Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

Response to Freeper "friend's" joke about Clinton

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion (Through 2005) Donate to DU
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:41 PM
Original message
Response to Freeper "friend's" joke about Clinton
Edited on Fri Aug-26-05 08:42 PM by Citizen Jane
Edited for punctuation...

Mom was fuming the other day about how her freeper friend from highschool sends her anti-liberal jokes, so she got Dad to write a "smack, backatya" response. It was too good not to share with y'allL

The original "joke" email:

Dear Abby:

My husband is a liar and a cheat. He has cheated on me from the very beginning, and when I confront him, he denies everything. What's worse, every one knows he cheats on me. It is so humiliating. Also, he's been out of work for the past four years and has not even looked for a new job since. All he does is smoke cigars, and cruise around with his pals, while I have to work to pay the bills. Since our daughter went away to college, he does not even pretend to like me...and hints that I am a lesbian. What should I do??
Signed, Clueless


Dear Clueless:

Grow up and dump him. For Pete's sake, you don't need him anymore...You're a United States Senator from New York, act like one.


The RESPONSE (as composed by my Dad):

Dear Abby:

My husband is a juvenile frat boy who refuses to grow up—literally! He’s just a little fella. You know, not a strong man of short stature, but an insecure, overcompensating bully, who suffers from “short man syndrome.” In short (so to speak), he’s an irresponsible coward and bully. For instance, he dodged the draft, then slimed two genuine war heroes who put their lives on the line to keep him safe on his bar stool. He’s also an incorrigible liar. Confronted with tens of thousands of deaths, caused by deliberate lies he told in order to benefit his rich cronies, he just grins and goes fishing or biking. It’s embarrassing. I hear people whispering something about “fiddling while Rome burns.” I don’t know what to do. I’m smoking four packs a day out of frustration.

Sincerely,

Pickles


Dear Laura:

The flip-flopping never stops, does it? Hillary's husband screwed an associate while enriching the nation. Your husband is screwing the nation while enriching his pals. Makes us all miss the good ol' days. Sigh. Anyhow, everyone knows that you’ve always been the stronger, smarter, and more mature partner in your marriage. Act like it. First, dump the pathetic coward. Second, blow the whistle. What you’ve cited is clearly a series of “high crimes and misdemeanors,” justification for impeachment and removal from office. In other words, dissolve your own union with your husband, then help your nation do the same. Step up and do the right thing. Before it’s too late for us all.

Sincerely,

Abby


I LOVE MY PARENTS (and thank them for making me the liberal I am today!!!).

Shameless plug for my Dad's blog:

"Scarabus" located at: http://www.agrippinaminor.com/wp/
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
tanyev Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:43 PM
Response to Original message
1. Any idea what the freeper's reaction was?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:44 PM
Response to Reply #1
4. So far it seems to be stunned silence.
Not much you can say to that, eh?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
rateyes Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:10 PM
Response to Reply #4
43. Wonder how many more "anti-liberal" e-mails your
parents will get from freeperville! I bet they just got kicked from the address book. Good for them.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mitchum Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:44 PM
Response to Reply #4
48. That's because the freeper is digging around for another "joke"...
to use as an "original" rebuttal. However, one should expect them to try pass off a 7 year old piece as their own "wit"- freepers aren't really known for thinking for themselves.

Your parents are great!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jean Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:44 PM
Response to Original message
2. haha, loved his 'in short' summary
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
wakeme2008 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:44 PM
Response to Original message
3. funny thing is most ppl do not know how short Bush
really is...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NYCGirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 09:57 PM
Response to Reply #3
28. He's 6 ft. tall.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Samurai_Writer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:27 PM
Response to Reply #28
37. He is listed as 5'11" on his Texas driver's license
And everyone is notorious for lying about height and weight on driver's licenses, since they don't actually measure and weigh you. I've seen him in person, several times. No WAY is he 6' tall. Not even 5'11".
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mitchum Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:46 PM
Response to Reply #37
49. I noticed that his height was blurred on his military records
Hmmm....
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Verve Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 12:44 AM
Response to Reply #37
54. He's just notorious for lying, period. n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mwb970 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 11:05 AM
Response to Reply #54
59. It's amazing. He lies about *everything*. (n/t)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
MADem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 01:19 PM
Response to Reply #37
61. And take a GOOD look at his shoes
No, I am not talking about the high heeled cowboy boots, his SHOES.

You don't have to be Gepetto the Friken Cobbler to see he uses lifts. It accounts for that stupid walk of his, tilted forward, arms askew like a little monkey for balance.

I'm betting if you tried to teach a monkey to walk in high heels, you would get the exact same strut....
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
stevedeshazer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:04 PM
Response to Reply #28
42. No he isn't.
I'm 6' myself, no lie, no shoes.

I don't wear elevator shoes like he does, and I'll guarantee I could eat a cracker off'n his forehead wearing handcuffs.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NYCGirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:30 PM
Response to Reply #42
45. More links:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
stevedeshazer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:36 PM
Response to Reply #45
46. hmmm
The first is definitive: 71.75".

The second: "just shy of 6 feet"

The third: (6 ft)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
RubyDuby in GA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:55 PM
Response to Reply #28
51. I call bullshit - kinda like little ol' batshit crazy Zell Miller
He's iddy biddy. I'd say no taller than 5'5". I'm 5'4" and if he's not wearing his special cowboy boots, I can look down on him slightly.

I think I can take him too. I may have to challenge him to a duel.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mzteris Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:44 PM
Response to Original message
5. That's GREAT!
It should be making the rounds now..... and *we'll* know where it all started!

Give your dad (and mom) a great big hug!

:hug:



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
tabasco Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:45 PM
Response to Original message
6. Haha!! Very good response.
I usually don't read these things.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:45 PM
Response to Reply #6
7. Yeah, I know about not reading these things
My Mom is a very tolerant person....to a point.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
in_cog_ni_to Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:46 PM
Response to Original message
8. That ROCKED!
Here's to dad! :toast: Cheers! Good one!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kittenpants Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:46 PM
Response to Original message
9. that's really well done!
do you mind if I save it in case I ever get that forward?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:49 PM
Response to Reply #9
12. Save Away and share. I sure will!
Dad is a college professor...his old blog was "pedantic rants." Knowing y'all are spreading the word would make him more than happy. Hopefully he'll respond in the thread.

Hmm, maybe I'll put this on my office door. Oh wait; I don't have tenure and the only conservative in the department is in the office next door. Shite!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
pacalo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 09:40 PM
Response to Reply #12
24. Thanks, Citizen Jane!
Your dad is awesome! I will save his response, too, in case I ever get that forward.


Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
titoresque Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:47 PM
Response to Original message
10. A big hug and high five for Citizen Janes parents!!!
:bounce: :party:

:hug: :grouphug: :yourock:

:woohoo:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Gronk Groks Donating Member (582 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:48 PM
Response to Original message
11. Something about clubbing clueless freepers comes to mind...
...and I LIKE it!!!!

Tell your Dad, "Way to go!!!"

My signature says it all...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:53 PM
Response to Reply #11
17. See my quotation in reply #15 for more!
Your sig is one of my favorite thoughts!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Gronk Groks Donating Member (582 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 09:33 PM
Response to Reply #17
23. The hypocrisy of the reThugs is amazing...
...the lies, corruption and just plain evil of the current mis-administration is appalling! Yet they stand by their man because he is a good "christian". How they can read their bible and describe the shrub as a good "christian" is beyond me.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SammyWinstonJack Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:02 PM
Response to Reply #23
30. Phony christian is more like it.
"born again" for political purposes, just like everything else the little worm does.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:16 PM
Response to Reply #23
34. Dad is a self-proclaimed Zoroastrian
In reality, he decided on a career in academia instead of a career as an editor for the Southern Baptist Convention. Sometimes neither of us (or my Mom) can reconcile it.

My poor maternal grandmother thought she married her daughter off to a future preacher and he came back to town with a ponytail. LMAO!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jrthin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:49 PM
Response to Original message
13. I like your parents. They're on the ball. nt
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:52 PM
Response to Reply #13
15. Thanks for reminding me of that
My Mom plays tennis and said that someone told her they came in the other day wondering who had all thre great bumper stickers on the red miata. Then they saw her and knew who it was.

Here's a great selection from Dad's latest blog entry:

"Bill Clinton got a BJ from another consenting adult—one who boasted to a woman she thought was a friend of her “conquest.” BFD! Bill Clinton proved his masculinity via fellatio. Shrub is trying with notable lack of success to prove his masculinity via military conquest. Given the choice, I’ll take mutually consenting sex over unconsenting death and maiming every time!"
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Surya Gayatri Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 12:11 PM
Response to Reply #15
60. Jane, your parents are
some of the unheralded, wonderful patriots of middle America who help me not to lose hope. They sure did a good job with you! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Dora Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:51 PM
Response to Original message
14. Bookmarked! n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
babylonsister Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:52 PM
Response to Original message
16. Nom.! I love you and your parents! nt
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:54 PM
Response to Reply #16
19. Thanks
:blush:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SalmonChantedEvening Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:53 PM
Response to Original message
18. Yay Dad!!!
And thanks for sharing this Citizen Jane :D

:applause:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Turbineguy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:55 PM
Response to Original message
20. Terrific and....
Thanks for the "shameless plug" too.

