious proselytizing.

Political proselytizing is as effective as religious proselytizing. God bless!

[Grammy23]

11. In todays climate, it is probably best to avoid political chitchat while waiting in line.

You just never know who is in that line with you. Remember, even nutcases have to eat and shop, too. So that grandfatherly guy behind you might be packing heat. Or be planning to follow you home. 😳 I once had a lady behind me at the check out opine if I could afford the basket of food I was waiting to buy. I was tempted to tell her I couldn't and that the check I was about to write would bounce but after regaining my composure I assured her I could. But it was a very bizarre interaction. So beware of interacting with total strangers. You never know who walks among us. 😵 🤭 👀

[Eliot Rosewater]

12. No thanks, my country is under attack from Nazi's and Putin, I will speak out and not

just online.

I know it is dangerous and not for everyone. But I cant live with myself any other way.

[GallopingGhost]

13. I've had it happen

a couple of times. One older guy didn't like my pin depicting Trump as Mussolini. When I see his orange ugly mug staring at me from a magazine cover, I flip it around, and I've noticed most people around me just smile. And I'm not in a heavily blue area.

[Eliot Rosewater]

14. I have LG earbuds in all the time as I am listening to a podcast or Sirius Progressive Channel

but when the opportunity is right I will start up a pretend conversation as if I am on the phone and I will talk about what the liar did that day, or the people he harmed that day.

It usually ends up starting a conversation with someone, or at a minimum they will hear me say this stuff.

[DrunkInTheAfternoon]

19. Why do you feel it's necessary for complete strangers to know your political thoughts?

Proselytizing is annoying no matter which side you're on...

[marble falls]

20. Where in fuck do you think you are? This is a discussion site, and politcs are what we discuss....

Why are you trolling this member?


Elliott is a wonderful, kind, informative poster. We have rules here about harassing members.

[Eliot Rosewater]

21. I must be special

[marble falls]

22. You are.

[Eliot Rosewater]

23. ............

All at once now

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[GulfCoast66]

18. The grocery store??

Never had it happen there.

But, I am a middle aged white guy with a beer belly. I drive a truck and wear jeans and boots when the Weather is cool.

Very, very occasionally, like a handful, I have had someone make assumptions and drop a pro trump statement. Once in an auto repair shop and a few times in a bar.

The first few times I no answer but now I have my answer down pat...

“I am a social Democrat. I want health care for all Americans and want to cut the military in half. I do not support Trump”.

Or something along those lines. The I turn around and disengage. Works like a charm.

Shuts them up and removes their crazy idea that all white people think like them.