I came very close to beating down a Young Republican Yesterday

[ThomWV]

I'm not even going to bother to go into the details but I came about as close as possible to doing some serious violence to a 20-something twerp clerk in a convenience store yesterday. It was a political comment that triggered the event, the boy degraded Democrats. I won't stand for it. My son, who at 30 is bigger than I, grabbed me and ushered me out of the store before I could get hold of the boy.

That's what its coming to. Someone's gonna get hurt.

An old friend of mine used to take great pleasure in beating the dog-shit and all out of rednecks who commented on his very long hair back in the early 60's. This was long before long hair was seen much anywhere. I'm starting to understand why he did it more and more these days.

[Arkana]

1. Don't stoop to their level.

If we start throwing punches just because we don't like what they say, we're no better than they are.

Now if the punk had attacked you first...well, then I'd tell you to rearrange his face.

[shadowknows69]

4. Preemptive self defense?

You know that young rethug wanted to hit you.:evilgrin:

[wakeme2008]

8. Preemptive self defense

I like it

:toast:

[Monkeyman]

21. Its been done I enjoyed it

[calimary]

18. Oh yes. He WAS a threat! You'd HAVE to strike first.

:evilgrin:

Well, if it's okay when their president does it...

[bumblebee1]

40. Knock his nose out the back of his head.

Make him part his hair in order to breathe.

[formernaderite]

69. Agreed..violent reactions are their thing

can't actually empathize in anyway....been a pacifist since the get go.

[mtnester]

2. Call him a terrorist and proceed...

Just saying


bleeding dripping :sarcasm:

[specimenfred1984]

3. It's legal to torture him

I checked with my legal council, ran it by some repigs in Congress and read a few chimpenfuhrer speeches and IT'S TOTALLY LEGAL to waterboard, ass rape, dog attack, endlessly beat, freeze, strip naked, drag by the neck and homoerotically pile the mutha fcker on top of other people.

Hey, he's got information -- yeh that's the story.

[elehhhhna]

33. you forgot hookers wiping menstrual blood on him.

just saying.

[RebelOne]

5. If you had hit him, you would probably be facing

an assault and battery charge, so it is not worth it.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

6. I think that is what this administration is trying to lead us into

Enough dissent that we will go to a look and load mode and they can then implement martial law. One poster here the other day, although I have not had time to verify it, says that the new torture bill suspends habeas corpus. Another poster has already experienced some republican talking points as the following picture shows.



http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2838024

[catmandu57]

7. It's what's coming

I'm afraid that our uniter has us so united that we'll be going for each other's throats before long. I'm just a crippled up gimp, but i swear I'm going to break my stick over the next motherfuckers head that even looks at me the wrong way.

[shadowknows69]

10. Glad I'm on your team Cat

:hippie:

[catmandu57]

20. You do not want to feel the wrath of my stick

It's made of very hard wood. :)

[Ron Green]

9. The painful conundrum of liberalism is that violence is not really

an option, but for right-wingers it's absolutely appropriate. Someone whose problem-solving method is disrespectful of other humans is simple and to the point, easy to sell to fearful masses.

Liberalism in government policy, in market economics and in spiritual life are hard to teach, 'cause they require thought and delayed gratification.

It's hard to resist the satisfying smack of knuckles on a right-winger's smug face, but that's just not the good fight we need to fight.

[shadowknows69]

12. It may come to a point

where it doesn't come down to liberal/conservative so much as masters/slaves.

[lumberjack_jeff]

58. That is a very recent paradigm. Read up on the wobblies.

My grandfather was a Molly McGuire.

Malcom X had it right.

[Ron Green]

78. Populism and Progressivism, backed up by force,

are different from the Liberalism to which I was referring. I'm aware of the Wobblies and the labor movement in general, and I agree that a robust enforcement of principles was required throughout that period of history. In the modern world, however, talking heads have become shouting heads in the media stream, and liberal ideas just don't lend themselves to shouting, as right-wing talking points do. And as long as this kind of entertainment passes for public discourse, the black/white thinkers and fearmongers will prevail.