It's bookmarked.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
donheld Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:57 PM
Response to Original message
21. Very good indeed
You should be very proud. I got stuck with fundy parents.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Redstone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 08:59 PM
Response to Original message
22. That's absolutely hilarious, not to mention brilliant writing.
Redstone
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
stevans_41902 Donating Member (199 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 09:48 PM
Response to Reply #22
26. Great response - i cant believe they are still sending Clinton jokes -
its been 7 years for Gods sake! I guess they have a hard time coming up with new "jokes" so they have to keep recycling the same dumb ones they've been using for the past several yrs.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Redstone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:01 PM
Response to Reply #26
29. They'll never stop. whenever you argue a rightwinger into a corner,
their last line of defense is always the same, no matter what the subject at hand is: Clinton! Clinton! Clinton!

Redstone
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:09 PM
Response to Reply #29
31. Yes, it always amazes me on just how much they hated prosperity.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jbm Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 09:46 PM
Response to Original message
25. I love your dads blog too!
Thanks for the link!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kliljedahl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 09:51 PM
Response to Original message
27. Your dad's my new buddy, & I don't even know him
His blog is bookmarked & will be read frequently.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:13 PM
Response to Reply #27
32. He's always been my buddy so I am more than happy...
to share him with y'all.

If his semester hadn't started this week he'd be in Crawford.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kliljedahl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:15 PM
Response to Reply #32
33. Well thank you for sharing him
It's about time. Why have you been hiding him so long?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:17 PM
Response to Reply #33
35. I haven't been hiding him
But he is an introvert, so I've gradually gotten him more active in the DU. Let me try to remember his username (gotta go search my hard drive!)!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kliljedahl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:18 PM
Response to Reply #35
36. Please tell me, & he'll be on my buddy list
Edited on Fri Aug-26-05 10:19 PM by kliljedahl
On edit; Tell him to post more, like the blog.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Citizen Jane Donating Member (513 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:30 PM
Response to Original message
38. Eh, shameless kick.

Macallan (our dog) just licked my ankle so I'll kick it!:kick:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Catherine Vincent Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:38 PM
Response to Original message
39. Your parents are awesome!
:thumbsup:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Mabus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:56 PM
Response to Original message
40. I love your parents too
:spray: :applause:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Libby2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 10:59 PM
Response to Original message
41. This is one I saw, I don't know who wrote it.
DEAR ABBY,

My husband has a long record of money problems. He runs up huge credit-card bills and at the end of the month, if I try to pay them off, he shouts at me, saying I am stealing his money. He says pay the minimum and let our kids worry about the rest, but already we can hardly keep up with the interest.

Also he has been so arrogant and abusive toward our neighbors that most of them no longer speak to us. The few that do are an odd bunch, to whom he has been giving a lot of expensive gifts, running up our bills even more.

Also, he has gotten religious. One week he hangs out with Catholics and the next with people who say the Pope is the Anti-Christ.

Finally, the last straw. He's demanding that before anyone can be in the same room with him, they must sign a loyalty oath. It's just so horribly creepy! Can you help?

Signed, Lost in DC





Dear Lost:

Stop whining, Laura. You can divorce the jerk any time you want. The rest of us are stuck with him for four more years!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Festivito Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 01:23 PM
Response to Reply #41
62. I like it it's simple, when there is SOOOOO much material against Bush.
DEAR ABBY:

My husband has ruined business after business. He quietly runs up huge debts, then leaves being bailed out by his father's friends. They end up profiting more money than the businesses seem to lose.

Someone lost most his military records, except there's one he checked saying he wouldn't serve in Vietnam. And, now, he berates war heroes to get his way which amounts to sending them into further danger.

The neighbors hate us, and he bullies them. In fact he bullies everyone since he's an insecure overcompensating ex-fratboy college cheerleader... and lately there's been an Internet call-boy who stays the night but no one knows where.

Sincerely,
Pickles

Dear Pickles:
You married him, now teach him what he needs to know.
YOU'RE A KINDERGARDEN TEACHER FOR GOD'S SAKE!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Kurovski Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:25 PM
Response to Original message
44. Kudos to your father! n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
GardeningGal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:44 PM
Response to Original message
47. Awesome!
Damn, I wish I could come up with responses like that!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
quiet.american Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Aug-26-05 11:47 PM
Response to Original message
50. Brilliant! n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
K8-EEE Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 12:26 AM
Response to Original message
52. I Love CitJane's Parents!!!
MY PARENTS ARE AWESOME TOO THOUGH! My dad walks down to his corner protest every Friday, actually there are tons of over 70's represented at the Studio City Peace & Justice vigil every week. My husband made the sign (CINDY'S all right! W'S all wrong..) It's definitely a family affair.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BlueStateGirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 12:40 AM
Response to Original message
53. He's been out of work 4 years and hasn't looked for a new job since????
Edited on Sat Aug-27-05 01:10 AM by BlueStateGirl
LMFAO!!
Yeah, he only wrote a massive book that earned him $10 million.

Guess that's not real money to Republicans.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Old Mouse Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 01:44 AM
Response to Original message
55. As much as I enjoyed the response
People who support the administration to this degree have degraded their capability for critical thinking.

Sarcastic, factual retorts, the type that are so satisfying to give, have a cumulative opposite effect. They tend to strengthen the resolve of these challenged individuals rather than convert them.

There are much fewer in number than they seem, and arguing banal points only makes the argument stronger.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
wildflowergardener Donating Member (863 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 08:20 AM
Response to Original message
56. People who send these things
Just curious - would you send jokes like this to your old friends when you didn't know if they were democrat or republican. I know I wouldn't. I get things like this from time to time - and I am just curious to know if this is just a republican thing to assume that you must be a republican and send something that would be offensive like this to a liberal. My mom had a friend who sent stuff like this - and she finally asked her to stop.

I always take great care to not criticize the president when I'm with someone who I don't know what party they are for. My one republican friend will say anti democrat stuff to anyone, assuming they must be republican. Two of my friends told me they were democrats and said they were unsure if they should tell her because she always talks about these things with her. I would, but they haven't - well I guess that's for them to decide.

I just always hate it when people try to force their beliefs on you. My philopsophy is I may not agree with what you do, but you are welcome to your own beliefs.

Good response to that message, btw.

Meg
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
scarabus Donating Member (21 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 10:40 AM
Response to Original message
57. Scabus thanks you for the warm welcome
Edited on Sat Aug-27-05 10:41 AM by scarabus
Folks—

Thanks for the nice welcome! I’m proud of my liberal daughter and wife, and of the next generation liberal Citizen Jane is rearing. We’re all working on CJ’s husband, who shows signs of coming around. :-)

The response by Old Mouse reminded me once more of Lakoff’s Don’t Think of an Elephant (highly, highly recommended). Two issues: strengthening the opponents’ resolve and the importance of truth and facts. First, it’s good to keep up our own spirits with humor, but of course as Old Mouse says the sarcastic humor we find charming will simply harden the other side’s conviction that we have sold our souls to Satan. Still, we’re not going to convince them anyhow, right? The key is the middle third: not the already enlightened; not the permanently benighted; but those good people just waiting to be won over to progressive values and ideas.

Lakoff mentions several myths we liberals have trouble giving up on. One of them is that “the truth will set you free.” If we could just get the real facts out there, those fools would recognize the error of their ways and come around. The problem is that because of the way they perceive the world, their minds quite literally will either reject or just fail to register the facts we hold before them. It’s a function of cognitive psychology. We have to change the cognitive frame.

A personal example having nothing to do with politics. On June 4th we had an automobile accident at an intersection on a divided highway. We had a green light, but without warning a car coming the other direction turned right in front of us. The driver insisted that she had had a left turn lead, and consequently that we must have run a red light. The fact is that the left turn lead arrow at that intersection had been removed 6 months earlier. Fact: two solid green lights. Perception: green left turn arrow.

We “see” what we already know, and we really, really have a hard time giving up on that. The driver in question was determined to fight her traffic citation in court, insisting she had seen a (non-existent) green arrow. It’s called the “confirmation bias.” Given a conflict between previous “knowledge” and current fact, humans will always be powerfully driven toward protecting “knowledge” and denying fact. That’s all of us. We have to fight against it all the time.

So I’m gonna keep having fun with my friends; I’m gonna share the light with those in the middle; and I’m gonna remember that mere truth or fact won’t make a twiddly-diddle of differentce to the kind of guy who would drive a pick-up through the field of crosses at Camp Casey. :-)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Swamp Rat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 10:46 AM
Response to Reply #57
58. Welcome to DU!
:hi:



PS. If you like George Lakoff's book, you should check out Robin T. Lakoff's (yes, wife and colleague) book "The Language War."
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
GOPFighter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 08:44 PM
Response to Reply #57
64. Welcome, Scarabus!
One of the good things I got from my Baptist upbringing is the importance of "planting the seeds". Of course they meant planting the seeds of their particular brand of kooky religion, but I remember that my journey from freeper to liberal was mostly a result of the many seeds of truth planted by friends, and others who were able to calmly articulate their beliefs. Hopefully your humorous reply to your wife's freeper friend will plant just such a seed.
:toast:

GOPFighter
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ovidsen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Aug-27-05 01:33 PM
Response to Original message
63. Like parents like daughter! Good job!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Tue Apr 16th 2024, 04:43 PM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion (Through 2005) Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC