Conversation with a McCain supporter in a restaurant

[scheming daemons]

Last night, my wife and I and our two kids decided to go to a local Japanese Hibachi-style restaurant for dinner. Usually they seat 8 to a table so we were sharing a table with another family.

During the meal, I struck up a conversation with the man sitting next to me... he looked to be in his mid-50s to early 60s... and the conversation was light... the Olympics, the Steelers, etc... then, out of the blue, he says:

"So.... who are you voting for in November?"

I responded, "Frankly, I don't like to discuss my vote with other people. Nothing personal, but my vote is private."

His response: "You must be an Obama voter. McCain voters like me aren't ashamed to say who we're voting for."

This pissed me off... so I responded, "Look. Yes... I am an Obama voter, not that it is any of your business since I hardly know you, but I'm not only a voter - but I've donated to the campaign and will be donating more in the future."

His response: "So.. you believe him when he says he's not a muslim? I don't." At this point, I started getting angry, and my wife was tapping me on the arm to settle down, but I had to get one more thing in:

"For you to believe that Obama is a muslim, despite all evidence to the contrary and NO evidence to support your claim, says more about you than it says about Obama. What OTHER things do you believe for which there is not only no supporting evidence, but loads of evidence to contrary? They have a word for people like you. Insane."

His face was red, and a man sitting behind us at a nearby table muttered "Right on" loud enough for others to hear.

The man at my table didn't say another word the rest of dinner and he and his wife and kid got up and left abruptly after receiving the bill.

My wife chastised me in the car on the way home, so I have some making up to do ..... but damn, it felt GOOOOD.

[Muttocracy]

1. He asked for it. Silence will not help us. Bravo. nt

[Cosmocat]

46. There are several universal traits of modern "conservatives" ...

one of the major ones is that they like to dish it out, they like to start it, but they don't like it one bit when the get slammed ...

Not one freakin bit ...

[Doremus]

109. Too true! I found out an aquaintance is a frothing freep Saturday.

Obama is a Muslim, Iraq attacked us on 9/11, the whole nine yards. When I got a chance to get my two cents in with some truth serum to innoculate the beast, the guy practically popped a vein.

Hee hee. It felt good.

[Phredicles]

131. And evidence has no bearing on belief with these people;

The WMDs are out there somewhere. If no one's found them, that just proves how diabolically well-hidden they are.:eyes:

[Cosmocat]

171. that one just KILLS me ...

SO ...

Saddam was a totally deranged lunatic, who was just ITCHING to put a hurt to the USA ...

The USA goes over there and attacks Iraq in an invasion that will forever take him out power, and as it were, end up handing him to his own people who would hang him ???

So, what does this evil, american hating lunatic do ??? His life about to end, his last days on the planet at hand, his power taken from him by his most hated enemy ...

Take all of his WMD and send them to Syria ...

LOGIC, REASON, REALITY has no place in these people's world ...

[DebJ]

162. I'd call that the bully complex

[bulloney]

140. That's why things are the way they are now. Repubs dominate conversations and get pissed

when you rebut them. When pushed, you've got to push back and let them realize that their opinion isn't the only opninion and maybe their opinion is flawed.

[babylonsister]

2. Major props to you!!!!!! nt

[BklynChick]

3. good for you!

[BklynChick]

11. can I just also say I can't believe the idiocy that are McCain supporters and their reasons for

supporting him, just inane.

[Demi_Babe]

4. good for you

[SoonerPride]

5. K&R! Morans need to be confronted and told they are STUPID

I would have said "Well, I believe John McCain is a pod person from Alpha Centauri. Have a nice evening, sir."

[metamars]

104. No, actually McCain was brainwashed into Bhuddism when he was a POW

The militaristic and anger-management exterior is just a ruse. As soon as he's elected, he going to put on a saffron robe and become a vegetarian. He's also going to transform the US military into a global, solar powered, construction and mining firm. However, the jobs will only go to Bhuddhists, and most of them will be overseas, anyway.

Just you watch.

Did I forget to mention that he was brainwashed to be an elite, latte-drinking Bhuddist? Oh, yeah. But the arugala thing is myth.

[hay rick]

118. the arugula thing is NOT a myth

it's a vegetable. PWI.

[Hugabear]

6. You could have asked him "How do I know you're not a Muslim"

Of course, he would have become apoplectic, and probably sputtered something like "Well, I'm a Christian, I go to church every Sunday, blah blah blah" to which you could have replied "So does Obama."

It really shouldn't matter even if he were a Muslim, however.

[scheming daemons]

7. If I had more time to think about it... I might have come up with an answer like that...

[verges]

150. That's the problem

with encounters like that. You don't have time to think. Unfortunately, I'm not particularly good at thinking on my feet like that. That's why I avoid those situations. The last one I got dragged into, I was literally overcome, and left speechless in the presence of stupidity. Plus, he was getting so wound up, I couldn't get a word in edgewise. When he called Obama a n*, I called him an asshole and got up and left.

You handled yours very well. I wish I could've been as effective or at least as satisfying.

[janet118]

34. Way cool!!

B-)

[Hugabear]

42. If you want to have even more fun, ask him how does he know that he's not gay?

After all, these types of people usually claim that being gay is a matter of choice, not genetics. We have a progressive radio talk show host (Jim Phillips, Orlando WTKS) who got into it with one of these guys one time. "If it's a matter of choice, when did you choose to be straight? Did you ever experiment with the same sex? If not, how do you know that you made the right choice?"

[yardwork]

94. It really shouldn't matter even if he were a Muslim. I agree.

One of the kindest people I've ever met is a Muslim. A very sweet, gentle man, a vegetarian, a physician, he told me of the horrors of caring for people in rural Indonesia without any decent facilities. Whenever anyone says anything nasty about Muslims I think about my friend.

How dare people be so ignorant and destructive?

[Tigress DEM]

112. MN elected Keith Ellison - a real muslim and a good congressman!

But Obama is what he is and for people to label him as something he is not so they can hate him is insane AND stupid.

[elshiva]

134. Good on you. Muslims have added a lot to our American

culture. Good on Ellison for being true to who he really is. :patriot:

[elleng]

95. The MAJOR point is

It really shouldn't matter even if he were a Muslim.

What kind of a country is this?

[Tigress DEM]

114. Ah... I think our country is a bit schizophrenic at the moment.

We are mostly sane and rational individuals but occasionally this dark and deviant personality asserts itself and we think, "WTF am I still in America, land of the free and home of the brave or have I been plunked down into one of those reality sitcoms by mistake?"

[glitch]

117. That is very good. nt

[Frisbee]

149. This drives me nuts!

These idiots use this whole "I think he's a Muslim, despite all the evidence to the contrary, including his crazy CHRISTIAN pastor" thing because they don't have the guts to come out and say "I won't vote for him because he's black". I have more respect for a racist who at least has the backbone to say "I won't vote for him because he's black". Using the Muslim thing just tells me you're a racist AND a coward.

[raccoon]

8. Way to go, scheming!

:yourock:

[miles 2 go]

9. Good on you. But really, I couldn't eat at a restaurant that forced

me to sit with strangers.

[scheming daemons]

12. Those Hibachi-style restaurants have 8 seats around a table with one chef.

If you have four or less, they usually put two groups together at one table.

[miles 2 go]

14. Wow, No I would leave

I wouldn't pay big bucks to go out and eat so that I could eat cafeteria style with other people. That's just me though. I wouldn't be able to enjoy the meal or have a conversation with my family or friends with other people right there.

[scheming daemons]

23. I don't think you understand... it's not "cafeteria style".....

The Japanese hibachi chef actually prepares the meal at your table. There is a hibachi grill in the center of an 8-seat table (some restaurants have 10-seat tables). The chef cooks all of the meals for the table right in front of you. Here's a picture of what one looks like:

[miles 2 go]

30. I get it. It's like sitting at a bar.

I just have a thing about people and would be offended if they sat me at someone elses table or put someone else at mine. At least it's a big table and wouldn't be too bad if there were at least a couple of seats between us (make that 3 seats)

It looks like a great experience and I have always wanted to go. But I wouldn't now. Like I said, it's just me. I really don't like other people for the most part.

[awoke_in_2003]

72. "I just have a thing about people"

Same here, but only because this state is full of bible thumping republicans. Check your local place- I know the Benihana's usually have limited private seating- probably have to be reserved.

[miles 2 go]

151. thanks for that info

on Benihana's

[awoke_in_2003]

165. No problem...

I am a professional anti-social, I look for these things :)

[rfranklin]

81. Always take 7 friends along...

It's simple math.

[miles 2 go]

152. I don't have 7 friends that could afford such a place

and I sure as hell couldn't afford it for them. :cry:

[miles 2 go]

32. Oh, thanks for the pic by the way. n/t

[Born_A_Truman]

33. My favorite is Benihana!

Love to have lunch or dinner there!

I would not have been able to not respond either! This guy went over the line and deserved what he got!

[Manifestor_of_Light]

74. Benihana is yummy!!!

I eat there on special occasions only. Was there Saturday night.

The chef chopped up onion rings and his latest trick was arranging five of them as Olympic rings.
:rofl:

The onion "volcano" with steam coming out is fun to watch too!!! :rofl:

Fortunately I had a volunteer with me to eat the shrimp appetizer (I'm allergic to shellfish).

[pangaia]

86. "Japanese" Hibachi

Actually those "Japanese" hibachi places have no relationship to Japanese food. I'm sure you know Benihana of Tokyo.
Well, it was started by a Caucasian American, who also started Benihana of New York in Japan. The whole thing is a big hoax- just a marketing ploy to make Americans think they were getting Japanese food, and visa versa.

OK, back to Senator McDementia.. :>)

[ContinentalOp]

173. Huh? Hiroaki Aoki was a caucasian american?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Aoki

Also, the style did originate in Japan, even if it's not really popular there.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teppanyaki

[Divernan]

100. Let me guess. Shogun's in Monroeville?

I used to live in Monroeville and there were many, many people who were thick as a brick conservatives.

[mrgorth]

39. It's a free country but...

It's my feeling that if Americans ate communaly more we might actually be willing to help each other out more (health care).

[JaneQPublic]

10. Well done. He asked for it, and you gave it to him. (nt)

[Flying Dream Blues]

13. Wow. That guy was WAY out of line, and I think you did a great job of responding

in a way that pointed out his illogical argument and way of thinking. I agree that the time for polite silence is OVER. If nothing else, the last few days have served to illustrate that the other side uses our basic decency AGAINST us every chance they get. It's time to fight, one voice at a time, to make the truth heard.

[aintitfunny]

15. What a great way to handle it

It makes me feel good reading it.

[TooBigaTent]

16. I get the same "chastisement" from my wife, so I am also no longer answering any puke who

pushes their right-wing shit, including my in-laws.

What are we supposed to do when confronted by these assholes who believe it is THEIR god-given right to ruin other people's meals, movies, etc.?

My wife has very liberal views (tho not as far-left as mine) but does not like unpleasant interactions, so she always backs down and expects me to do the same.

The large percentage of Dems have the same "problem" (IMHO).

[janet118]

31. Just the facts, ma'am

I find that knowing the facts and refusing to accept lies being spread in public is the best way to react. As soon as someone says something that is a provable lie, e.g., Obama is a Muslim, Obama won't salute the flag, Obama was a drug dealer, Obama wants to raise taxes, Obama will take our guns away, etc., you counter with facts. And you just keep repeating those facts every time the lie is repeated. Disagreements about candidates and their stands are fine, but lies are unacceptable.

I think that name calling is very ineffective. It makes the caller look worse than the callee.

[Spazito]

17. Kudos to you!

You tried to avoid any discussion of politics and made that quite clear. The ill-informed repub obviously lacked the basics to understand plain English and was spoiling for a fight. You didn't fight him, you told him some home truths much to his dismay. Well done!

[liberal N proud]

18. Way to stand up against these aggressive creeps

[otohara]

19. He Had It Coming - It's One

thing to buy into that bullshit...but to say it to a total stranger, knowing that a possible Obama supporter would certainly call him on it.

You rock!

[FormerConservative]

20. I really feel this election will be a referendum on how stupid the average American is :(

[otohara]

52. Another Referendum

I thought for sure Bush would get the boot in 04, but NO - there's far too many American's like this guy in the restaurant. They get their info from the likes of FOX, Rush and Internet right-wing lies. Their stick to those beliefs even in the face of reality.

[Another Joe]

108. Come gang - the election was STOLEN.

People in OH actually went to JAIL instead of conducting recounts. And please don't give me the "it shouldn't have been close enough to steal" line.

The theft was in more than OH - 2000 was stolen too and it was in more than FL!

That's just as big a cop out as the idiots (including SCOTUS Justice scalia) "Get Over It!".

Stealing elections is a CRIME, its TREASON and criminals are responsible for their crimes!

[Enthusiast]

138. Right on, Joe!

And they won't even mention this on my right wing TV set.

[Enthusiast]

137. Hell, they now get right wing

talking points from CNN and Low Dobbs. We are alone in a wilderness of right wing propaganda.

[madmax]

125. Seems that way

and btw - Welcome to DU

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

21. That guy was a fucking pinhead for not only bringing up politics at dinner out,

with a complete stranger, but then pushing it in the obnoxious way that he did ("You must be an Obama supporter, we McCain supporters aren't ashamed" etc.).

He deserved to be embarrassed and quite honestly you did nothing wrong.

You would have been pissed and seething inside and had your dinner ruined even more than it was if you'd just swallowed his idiocy and said nothing. So under the circumstances you did the right thing.

Oh, and also, Japanese hibachi places are good but generally overpriced. At least Benihana's is, even though I do like their food.

[usregimechange]

22. perfect response minus the last line.

[TexasLady]

24. stupid pompous ass.Good for you

My poor husband gets lots of crap email from his golf buddies on the lies, and I have a special place to links that debunk them all. Bully tactics and lies are all these morans know, I swear.

[The Hope Mobile]

37. I would love those links!!

I have a family full of propaganda spouters

[Lisa0825]

41. Welcome out of Lurkdom!

:hi:

[TexasLady]

50. well a great place to start is here..

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome/
http://www.factcheck.org/search/
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=ddzvw4c7_137cbhvxhcn

[AlinPA]

25. Good. To hell with those idiots. nt

[zulchzulu]

26. It's hard not to explode with knuckledraggers like that guy

First of all, does being a Muslim make someone "bad"?

Actually, whenever I have people like that guy come up to me with that nonsense, it's best to kill them with kindness.

Tell them that Obama is American, is a Christian and is going to win the election. McCain simply is George Bush and is going to lose. Then tell them to have a great day!

That drives them nuts.

[Rambis]

27. Good show! (nm)

x

[sakura]

28. Pwned!

Good for you! I'll bet your wife is secretly happy for you. My husband seems to be just like her-- he doesn't like the outbursts in public, but on the other hand, he married me for a reason. I'm sure the fact that you stand up for your beliefs is one of the things she most admires in you.

[npincus]

29. THAT'S why i don't like to sit with strangers at a restaurant

Personally, you may have felt good at telling him off, but the whole encounter would have ruined my meal. With the price of eating out these days, I would have been fricking pissed.

The asshole should have paid for your meal-- he provoked a controversial conversation which you politely trried to avoid.

Your wife should be angry at that schmuck and not you.

[Froward69]

35. I had a similar encounter

mine was at a back yard BBQ. he and I were striking up conversation with the same lady. when she mentioned how badly she wanted Obama Tickets, or at least to go. my competitor said "oh you want to see Springsteen, and Melloncamp at the same show." she looked at him with a puzzled look. I quickly spoke up "I do not believe they have announced any OPENING acts." he said no they weren't opening for Obama they were the headline. I said "mcSame as bush may need a headliner to get in front an audience but I an pretty sure if the Boss and Melloncamp do a song or two, they will be openers for Obama." she began to smile at me. I then turned to her and said "Imagine those two OPENING for any body? If they are opening for Obama that is. I haven seen or heard anything other than the governor speaking before Obama." She turned to me and said "I want to see Obama Live I do not care if BIG BIRD Opens for him." we then talked about how he made us cry during his address at the last DNC in 2004.