[Marr]

98. I've often wondered how relevant MLK would've been without a

Malcolm X to make him seem like the appealing option.

[Marr]

97. There's nothing about left-wing politics that forbids violence.

At least- not the left-wing sorts that I grew up around. We were all just labor activists. I don't think any of us had a problem with violence- not that we were anxious to use it. Just not averse to it.

[deaniac21]

11. You sound very manly! Are you single?

[ThomWV]

14. Happily Married, 32 Years

[elehhhhna]

34. LOL. Now we know you're a true Dem...

a reep would have a 30 y/o son, a 29.5 year old marriage, and several divorces behind him.

[alpizzy]

13. Violence never solves anything...

I'm glad you didn't go down that road.
Give the lad something to think about...
remind him he is working in a convenience store.
Ask him about his healthcare and 401K and why
he continues to vote against his best interests.

[Name removed]

43. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[spoony]

100. I know peace is out of style lately but

to deride that option as being for "pussies?" Nice.

[Truthiness Inspector]

15. You won't stand for it?

Sorry, but that is scary. I don't care how big a moron that kid might have been, he has the right to free speech without being physically attacked. :wow:

I guess if some rightwing punk doesn't like what YOU have to say, it's ok for him to beat you up? I don't think so.

[SammyWinstonJack]

29. Walk away, muttering to yourself, if you have too.

The little punk is worth being slapped with assault charges and btw, why isn't the little punk in Iraq? This directed at the OP of course.

[Brian Stevens]

44. Only the goverment can't suppress free speech. NT

[ProdigalJunkMail]

48. and if you choose to do so with violence

YOU will end up in jail...and probably with a lot worse on your hands than you are prepared to deal with...

Getting yourself locked up over someone's word is not a terribly bright thing to do...it was just some kid who spouted off...going to jail over it would benefit no one.

sP

[Brian Stevens]

50. If it is worth the cause. Then yeah

Many in DU, I myself included and probably you, have real strong convictions that needed to be upheld. But now at tnis day in age, and the way our country is now being run. It is becoming impossible to have our point of view across. We are being ignored. We aren't making the same impact like we use a good long time ago. Protests are now, if we are lucky, make it to a small column on page 4 in newspapers and small mentions in both local and national media. And when we do civil disobedience, they just throw us in jail for a night,our way without giving us a hearing on the arrest simply because of what they say is "we don't wanna hear it." What other options are left? hmmmmm?

[Bluerthanblue]

63. MLKjr. would have been just another failed leader

had he given in to the urge and frustration you are advocating doing.
Yes, it cost him his very life-

But he made a DIFFERENCE- and continues to make a difference.- Just as Gandhi does-
A difference that will never end, or be silenced.

Hitler, on the other hand used violence and murder to advance his cause. And while there are those demented fools who continue to pick up his agenda- they will lose- they will ALL lose. I say that with absolute surety, because when you have to kill and silence those who threaten you, eventually there will be only one single person left.

And they will die alone, and the 'ruler' of nothing. The loser that they are.

[Brian Stevens]

66. But here's the thing

What happened afterwards. Riots, HUGE ones, especially Watts. Because of those, it ACCELERATED more civil rights legistlation than before MLKjr. assasination. What about South Central? LAPD changed because of that riot. So what I said is violence can be an answer, but NOT the only answer.

[unpossibles]

16. they aren't worth it

I know some freepers who totally enjoy baiting people to try to get them to fight them.

Fighting should be reserved for self defense or defending others. Do not attack people - it's not worth it on so many levels.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

17. Hitting someone is an admission that rational argument has failed you.

If you can't dispatch someone verbally without need to resort to violence, they deserve to win.

[rinsd]

19. You wanted to kick someone's ass because they insulted your party?

WTF is wrong with you?

[Name removed]

46. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Bluerthanblue]

60. if you are referring to cats, may I remind you

that the cats keep the dogs runnin and wasting energy like the loving lunkheaded fools they are-
Cats don't really fear dogs, they love to taunt them and watch the control they have over those who are bigger than them- (I share life with both dog and cats)

If you are talking about women- then I pity you-
You aren't only crude, and rude, you are not very wise, in terms of true wisdom.
the comment you made is something I'd expect * to spout-

If you need to resort to violence to make your point, you have lost everything, including your integrity.

No need to beg-
or be rude.

[Brian Stevens]

62. I have more respect to women than that. LOL

Violence work when you have nothing else left. The turn the other cheek days are all but over. And no, you won't lose everything. If it is so worth it, which in this case it was if I was in his shoes, then go for it. Be a man. I was brought up with strength to REALLY fight and die for what I believe in. To each their own I guess. I wasn't being rude, just a plea to have strength and courage.

[Bluerthanblue]

65. Ok Brian, woman to man-

can I ask you, in complete sincerity, and all honesty-

This world has used violence to 'settle' things, or to 'win' battles since time immemorial.

Why, if violence has any real value- if violence is TRULY ever a 'good' solution- why do we not only continue to have war upon war?? Why is the focus of so many people's lives and careers wasted in creating new and better ways to kill people?

What a sad waste of life, time, and this earth's resources.


We are less intelligent than cavemen, because we SHOULD 'know better' by now.

[blonndee]

67. Yeah, I can tell how much respect for women you have by

reading your OP. :eyes:

[Brian Stevens]

71. Did I make any sexist remarks?

I don't think I did.

[blonndee]

75. Using "pussy"

in a derogatory way is sexist. Duh.

[Brian Stevens]

76. OK, so I should said quit being a wimp.

Now loosen up

[blonndee]

77. Yes, you should have and don't tell me what to do.

Okay?

[Brian Stevens]

80. relax, it is not worth having a hissy over. NT

[blonndee]

83. Again, don't tell me what to do.

I don't take orders from anyone, especially chauvenist pigs.

[Brian Stevens]

86. I am not given you orders

just advice.

[blonndee]

88. And I don't need your fucking advice, and I didn't ask for it.

Why don't you just apologize for your sexist remarks and cease and desist with your bullshit? Is it your sexism that makes you think that I require or would be interested in your advice?

[Brian Stevens]

90. Thought I did

OK I apologize. Happy?

[blonndee]

93. No, you didn't apologize,

instead you attributed the fault to me for not "loosening up." Typical. But thanks for your belated "apology."

[Brian Stevens]

94. I meant it with all due respect

It is just me, but sometime I wonder why people can be so uptight over certain things. Now can we have a truce?

[blonndee]

101. Maybe you don't get it because you're not a woman

and don't have to hear that kind of shit all the time. But yes, let's get along and not let this get any bigger than it needs to be. Peace.

[Brian Stevens]

102. deal NT

[Brian Stevens]

72. Double post delete NT

[liberal N proud]

22. If the republicans are so fantastic, why is this 20 year old twerp working

in a convenience store?

He should have one of those high paying jobs that the republicans keep claim have been created in the last 5 years. Oh wait, that is one of those jobs isn't it?

[Hokie]

23. Talk to his employer and file a complaint

As a customer, you do not have to put up with his crap.

[elehhhhna]

35. DING DING DING we have the correct answer.

[Dan]

47. Right on,

Management or the Owners will not like to lose customers due to his private(public) political opinions.

[lonestarnot]

55. What? Repiglican tactic! OP didn't say he WORKED at the store

anyway. This tattletailing crap doesn't cut it with me, even for a repiglican.

[Brian Stevens]

57. Depends on if he is talking directly to Thom or not.

If he is talking in general, then the company will brush the situation off. If he was talking directly to him, thats a different matter. Hell, he probably didn't know Thom was a democrat. But that is no excuse for him not to have a baseball bat on his skull. Until definition applys, political bigotry doesn't exist. (court recognition that is)

[Mr_Spock]

24. I'm certainly ready to react if they start it first

I don't think it's worth it to start anything physical though. Nothing to gain and a lot to lose.

[chat_noir]

25. his hero

……….


WWW.AWOLBUSH.COM






DESERTER: THE STORY OF GEORGE W. BUSH AFTER HE QUIT THE TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD http://www.glcq.com/bush_at_arpc1.htm











$10,000 reward was never collected

[Zavulon]

26. This makes sense, we need some DUers in jail.

Being a party of tolerance means tolerating idiots, too - at least to the point where you don't assault them for opening their mouths.

Now ask yourself how you'd react if you read that same post from a Freeper talking about some punk cashier Democrat insulting a Repug. I don't know what that kid said, but we degrade Repugs on this site all the time. Do we deserve to have our asses kicked for speaking our minds?

If he throws the first punch or steps over the line with your lady, that's one thing, but for fuck's sake stay out of jail over party disagreements. It isn't worth it, and you should know better.

BTW, are you absolutely sure the kid's father wasn't in the back room with a gun? Being a reactionary hothead who resorts to voilence is something I'd expect from a Freeper, not from anyone here, and it can get you killed.

[elehhhhna]

36. Freedom means one is free to be an asshat. You are free to

tell his employer, who is free to fire him.

[charlie and algernon]

87. if he was fired for making a political comment

I would fully defend the million dollar lawsuit the ACLU would file against the employer.
You sure as hell don't fire someone for a political comment. What the hell is wrong with us here?

[elehhhhna]

105. You fire rude employees. PERIOD. I don't give a hoot WHAT it was about,

rude and out of line is FIRED.

[YOY]

27. Anybody who works a retail job and support Republicans is a joke

in and of himself.


How's that 'pulling yourself up froom the bootstraps' working for you Mr. Minimum Wage?

[H2O Man]

28. Bluffing might be safer.

If you have a 30 year old son, and have been married for 32 years, you are likely 50 or older. A 20 year old is not a good choice for you to fight. It might be worth thinking about your friend who beat others up for the long hair comments. I suspect he was the young guy, and they were the older guys. Chances are they thought, "That fucking kid bugs me. I'll kick his ass." It doesn't happen in real life ..... with few exceptions. Unless you are George Foreman or Archie Moore, you might want to polish up the debating tactics .... use statistics, rather than become one.

I am saying this as your friend. I've had the opportunity to experience being both young and old. Fighting is a young man's game.

[galileo3000]

30. Don't despair or give up hope.

We must show courage. But that also means we do not react out of fear. Do not lose faith in your reasoning to carry the day.

Pease, Love, and Respect to all. - Galileo

[mmonk]

31. Violence is probably on the way.

Through all the hate speech on the air and the lying, not to mention new arcane police powers, I don't see things remaining peaceful.

[datasuspect]

41. when the refucks heist the next election

and the presidency in 08.

yes.

[William Bloode]

32. Hahaha! I hear ya.

I'm a bit of a thug myself so can can feel ya. I am also one of the few around here who believes a bit of violence can be a good thing.

One thing i learned long ago. If you are in a fight and you adhere to some form of rules, or honor, and you opponent does not. You are automatically handicapped, and bound for defeat. Hence since our wing-nut opposition does not mind, i don't either.

[insanerepubs]

37. I am

having a difficult time understanding how someone can be driven to violence over a comment about their political affiliation. I understand being upset but driven to attack someone? I don't get it.Perhaps you could explain it to me without beating me up....

[Sammy Pepys]

38. Why not just answer him back, instead...

...of wanting to beat the hell out of him? You're not going to get any point across by taking a swing and you'll end up looking unhinged to boot.

If the shoe was on the other foot, would that be alright with you? If you said something about Republicans and a Republican knocked you in the face for it?

This is the last we thing we need right now.

[Bridget Burke]

39. Print this out & keep a copy on you at all times.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/pdf/enlistment.pdf

Add directions to the nearest recruiting office. A 20 year old who hates Traitor Democrats ought to find a better target for his anger.

[Brian Stevens]

42. I like your style :)

But you need to follow through. Don't be afraid to go to jail over something you believe in. Remember the words of the great Leon Czolgosz, "he was the enemy of the good people—the good working people."

[charlie and algernon]

89. um, punching an innocent kid doesn't make you a hero

it makes you the villian, makes you seem insane. that kid has every right to say what he said. If we don't have the freedom to say what we want without being hit, then i'm getting the fuck out of this country.

[Earth_First]

45. Violence begets violence, dear friend...

I've felt very similar in countless situations in the past, and likely in the future to come...

However, self-control and non-violence will win the hearts and minds of many!

Kudos to you for allowing a cooler head to prevail!

[Brian Stevens]

51. It will be that you might not take any more. NT

[Red Right and BLUE]

49. Wow, that's what we need.

:sarcasm:

[Brian Stevens]

52. ThomWV, Was the boy talking to you?

Or did you just overhear him?

[Hubert Flottz]

53. Hit that GOPer in his young ass pocket, to get his attention...

Complain to his boss about what a rude POS he is to the customers! Explain why you won't be shopping there as long as the asshole has a job! The Customer is ALWAYS the Customer, right or wrong, but he/she, has other places to spend his/her, union made dollars.

I do not buy ANYTHING, from anyone, who I even think is a republican, if there is any other choice in the matter and usually there are other choices.

[Brian Stevens]

54. Sad to say, telling them why won't work.

Racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. then yeah, it will work. But when it comes to the bigotry of political beliefs and convictions, that doesn't apply.

[Bluerthanblue]

56. you raised a good son- and remember, if this foolish

republican punk, (actually he deserves our pity) had reduced you to using violence to shut him up, or show him up, he would have converted you to the same stupid, arrogant, and childish behaviour that rules this country now-

And we need you too much, and care about you too much to let that happen.

Violence hurts the attacker more than the victim. Because you feel not only pain, but remorse.

I understand the temptation- but don't give them the reigns to your life-

Kudos to you and your son.

As my wise 23yr old would say.... "B R E A T H E.." "B R E A T H E...."-

while steering me away from the situation.

[Brian Stevens]

59. Violence can be an answer, but not the only answer. NT

[Bluerthanblue]

61. violence is never a 'good' answer-

when seeking to enlighten, or communicate with others.
Using violence to prove to someone thier way of thinking is wrong, is not only counterproductive, it is self-destructive.

What you end up with (even if you believe you have 'won') is someone who you have intimidated through fear, pain or power. And that kind of victory will leave you having to watch your back for eternity.

[Brian Stevens]

64. You might be confused on this situation of the topic (but could be wrong)

I don't think Thom's problem was who was the better party, but the boy's insults on democrats is like calling a black person the "N" word.

[Bluerthanblue]

68. and

beating the shit out of the sad fool would have changed what exactly?

It would have given the boy reason to say that Dems are intolerant, violent, reactionary bullies.

Thom can't change that kid- but if that kid, by saying crap like he must have, would have changed Thom- and that would be a real loss.

(a personal aside, I am the mom of an African American son, and live in a rural predominantly white area- we have heard the N word, and I can say the DESIRE to respond with a mother bears ferocity is something that I fight even now that my little guy is 13, but to do so, would not only dishonor my son, it would give the ignorant, hate fueled speaker the victory they desire, AND would plant the notion that what was said was something that could not be countered with words of truth, and acts of superior self control, and maturity).

This may sound 'holier than thou'- but isn't that what we strive for when we refuse to adopt beliefs and life paths that we believe are wrong??? The republicans believe they can bully everyone into submission. But look at those of us here at DU and around this nation. We aren't dead- We aren't quitting- but we aren't being tricked into the traps they continue to lay for us.

PEACE-
blu

[Brian Stevens]

70. The problem is

we are running out of ideas and patience. Sad to say this but I think that is the truth IMHO.

Peace back, Blue

[Brian Stevens]

99. Also need to know we live in in a push and push back world.

You put great points, but sometimes, enough is enough. You know what I am saying?

[ThomWV]

73. That Was Precisely The Situation ... Thank You

It was his comment about the worthlessness of Democrats too, of course, but more than that it was the fucking sneer. I swear to god, when I saw that dismissive contemptible sneer I lost sensibility.

That was then, this is now.

Monday I'm going back to the store about the same time to see the kid's name tag. If it takes a couple of visits that'll be OK. Once I've got his name I'll call the headquarters of the local family-owned company that has that chain of twenty or so convenience stores and raise so much hell the kid's job will be toast within the day.

[Bluerthanblue]

great response- and

I'm glad you have the chance to do something that will really make the kid understand that words and actions have power.

I completely understand the gut level reaction you were feeling at the moment, and the feeling that frick it, enough is ENOUGH- but I'm SO glad you didn't act on impluse.

You are the better man.

You are chosing to ACT- not be controlled by the ignorant actions of another- or "re" act.

again.
KUDOS

blu

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

96. Zero Respect For That. You're Going To Actually Put Effort Into Making

some young kid get fired for some stupid comment you were too insecure to handle? For real? You're going to equate the importance of employment and the hardship of that loss with some quick comment and sneer you didn't like? Sorry, but I think that's one of the most selfish minded things I've ever heard and I hope to hell you back off from such intentions. Actions like that make us absolutely no better than freepers in my opinion. Let it go. Seriously, let it go.

[charlie and algernon]

92. absolute bullshit

[StraightDope]

74. Brother...

I'm in Morgantown, and I come close to beating the dogshit out of young Republicans all the damn time. How people under the age of 30 can even REMOTELY support Preznit Boosh is beyond me.

[ThomWV]

79. This Was In Morgantown

On Beechurst Avenue actually.

[Brian Stevens]

81. Where at?

I live in the University City. Sunnyside section specifially.

[StraightDope]

84. Grant Ave?

When I went to school here in Morgantown, years ago, Grant used to have a block party that was unequaled in it's debauched excellence.

[Brian Stevens]

85. Oh those were the days

I was on 8th Street for a while, now on Beverley (or however you spell it lol :)

[StraightDope]

82. I was in front of the Mountainlair the other day...

And the goddamned young Republicans had a booth up. Me, being of the curious bent, decided to hang around their tent and see what kind of shit they used to sell idiots on in order to get them to, "jine up". And would you believe that I heard, I shit you not, the following, "Arabs are terroists. They can't help it. It's just what they are." :mad: I wanted to smack that douche right upside his pimply face, but fortunately for him, I have a well-developed sense of decorum.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

91. Get A Grip. We're All Frustrated, But Getting That Angry At A Stranger Is

not healthy or sane. I understand how frustrated we all are at the state of political environment right now but come on, getting that angry at some 20 yr old twerp?

Not everyone you meet is going to be pro-Democrat and you are bound to run into some that have completely opposite political viewpoints. They are entitled to believe in what they choose to believe, and our only responsibility is to attempt to spread truth and help them see the light as much as possible: Not beat them up. Some can be reasoned with, and if arguments are waged appropriately might take pause to think, yet some others there may be just no getting through to right now. But that's ok, that's their right. Just walk away and take the truth to someone else. Getting that angry at some punk kid to the degree that your son actually has to hold you back is just a sign that you need to take a break and a breather. It just isn't rational.

[charlie and algernon]

95. yay! we're turning into the freepers

using violence to solve our problems! I can't wait for the threads where we start praying that the Almighty God takes out Bush! :sarcasm:

[draloo]

103. Violence never changed anyone's mind

Just a symptom of the disintergration of American society. More and more, Americans hate each other for their political beliefs even though most folks don't even know what those beliefs are.

[MUSTANG_2004]

104. So what did he say? nt

[elehhhhna]

106. now that's a good question.