So my 'friend' shows up in this NRA T-shirt

[trof]

Back story:
Four of us 70 somethings meet 6 days a week at the end of my driveway at 7:30 a.m. and walk about 2.5 miles. Me, Miz t., another lady (Dem), and my guy 'friend'.
He's a right-winger. I think he watches Fox and Beck, listens to Rush.
And believes them.

It's a peaceful, bucolic neighborhood, waterfront, little or no vehicular traffic.
Gotta keep movin' when you're a geezer.


I've written about my 'friend' here before and how disappointed I've become in him.
He was my best man at our wedding.
We were squadron mates way back when we were fighter pilots and both went on to fly for TWA.
But once he moved into our neighborhood (at my encouragement) I've come to learn what a stupid fucker he is.

So he shows up for the walk with the above T-shirt on.
He does not own a gun.
I know that for a fact.
But he is an NRA member.
I know, because a couple of weeks ago on our walk I commented about the school shootings in Connecticut and the (to me) unreasonable position the NRA had taken.
He told me he was a member.
"Oh, didn't know you had any guns."
"Well, I don't, but my wife does."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she has a 38 pistol."
"Hunh. So how come you belong to the NRA?"
"They're protecting our second amendment rights."
"And that's important to you?"
"Yeah."
End of conversation.

Soon after we began our trek, Miz t. and the other lady dropped about a half block behind us.
Miz t. related the jist of their conversation to me later.
Other lady: "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT ABOUT?! That's just offensive."
Miz t.: That's just Ralph. He's not very bright."
"I'm sorry...NO I'M NOT!...But that's just WRONG!"
"Yeah, but what are you gonna do? He's brainwashed or something. We don't talk politics with him. You know that."
"Yeah, I knew that, but that damn T-shirt is a finger in your eye."
"Yeah, it is what it is. You ain't gonna change him."
"I know, but JESUS! That's TOO much."


And life goes on here in Mayberry.

[Skittles]

1. you want I should kick his NRA-pimping ass, trof?

LEMME AT HIM!!!

[trof]

4. God, I would LOVE that.

Hi, Skitts.

[BlueJazz]

2. "I didn't know you belonged to the Non Resident Alien Association"

"Stand and fight" ..That's a worthy cause...good for you!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. I am completely at a loss to help you here, my dear trof...

He's a lost cause.

If you enjoy his other qualities, continue to walk with him. If you don't......well. I dunno. You need to walk.

I'm sorry you have to endure this.

[trof]

7. Thanks Peg. It's beyond help or repair.

You've probably read my previous posts about this guy and what a disappointment he has become.

We still see each other socially.
And I guess the only reason is because of our past history and relationship.
We do have history.
We've been in some life-or-death hairy situations together.

We gather at one or another's home for drinks and dinner for 3 or 4 couples.
And he usually winds up getting drunk and telling very old and somewhat off color jokes.
Time after time.
Same jokes.

I'm no prude, by a long shot.
But there's a time and place for shit like that, and it sure ain't around the dinner table.
I'll continue to see him, but it's becoming more of a chore.

[NightWatcher]

5. Instead of "all hat and no cattle", he's all shirt and no pistol

People assume things when you advertise. I love the people around here with an NRA and Glock sticker on their SUV who act surprised when its broken into. You're telling people that odds are good that loose guns are here to be had.

Hope your friend doesn't invite trouble by advertising for the gun lobby.

[mn9driver]

6. I play volleyball with a bunch of near geezers on Tuesdays

I still have a few years before I can say goodbye to my airline, so I'm not there all the time. We have some very outspoken liberals there as well as a few Obama hating, climate change denying, 2nd amendment types. Sometimes the bull sessions get heated. We all remain friends because we can look each other straight in the eye after one of those arguments and say, "I think your head is completely filled with shit. No, it really is."

And then get them a cold beer.

[trof]

8. This guy just doesn't have that intellect.

And that's what puzzles me.
He has a 4 year degree in electrical engineering.
That's a tough course.

He was a captain with a major airline for 30+ years.
He is an FAA certified instructor in B-747s, a check pilot, AND a certified test pilot.

He isn't stupid when it comes to airplanes.
But, DAMMIT, he is when it comes to politics.
It's like he has a blind spot.

I dunno.
I give up.
We just don't talk politics.
But I sit across the table from him and think "HOW COULD YOU BE SO FUCKING STUPID?"

[mn9driver]

10. Something about pilots, maybe.

An awful lot of the guys I work with are the same way. They know their stuff and are good sticks, but there is NO point in trying to engage them or respond to them when it comes to their nutty politics. Trying just pisses them off.

Luckily, none of them are my good friends and I don't play volleyball or socialize much with them. And I always make it clear that there are no politics on my flight deck, period. It's nice being the left seat.

[trof]

11. Yes, it's good to be king.

[marions ghost]

12. Sometimes

people get a little stranger when they get older. Buy into stupid ideas.

Fear.

[Initech]

9. You should counter with this: