Who here is afraid to talk to family and friends.......

[scared]

I was just wondering if there are others here who are afraid to broach the subject of Bush and his misdeeds with people you are close to. I am so afraid that I will lose respect that I just don't even want to go there. I love my family and friends, and I'm kind of feeling like ignorance is bliss right now.

I have a brother who lost a friend because he could not comprehend the thinking of this guy. Just lost all respect.

[Richardo]

1. I don't talk to my in-laws about it.

Won't do any good, and there's a lot more to our relationship that I like just to get pissy about politics.

[Les BOOGIE]

2. It is futile, trust me :) I've antagonized several, broken off contact

with one and changed 0.

[trotsky]

3. Most of my family are Democrats.

But a couple of freeper lunkheads have married in, so politics are off-limits at gatherings.

[devilgrrl]

4. My family keeps shutting me down...

We're never allowed to argue about anything political and it really pisses me off. :grr:

[seabeyond]

5. i am with you

and the people that have heard from me in the past and see what i said then, is now. they are walking litely or they are not coming around, lol

[rawtribe]

6. I don't want that kind of guilt

" Daniel Goldhagen's controversial 1996 book "Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust" pointed out an obvious truth: that the Nazis could never have triumphed, retained power or gotten anything done without the explicit complicity of the people they ruled. Therefore, Goldhagen argued--and thoughtful people agree--the failure of the German people to resist Hitler made them just as guilty as he was.

[scared]

9. Good Point.........

Just hoping I can do that indirectly without compromising my relationships with those I love.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

10. I completely disagree with that

Any one who's been here long enough knows we HAVE fought to resist the current government, but there's really not a lot we can do to stop them from slaughtering in our name. I don't imagine it was much different then for the German version of today's American Democrats. I could easily see Bush using the military against us, and thus, we'd be totally powerless, just like they were.

[lovedems]

7. My brother is a Faux news, limpballs republican who is going to vote for

the chimp this year. I don't talk to him much any more because voting for * is no longer a matter of basic idealogical differences. His vote WILL effect my childrens future and if he has more concern about how much he pays in taxes then for my boys future, he can kiss my ass.

My uncle is to the point that my brother isn't welcome in his home anymore because he is desperately frightened for his 18 year old. He is scared to death the draft will come back if the chimp gets re-selected and his son's safety overrides family "respect".

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

8. I have a friend who's completely irrational too

She not only can't hold a political discussion without taking it personal, she's a huge Bush fan. I took her to see the Capitol Steps (for those who aren't familiar, Cap Steps is a wildly popular political musical sketch comedy troop that changes their act constantly with current events performed entirely by Capitol Hill staffers) and she was literally pissed because they made fun of Republicans most of the time (even though this is mostly due to the fact that they hold ALL the power right now. They nailed Dems wherever appropriate too though, so it's not like they're slanted). I try to avoid all political discussions with her like the plague. Sadly, she's worked in politics and is smart enough to get a graduate degree from Georgetown.

[CulturalNomad]

11. Very afraid

There are parts of my extended family who I dare not raise political discussions with. I guess I should be thankful they are not lynching my grubby, brown-boy ass for marrying into the clean-cut 'civilized' family (hurray for my wife). They do silly stuff like not buy any french wine. Needless to say I avoid most engagements with that end of the tree!

[izzie]

12. I grew up with a father that could not take FDR so

my mother would always bring something up about him and off they would go. She would always end up saying. Don't bother to vote as I am voting for the other guy and yours will not count. Alone she would laugh like crazy and say 'I just like to see him get started.' It is great to grew up in a family where every one was of one party. We were sure Dem were crazy. I can not think what would have happened if a Dem had walked in and had pointed our his thoughts. Be safe and blow with the wind and save friends.

[PragMantisT]

13. Not afraid, but tired

My mother and brother are rabidly ultraconservative. They both quote Scumbaugh, et al. They are all for killing everyone who doesn't want to kill all Iraqis. Their views are for the truly brain dead mouth breathers. I just laugh out loud and snicker and roll my eyes. Why talk to them about the truth; they are idiots. I love 'em, but they are stupid.

Typical conversation:
Me: What, they want more money to fight in Iraq?
Bro: Last week, they said they weren't asking for enough. Ha.
Me: I guess THEY were correct. (bwahahhaha *snort*)

What a moran!

Don't get into that quagmire! Just piss 'em off by laughing.

BTW: I have a very conservative friend, and I always talk politics with him. He is versed in the GOP talking points, but he has an open mind (war is for oil, LIHOP)

[i_c_a_White_Ghost]

14. I don't talk to half of my family about it anymore

too many heated arguments and to be honest I don't care what they think anymore.

[seabeyond]

15. i have faith though, with my people

all that is being shown, i really believe they are getting it, and seeing. in time i think a simple you know in your heart. we have plenty of time. i am for now away from the battle of convincing, i think the media and bush are more persuasive than i

[IrateCitizen]

16. I don't have to worry about it with my immediate family...

... because they can't stand Bush either. I converted my dad from an old-school NE Republican to a progressive Democrat (he even read my copy of People's History of the United States, and loved it) back in the late 90's.

With my in-laws, I don't even bother, because my wife's family is about as politically ignorant and indifferent as they come.

[charlie]

17. Guess I'm lucky

I've got lifelong friends who are born-again freepazoids. Been blasting them since forever, and they're not bashful about returning fire. We're still tight as ever.

[ibegurpard]

18. If I discuss politics with my family I'm afraid I may say something

that I'll regret the rest of my life. the thing is, with everything that's going on right now, it's almost unavoidable. So, I find myself staying away from them instead.

[On the Road]

20. I "Said Something" a Few Years Ago

and we've kind of backed off politics for awhile.

A few years ago, I was visiting my family for Christmas. I had just been to divorce court and was a little upset, but thought that discussing it with my evangelical parents and brother would just make things worse.

My brother's wife chose this visit to have a talk with me about right-wing issues. She first asked me what I thought of global warming and I demurred by saying you hear a lot of things (I also wasn't informed enough at that point to make a good case). Then she handed me an editorial about government health-care policy which argued that Democrats wanted to forbid you from visiting your own doctor, even if you paid for it yourself. I had no idea what to make of it.

She then said: "Well, some people would say that the liberals have a long-term plan to hurt the elderly and sick people and are setting up the hoops now that they will jump through later." I was so absolutely floored by this statement that all I could do was sputter and yell at her "Are you crazy? Are you crazy?" Everyone was embarrassed and no one spoke for what seemed like ages. Ahhhhh! What's worse, I then felt I had to apologize for blowing up in front of the children.

I love my family, and sometimes a topic comes up that we can discuss profitably. But on many issues, I just don't think it's worthwhile to go there.

[Karenina]

22. I did not attend my mother's funeral.

Before she died she told me, "I don't give a shit! I'll be DEAD!" She ALSO told my siblings to "LAY OFF!" Never mind they did EXACTLY what she clearly said she did NOT want. (It was a Bugsby Berkeley PRODUCTION NUMBER)! We had a lifelong difficult relationship and I am SO GRATEFUL to her for that last gesture. My mom did not suffer fools.

"You're my only child to reach adulthood."

[On the Road]

19. I Avoid Politics with My Family

they know I'm not on the same side of things as they are, but we've had some differences in the past and I'd rather preserve the relationship.

I don't think it's always important to have political discussions with family and friends. What's often most important is to present yourself well ("give a good witness" as evangelicals would say) and communicate something very general about your beliefs.

This can be done in an indirect way, maybe about something minor. Back when I was a Republican, I knew a number of progressives, and I liked and respected most of them. Didn't usually talk politics, but the fact that they had different beliefs made an impression on me and made me more open to changing my own views.

Sometimes conversion is best done by someone who's not a friend or member of the family.

[arwalden]

21. My Political Beliefs, My Atheism, My Homosexuality Are ALL Topics That

cause GREAT discomfort and are the source of many arguments and unpleasentness in our family.

There are some folks who are just so rabidly Republican and blindly Christian that they will never listen to any other point of view.

If FOX news is being watched at my dad's or brother's home, I'll have to leave the room.

Politics and religion are not "forbidden" topics (officially)... but my choices are to permanently avoid the topics or to permanently avoid my relatives. ---I can choose my friends, but I can't choose my relatives.

-- Allen

[Feanorcurufinwe]

23. I don't bother talking to my parents about politics

or any of my opinions, frankly. Not worth it. Nothing to be gained.

[seabeyond]

32. as a parent

to know my child felt that way would hurt me so. isnt that sad. wow

[Feanorcurufinwe]

36. I agree

It is sad.

[redqueen]

24. Not I!

I love arguing and debating. Have since I was a kid. So as you might guess, I'm not shy about getting into all sorts of conversations with friends, family... whomever!

Unfortunately, my in-laws are bushites, and as such I try to respect them and not bring up issues while visiting. HOWEVER, if they open the door themselves by bringing up politics, I'm damned sure going to storm in with guns blazing! (Well not always, if there's some issue in their personal life I'll let something slide once in a while, hard as it may be for me to resist an invitation.)

What's awesome is that it's only my *direct* in-laws that are rethugs. The aunt/uncle/cousins are more liberal, so holidays are always exciting! Although last time it was fairly boring because those on the thug side were pretty much cowed and stayed quiet.

:evilgrin:

[Steely_Dan]

25. My Sister and I

I have had such heated debates over the phone with my sister that it has nearly caused us to never speak again. She believes in Bush and war with Iraq.

I have brought up several issues of concern...things that Bush and his administration have done and she simply doesn't believe me.

For example. I told her that Bush had made fun of the fact that he couldn't find WMD in his correspondent's dinner...you know, where he showed slides of himself looking under the desk, etc. saying..."Where are those weapons of mass destruction?"

My sister basically said that it never happened. I send her news article after news article referring to this event. She hasn't spoken to me since.

I fear that people will mistake my "passion" for "anger." Yes, I am angry...but it is due to my passion for my country. I am known by my friends and relatives as the "dark sheep." You know, that crazy "liberal" in the family. Yet, I never back off. I figure that my reputation is already ruined (in there eyes, anyway) and what more damage can I do?

Every once in a while I begin to feel that "I" am the one out of step with reality...and that everyone else is right. It scares me to consider that I am so horribly misguided.

To resolve this dilemma, I simply watch the news looking for that next stupid act by our president...then, I'm back to normal.

-Paige

[Oddman]

26. It's never futile!

Keep on the message! I've changed the minds of three people and have a few more on the ropes!!!

Never talk down, always respect, get results with the truth.

[VOX]

27. My brother is apolitical, but I am working on him...

Whenever I bring up politics, he does diss Shrub, but then he goes on about how he just doesn't have time to worry about "this crap."

In a way, I know where he's coming from -- ignorance is blissful (sort of). I'll get him into the voting booth come November.

The trick is to not come on like an evangelist. The truth is potent medicine, and many people recoil if they're just dipped into it suddenly, like a cold-water plunge.

[Paranoid_Portlander]

28. My aunt worships Bush.

She even resented the fact that Clinton was in power for 12 hours on inauguration day. "The entire day belongs to Bush!" she exclaimed. I politely said that it would be illegal for Bush to seize the entire day. She loves that Bush tax refund, until I pointed out that the only reason she got a refund was that her income was severely reduced to the non-taxable level. She thinks O'Reilly (sp?) will keep us informed of any Bush misdeeds.

[hunter]

29. My family is very noisy about politics and religion...

So is my wife's family.

One of my sibling's spouse comes from a very "conservative" family but they can dish it out and take it too. They are fun to be with

I think there is some sort of selective process going on here... Back before my siblings and I were all married, various boyfriends and girlfriends would run off never to be heard from again after they were brought home to "meet the family."

I have friends of all political and religious "persuasions" but what we have in common is the ability to work together and debate issues in a somewhat civilized manner.

That doesn't mean self-censorship to any great extent, but the ability to laugh when your opponent calls your favorite politician or religious figure a poop-throwing monkey.

[Misunderestimator]

30. I just lost my partner because of Bush

I've become obsessed with this whole thing for the past year (really since 2000 but the obsession has grown exponentially since Iraq). My partner doesn't share my passion and it has put a wedge between us. Add to that that we moved 6 months ago to the same neighborhood as her parents, who are Bush supporters. Needless to say, I get into many a heated argument while visiting.

Long sob story short... I totally missed how my passionate talk about the evils of Bush was alienating her. sigh... Bush-haters Anonymous anyone?

On edit... at least I convinced her not to throw her vote away to Nader... One more vote for Kerry!! Woohooo :bounce:

[Arugula Latte]

31. I'm lucky

My family despises Bush. Parents were mildly Republican in the early 80s but switched back for Clinton (they hate fundies) and have been in the light ever since. I'm lucky to live in a liberal area and frankly all my friends are liberal/progressive. I have maybe one friend from childhood who is a rich Repuke, but we don't talk politics anymore. If I find out someone is a Repub or a rightwing religious freak I just avoid them and I don't have to deal with them.

[Lavender Brown]

33. I don't avoid it, but I have had terrible arguments

with family members and friends I would never have expected to be Bush supporters. I have the stereotypical conservative brother-in-law with whom I don't bother to talk politics, one sister who doesn't think about it at all, and thankfully another who shares my views. My parents vote mostly Democratic but support the war, and I've actually become distant from friends because I was so vocal about my opinions (they were mad that I went to an anti-war protest). It's hard to avoid a subject that you feel so strongly about, as much as you'd like to keep the peace. :shrug:

[napi21]

34. I don't bother talking to any relatives who are staunch

Bushites. I've tried a little back when Shrub was running against Gore. Their reasons are always pretty dumb, but imovable.

Some that I heard in the 2000 election were:
I don't like Lieberman he reminds me of Yoda.
Gore will take my guns away.
Gore keeeps changing his story, and he so mean looking all the time.

The new ones regarding Kerry:
I don't like Kerry, he looks like Jay Leno.
Kerry was aginst the Vietnam troops.

Yes, I've given up! I can't change these people, because they have made up their mind and are too stubborn to change.

What can change them however, is enough aired proof of BushCo's illegal actions. The same as it sunk Dick Nixon with most oh his supporters.

[quinnox]

35. My family is nearly all Democrats

So we all agree about politics. But I have a good friend who is a republican and when politics is brought up it can lead to arguments. For instance, yesterday he said he didn't think Kerry would be able to win over Bush (this is after I dragged him to a Kerry/Dean rally downtown) and of course I disagreed. Mostly the subject is avoided in conversation topics, since we don't agree.

[spanone]

37. No problem whatsoever. My brother the machinist hates bush*, they

have been trying to bust his union since they got in office. My other brother is a liberal from the vietnam days. He worked for Ceasar Chavez in the 60's and my sisters can't stand the man. My mom, rest her soul, and I laughed heartily at bush* during the debates remarking how incredibly stupid the man was. Cancer took her before the supreme court selected him. She would have preferred it that way. So I'm reeeeeaaaal comfy talking politics with my family. Even my inlaws can't stand the shrub and they are repubs. Yee Haw!!!