Her name is Susan, I rode her home on my Harley and I am trying to get tickets.. ;]

[FormerConservative]

38. * fist bump *

[awoke_in_2003]

75. "I rode her home on my Harley"

be careful, there, you may end up getting a new riding partner. Of course, that could be a good thing.

[Blarch]

36. I would have smashed him right in the face.

I told my wife that the next idiot who says Obama is a Muslim will get smashed in the face.

I have concluded that these people are like dogs ..bad dogs. You can tell them something a million times and they will never remember it ...but smash them in the face once ..and they will never forget.

Fuck them ...as it turns out, violence is the only language they understand.

[mkultra]

56. uh, your kidding right?

there's a big difference between standing up for your beliefs and acting out violently.

[Blarch]

59. Then wtf was the civil war ?

[mkultra]

148. a war over human abuse

NOT a disagreement regarding different opinions.

[MorningGlow]

40. Good for you!

It's sad that we need to play Whack-a-Mole with that nasty meme "Obama is a Muslim"--I can't believe how frequently it comes up. (And don't even get me started on the assumption that Muslim = evil...)

Last night Mr. MG, a Republican (but one who refused to register this year--hmmmm!) was teasing me about that. I finally said, "Look, you can't have it both ways. You guys can't say Obama is a Muslim and then bring up Rev. Wright--will you idiots just PICK ONE!" He answered (jokingly) "Well, that just proves how much of a flip-flopper Obama is."

Yeah, we :rofl:, but how many outright morans out there believe it?

[HCE SuiGeneris]

43. Accolades for standing your ground and dispelling the BS!

This a-hole deserved exactly what he received.

[invictus]

44. Good for you. Don't tolerate any ignorant behavior. n/t

[darius15]

45. Kick!

[liberalla]

47. Kudos and all good things to you! You handled it very well!

You should feel good! If I was your wife, I would be proud of you.

You tried not to go there. You had an idea what was coming and you resisted. Then, when you had to say something - when you had to respond, you did so very well, IMO. You were even, reasoned, clearly expressed your point, and never slipped into name calling or other incivilities.

My hat's off to you, and I thank you!

[Ron Green]

48. The scary thing is that there are LOTS of people like this guy. They're the "backbone" of American

society. They're morons.

[Martin Eden]

49. The man deserved it for his rudeness and for ...

... his cognitive dissonance (insanity).

How stupid or crazy do people have to be to believe on one hand Obama is a Muslim while on the other berating his 20-year membership in Trinity United Chucrh of Christ with Reverend Wright?

These people have been fed propaganda for so long and swallowed it so eagerly that it has warped whatever sense they may have once possessed.

[TheKentuckian]

61. You folks are kinder and gentler than I

I don't go in for the not speaking about politics, so I'm fairly proactive in finding these battles.

Taking politics out of polite discussion is one of the things that leads us to have such a jacked up world and political system.

If idiots were challenged more regularly on their nonsense they'd be smarter and if right thinking folks like ourselves got more challenges then our arguments would be more airtight, practiced, and smooth.

Shouting down retarded Cons is good for digestion and the soul. At least for myself.

[awoke_in_2003]

78. Believing two conflicting things at the same time-

Orwell would have been repulse. The whole "2+2=4, unless the party deems it needs to equal 3" thing is a reality now.

[yellerpup]

51. Good answer!

"Right on!" :applause:

[Arugula Latte]

53. I'm glad you smacked down that arrogant asshole. "Right on!"

:thumbsup:

[AspenRose]

54. He asked for it.

Well-played. :applause:

Aren't these people *ever* taught that talking about politics in a public social situation is inappropriate? Perhaps Obama supporters don't talk about their support or work in public because they have MANNERS. Sheesh.

[awoke_in_2003]

79. Religion is another thing

that used to not be talked about in public social situations.

[ladywnch]

88. my feelings EXACTLY! he was begging for a fight and figured

since you supported Obama that you wouldn't have the stones for a fight. McSame people think we're all sheep with no real substance. He got what he deserved! Good on you!

[mkultra]

55. bravo! if someone is rude an arrogant, you shoudl stand up to them

I would never let some insane megalomaniac throw fireballs at me in public. If my wife doesn't like a man who stands up for himself and his beliefs, perhaps she should have not married one.

[AZBlue]

57. Good job!!

:thumbsup:

[BrklynLiberal]

58. You did good..That jerk really begged for it.

As an earlier poster said. "The time for polite silence is over!"

[Vinca]

60. Wow - your comeback was a thing of beauty. Tell the wife we're proud of you. nt

[AtomicKitten]

62. Bravo!!!

[endthewar]

63. "says more about you than it says about Obama"

Check please! :rofl:

[Franks Wild Years]

64. "McCain voters like me aren't ashamed to say who we're voting for."

Wow, let's hope he's right and that it's Obama supporters who're more reticent to declare. Combined with the lack of cell phones in polling, we're surely looking at a 10% Obama landslide if he's correct!

[immoderate]

82. I know lots of Bush voters who are ashamed...

They somehow don't want to talk about politics anymore. :)

--IMM

[HomerRamone]

99. But the exit polls in 2004 were wrong because Bush voters

wouldn't say who they voted for...

[Hekate]

130. Sadly, the exit polls in both 2000 and 2004 were wrong because of illegal vote suppression tactics

... such as Diebold and Sequoia electronic voting machines.

Hekate

[HomerRamone]

163. I believe that,

but the "reluctant Bush voter" theory was the accepted spin...

[PassingFair]

145. Lots of Obama supporters aren't ASHAMED...

they are FRIGHTENED.

Idiots like your dinner partner tend to
do stupid things.

When my Obama sign (if I ever get one) goes
up, I fully expect it to be stolen or vandalized.

[redqueen]

154. Why would we be frightened? Just cause wrongwingers are gunning down people in churches?

Just cause cars are routinely vandalized for having liberal bumper stickers?

Conservatives are so often such loudmouthed, arrogant bullies... I'm sick of it. x(

[mnhtnbb]

65. Good for you. Just one comment--he's not insane. He's just in denial.

[WinkyDink]

66. Heehee: "insane". AWESOME!

[beachmom]

67. Proving that your original instinct was correct. Right wingers get

so nasty when politics come up, that it just isn't worth it talking to them. I mean, nobody was convinced, yet this jerk basically egged you on, then got all mad when you gave it right back.

Sadly, we Americans don't know how to talk politics. It turns into a personality discussion, and we get nowhere fast.

:hug: to you for trying to do the right thing.

Apparently, too few people know how to disagree without being disagreeable. I'm with you AND your wife on the whole thing.

[awoke_in_2003]

85. "we Americans don't know how to talk politics"

We used to. I think talk radio has done more damage to political discussion than anything. I was at my sister's place a couple weeks ago, and her girlfriend and I started discussing politics. After a few minutes I realized- this is a rush and hannity listener. I had my love of country questioned, was accused of being a communist. I just had to shake my head and said "I will never vote for a party that wants nothing more than to see people like you and my sister dead". Never understood how a gay person could back the GOP.

[Politicalboi]

102. Wow some of us really hate us

I knew a transgender (MTF) who was a Republican and was blown away with that too.

[awoke_in_2003]

124. I will admit something

I once was a republican before I grew up. One day I just looked around and said "I don't agree with this shit". I was pro choice, had no problems with minorities or homosexuals, was an atheist, and believed that those that can should help those who cannot (oops, I may be a socialist:)). Of course, when you are younger you tend to be angrier. The GOP plays to these feelings. But I did grow up, and I wondered what the hell was I angry about?

[Froward69]

143. I agree

I was young and angry. In 1996 I realized I was angry at Conservatives, for locking down our Liberty. later on different happenings in my life pushed me "left". Over the years I have gotten angrier and angrier at republicans and their notion that America, and Americas freedoms somehow "belong" to the wealthy. Through Hard work I accumulated some wealth, the hard work was actually protecting it from republican greed.

Update: I have a line on some "credentials" for Obamas acceptance speech. I will know later today or by Thursday at the latest.:toast:

[awoke_in_2003]

166. Rereading my post...

I should have said "angry at stupid shit". If one isn't angry about what our government has done over the last 8 years then they are not paying attention. The anger felt now is righteous, and we must fight to get back what is ours.

You're going to Denver with credentials? Lucky SOB :)

[Froward69]

167. Live in Denver

And Picked up credentials about an hour ago. activated them then called Susan to get her info to activate hers.. :7 thus turned her on... :evilgrin:

I volunteer at the Colorado State Democratic party here, and landed some extras. :party:

[Doremus]

116. "I think talk radio has done more damage to political discussion than anything."

BRAVO and AMEN, but I will take it a step further and say that the deregulation of ALL media ownership combined with the end of the Fairness Doctrine pretty much assured that a certain portion of the population would stay perpetually UNinformed.

To say nothing of the effects of 24/7 hatred spewing on their already borderline psyches.

[awoke_in_2003]

122. Nice points, and correct. nt

[hay rick]

119. family values party

Suggestion. Duct tape her to a chair and make her watch a couple hours of the Republican National Convention. I promise you she will be scared straight. Oops! Make that just plain scared.

[awoke_in_2003]

123. Man, I wouldn't do that

to my worst enemy- cruel and unusual punishment :)

[CoffeeCat]

68. Rock on Hibachi dude!

Seriously though...you spoke your opinion--after being insulted.

Damn straight you should have said what you said. You said it very
eloquently. Spot on. Notice he clammed up after you demonstrated
that his delusions are only viable when the truth and common sense
are left out.

I only hope that I am as brave and articulate as you---the next time
I'm eating at a Japanese restaurant and some clown spews such nonsense.

We MUST speak up against this stuff. The truth obliterates the nonsense
that these dysfunctionals think is so cool--when they talk trash among
themselves after listening to right-wing-hate radio.

Kudos to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lynettebro440]

69. Damn I'm envious

I would love to get into it in public with some asshole. As much crap as they dished out in 2000 and 2004 they have a lot of shit from us to get even close to even.

Great job....you did it very well and you know he probably went home and beat his wife and kids because he was pissed off, but they all got up and went to church on Sunday. Gotta love these morons.

[Canuckistanian]

70. Harsh, but necessary

Good for you. :thumbsup:

[Willo]

71. Quote of the day:

"For you to believe that Obama is a muslim, despite all evidence to the contrary and NO evidence to support your claim, says more about you than it says about Obama. What OTHER things do you believe for which there is not only no supporting evidence, but loads of evidence to contrary? They have a word for people like you. Insane."


For delivery, content and accuracy...a perfect 10!

[liberaldem4ever]

73. K&R That was Awesome!!!

Thank you for standing up for the good guys! :yourock:

[Maestro]

76. Coincidently,

I had a similar conversation with someone with whom I work. I was in a private conversation discussing politics with some positive things to say about Obama and this lady butts in asking how I could vote for Obama. I really did not feel like getting into a conversation about this at work so I gave her the simple, "He's the best choice." She responded that he scared her. I said why. She responded because of his association with muslims. :eyes: I responded that she needed to turn off the propaganda repuke opinion tool machine Fux Snooze and actually do some research. She left in a huff.

[yardwork]

96. It sounds like the right-wingers are being told to proselytize.

Sounds like the emails and crap are urging "good republicans" to go out and confront people about the scary Muslim candidate. What utter and complete jerks. I hope one of them tries this on me.

[Top Cat]

77. Way to go!

[2008]

80. Remind your wife that he brought up politics, then insisted on pursuing the subject

...after you tried to avoid the bait, then goaded you by accusing you of being too spineless to defend your beliefs.

Responding any way other than you did would have meant he was right (that Obama's supporters are ashamed of their positions).

Besides, your words, having pissed him off, will force a decision in him: retreat further from reality (and make him an even more embarrassing example of a McCain supporter), or begin to examine why he chooses to believe something that's against all evidence.

[mikekohr]

83. HOO-RAH!

Bitch slapped and served as all boorish conservatives need be.
mike kohr

[immoderate]

84. You get the IMModerate Seal of Approval!

Played it right at every step.

--IMM

[Historic NY]

87. I hope he had heartburn all night after his encounter with you........

:toast:, thats my new sport, hunting for the "McSame Morans".

[bertman]

89. Great retort, scheming daemons!!

Here's one I just thought of. (I'm usually not as quick on my feet as you are, so I have to practice up and hope for a chance to use it)


After the butthole said that you must be an Obama supporter because McAnus supporters aren't afraid to say who they're voting for, you say:

Well, I was considering voting for McAnus, but now that I know YOU are voting for him I'll definitely be voting for Obama.


Okay, it's not as good as yours, but maybe somebody will get to use it.


P.S. You did the right thing by not backing down from the dick.

[The Wielding Truth]

90. "I guess this country will be having a muslim president ." said

a childhood friend of mine at a weekend party. I said ," Well, who would that be?"
"Obama." was the sured response.
"He is a Christian!." I proclaimed flatly.

But he was educated in the Koran in a muslin school"

"He went to a school that had Christan and Muslin students that does not make him a muslim . His father was Muslim that does not make him a Muslim." I flatly laid out again.

The next sentence from his mouth was, "Well, I didn't like what his preacher had to say!"

To which I responded. That black churches have their own style of worship and if you were the pastor of a black church, wouldn't you say GD any country that treated your parishioners as second citizens?

His eyes were big in the way you know they are startled into a world that has no floor. "It's hard to know what to believe". he said.

I agreed, then told him not to listen to any one. Just watch what they do and who profits from their actions.

I don't know but I think I may have cracked some light into that vast unused mind behind those happy and self absorbed eyes.

It seems we are still friends -- Time will tell.

Forgive my writing. My punctuation is probably a mess but I really had to relate to your experience.

[yardwork]

97. "It's hard to know what to believe." A lot of people are scared silly.

I mean that literally - they are scared silly.

I hope they snap out of it, or else they'll take the rest of us and the whole country down with them.

[bluerum]

91. I think you handled it quite well. The name calling may have been a bit

much but the truth hurts. I think McCone voters need to know what people think of them.

[concreteblue]

92. "Pod Person" HA HA!

(terrorist fist jab)

[OwnedByFerrets]

93. BRAVO!!!!!

[AlCzervik]

98. I bet he didn't leave a tip!

[globalvillage]

101. Sounds like a guy I encountered in Robinson Twp today

Is there a freeper convention in Pittsburgh?

I was stopped at a traffic light near the mall at Robinson today, and a guy pulled up next to me.
Jerk: "You're not voting for him, are you?" (I have an Obama bumpersticker)
Me: "Why yes, I am."
Jerk:"Why?"
Me: "Because Washington is broken, and I think he can fix it. Besides, McCain is worse than Bush."
Jerk: "You know he's a Marxist."
Me: "Where'd you hear that, Rush Limbaugh?"
Jerk: "Maybe when you start thinking you'll figure it out."
Me: "Asshole."

"Asshole" was the best I could do. It's a fairly long light, but he was pulling away and it was all I could think to say.

We're fighting some real idiots.

[L0oniX]

103. I consider all republicans to be my enemies. I will not do business with them...

if I can. "Go get your shit fixed somewhere else!"

[Politicalboi]

105. Good for you

I myself look for shit like this. I go at it all the time with my eldest brother. You know the college educated one who voted for Bush twice and would do it again. I think more of us really ought to bring the elephant in the room with the "Oh he's a Muslim" When I really think they mean "Oh he's Black". They feel safe using Muslim just like if the candidate were gay.

[Phredicles]

133. '"Oh he's a Muslim" When I really think they mean "Oh he's Black".'

BINGO!

I've heard so many things about Obama that are so completely at variance with the person we actually see. And I think a lot of the seeming non-sequitur stuff goes back to this Explanation That Dare Not Speak Its Name.

[peacetalksforall]

106. There is just one thing wrong with this thread. It's August and these

lies are turning to cold lead in the brains of people who want to hate non-northern European descendents. There is only a few months for the truth to detoxify their minds.

Great response. Tell your wife that we think it was adult and appropriate.

[The Wizard]

107. So I'm at a party in a Republican stronghold

when someone said they couldn't vote for someone named Obama. I asked if they could vote for Timothy McVeigh and with great enthusiasm she said yes. Talk about being disconnected from reality. These nuts operate SUVs at high speeds on our roads while talking on the phone, probably swigging Jack Daniels.
Ask them if they've seen the pictures of John McCane tongue kissing Lindsey (the dancing queen) Graham.
That usually gets them weak in the knees.
I'm not telling you who to vote for, but I couldn't vote for a guy who had his tongue in Lindsey Graham's mouth.
I really don't give a shit about lying to Republicans; they lie without compunction. It's the Yin and Yang. Besides that, I like to watch them twitch.

[Tigress DEM]

110. Before I read this.... Will it make me throw up?

Oh GOOD FOR YOU!

You survived another day being on the same planet, but a different world with .....

INSANE IN THE MEMBRANES voting for MCSAME and dam proud of it!


AND you kicked some political butt!


:toast: :bounce:


Whoooo YAHHHH!

[THale2]

111. Good for you

thanks for taking one for the team and speaking up

[Cha]

113. If you're determined to be an

asshole at the dinner table or anywhere else ..don't be surprised if someone serves it back to you on a silver platter.

[mamameow]

115. diminished capacity

when i get into situations like that i always ask first, "do you watch fox news"? if they do then i do not give them my time. trying to reason with people of diminished capacity is a huge waste of my time. 99% of people who watch fox news has wrong burrs up their asses!!!!!!

[OHDEM]

120. Mine was with my husbands best friend since 7...

He's rich, works in commercial insurance, big house, BMW, drives 90 mph while on phone (told hubby even passed someone on median recently), seems like a smart guy, but majorly drinking the kool aid! Wife too! 2 masters degrees & she still has no grasp on reality. Born upper class & still upper class got totally poed when HER husband brought up politics and I had to call him on his crap. Among the things he said:

Iran might attack us. I explained that their missiles could not reach us.

There is no amount of income that would be considered "enough". Wife acted like she couldn't believe I suggested it.

"Everyone" can go to college regardless of brains, age or income. We both told them that is ridiculous. They insisted that many grant & such are available. I mentioned the cuts to grants & college aid while tuition soars.

Universal Healthcare would raise our (middleclass) taxes like $40K! He clearly has no idea what we make! LOL

All the problems of the world would be solved if we cut upper tax levels, deregulate everything, get rid of unions & attack anyone who looks at us funny!

I hope they speak to us again. I didn't get personal, but told him the facts as I know them & called him on every inaccuracy. Hubby was behind me since we agree on 99% of it.

Good job standing up to yet another Repub bully! Unpleasant as it is, we all have to do our part!

Thanks for the fact check links! I'm a blue dot in a red town out here!

[madmax]

121. Wonderful!

I just went thru similar b.s. with a girlfriend and her co-worker on Sunday. I'm still pissed off.

Please ask the wife to forgive you. We need MORE people like you. Thanks :toast:

[RoyGBiv]

126. What's wrong with being a Muslim?

*That* is the response to this sort of nonsense.

[Skittles]

127. you did right

I, too, refuse to take garbage from ignorant assholes

[LaStrega]

128. A guy I work with is a McCain supporter ...

And he also believes Obama is a closet Muslim. I've forwarded him article after article to the contrary, but he still believes his delusion. Still, I won't give up.

Kudos to you. k&r

[Hekate]

129. "McCain voters like me aren't ashamed to say who we're voting for" would've set me off like a rocket

So you definitely have me on your side.

I don't like making a public scene and I would prefer not to discuss politics with strangers (unless they are admiring my Obama pin) -- but Christ on a Trailer Hitch, that guy was asking for a (verbal) clip across the jaw. HE was the aggressor. Thank you for taking him on.

I hope you and wifey make up quickly.

Hekate

[Kire]

132. I wonder if this happens a lot in those types of restaurants.

now I have a reason not to go to businesses like that, I hope the Japanese economy can handle it. :sarcasm:

do they train people on how to handle disruptions like that

[DUlover2909]

135. Haha- Good for you!

:toast:

[Enthusiast]

136. Typical Republican asshole!

They are so confident that they are right they make me ill.

[happygoluckytoyou]

139. SORRY TO DISAGREE----->

with the current MEDIA SLANT.... i think you were wrong to do as you did....

there is a steady stream of information that OBAMA has MUSLIM ties... that IRAQ had WMD... the BUSH has NOT lied...

IF YOU WANT TO EDUCATE..... NEXT TIME AROUND.....

suggest that they should do as you do and listed to BOTH SIDES ON THE RADIO (have the local Air America station number)
suggest that they visit..... democratic underground... truthout... buzzflash... other SITES for a change
suggest that they view FOX news against some of the "more" centrist stations

I have done this with dozens of RETHUGS... some have listened, some not.
One such person, who I see at the market once a week, has become an avid "NEWSIE", now reading and thinking about everything

IT IS A SLOW PROCESS... IT IS REEDUCATION against the state run media controlled by the $$$CLASS WARFARE WEALTHY$$$

i do appreciate your views... but know that changing a mind which is set is a slow process

[Kahuna]

141. Bravo!!!!

:applause:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

142. You defended yourself

You told him you didn't want to talk politics. That he kept at it meant he deserved what he got.

[vaberella]

144. Why is voting choice so sacred that people don't want to talk about it?

I come from a family that the only thing that is sacred is family business, which is passed on within the family. But a vote choice is not that important.

As for the McCain supporter, there are a lot of idiots out there passing as intelligent human beings. I'd have said something similar in a condescending tone, since...I just always respond to people who annoy me condescendingly.

[DrZeeLit]

146. Bravo! This time we are NOT sitting quietly like good "allowing the other guy" liberals. Nope!

Shoot back.
Shoot straight.
Take no prisoners.

I'm tired of this label that we are the "nice guys" and continue to get the short end.
We always start out with the "everyone should have free speech" and then we have to listen to lies and slander and not hit back.
Welllllll.....

NOT.
THIS.
TIME.

Thank you for talking straight to the heart!

[Indenturedebtor]

147. Good for you - these people need to be confronted

Idiots!

[redqueen]

153. Well done. Time to stop letting those jerks get away with bullying people.

It's been 20 years of this nonsense. Enough already.

[lunatica]

155. For conservatives opinion trumps facts and reality n/t

[NoSheep]

156. Excellent job! Thank you for speaking the truth. It's our only hope.

[YOY]

157. Take no shit.

Good man. We need to stop playing the "nice guy" and start playing the "good guy."

[Ganja Ninja]

158. Right On! "Insane" is exactly what they are.

From McInsane Right on down and it's about time they heard it.

[jamesatemple]

159. You've earned another "attaboy"!

What a fine post you've made. I think it should be considered as a "primer" for responding to those good, but inconsiderate, folks that aggressively interject their opinions on others. Over the years, I've had to learn to be patient in the face of ignorance; that the same folks who offer ignorant opinions may be the next ones to stop on the side of the road and help you change a flat tire; that gettin' your hands around a fellow's "swallerpipe" won't change his opinion of anything but you.

Those lessons came to this old Texan at a high price and a bit of pain, too. I consider it "wisdom" and my definition of wisdom is that ability to recognize a mistake the fourth of fifth time you make it. But, most likely, age has had the greatest effect upon tempering my actions...but not my mouth, unfortunately. Unlike you, my first response would be to bring up the subject of the other fellow's family tree in my own ignorant opinion of them.

That's why I think that your response should be studied and routinely practiced among ourselves by those folks interested in rebutting outrageous political statements by others. It seems to me that, by doing so, we can respond in a much more effective manner and avoid both the escalation to violence and,sometimes, the chiding by a caring mate.

[virgdem]

160. Bravo

Great answer to obvious moron (or moran if you like).

[DirtyDawg]

161. I'm not sure if I would have...

...'taken the bait' from this prick in that setting. First of all my wife would have grabbed the kids and made a run for it at the first inkling that trouble was about to start - particularly within a couple of feet of some big, sharp knives. Next, and this probably comes from the fact that down this way, the people at the adjoining tables wouldn't have taken my side and likely would have held me while the other guy hit me - or stuck me.

This, on top of the fact that so many of my 'friends' and associates are about as right-wing as you can get - and probably racist - so I find myself going to the bottom line right up front...in other words I don't spend a lot of time 'defending' Obama...that bottom line being that 'abso-fucking-lutely no way I'm going to reward Republicans with another four years after the unmitigated disaster of the past eight, and anybody that doesn't see it that way, I have to wonder about.'

You know, I have for years used the old Galbraith quote that 'Conservatism is simply the search for a better excuse for selfishness'...lately, and again particularly down this way, I'm thinking that the criticism of Obama being 'Muslim', or too inexperienced, or too Liberal, or too much of an unknown, or too much of a celebrity, or too elite, or - well you get the picture - all this is simply the 'search for another way of saying 'n****r'. Believe, racism down here has never been very far below the surface. The other 'cop-out' they use is that 'they're worried about paying more taxes' (I usually congratulate them on making a quarter of a million a year, but lay off my usual smart-ass comment that well I hope you're happy in the knowledge that you've determined that the price of the country's soul is about four point increase in your tax rate.'...That would get the fight started for sure.)

I'm terribly afraid that if it should turn out that we don't elect an imminently qualified man, just because he happens to have a few genes that are different from ours, or 'theirs', then we are doomed. I can't see us ever surviving in the 21st Century - between those that live here that will have been betrayed one final time and are 'mad as hell and won't take it anymore'...along with the rest of the world that finally decides it's not worth waiting for us to come to our senses and gangs up to bring our role in history to a close...that'll pretty much bring an end to us. Of course, US corporations will have long since abandoned us and set up shop somewhere else.

[Katenick]

164. Your work is cut out for you in Pittsburgh, Scheming Daemons...

Just read in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette this morning that Pittsburgh is losing its last 2 liberal radio programs, Lynn Cullen and Thom Hartmann as of the end of the month, even though they were very popular here... Perfect timing just before the elections... yep, keep the public ignorant, just a "business decision" it always is... pay no attention to those bush FCC appointees behind the curtains... grrr!

[OHDEM]

169. Cleveland's only liberal station...

left a couple years ago. It was out of Akron & changed to...wait for it...

FOX SPORTS OHIO

I miss it a lot especially Stephanie Millers, Randi & Rachel! Right now, I can't afford an internet connection fast enough to listen to it online. :-(

However, there are a number of area station spewing right-wing rhetoric! :puke:
Really, is it any wonder so many just regurgitate this stuff when it's so easy to fill your brain with it? MUCH tougher to seek the truth!

[MaryEllen9399]

168. I know how you feel

I have a relative who is for McSame (she is wealthy)and she told my mom to talk me out of voting for Obama..mind you I'm 37 years old. :eyes:

btw I posted here as MaryEllen71 but I forgot my log in information.

[Ilsa]

170. scheming daemons, tell your wife that the asshole sitting next to you was asking for it.

What an arrogant, pushy, typical GOP mental case! Glad you got some support from another diner.

I hope your wife understands why you couldn't lay down for that harrassment.

[scheming daemons]

172. She knows.... but she didn't like me contributing to a "scene".... not gentlemanly, and all that...