General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPoll: Should I speak up?
I'm 75.
Every morning I walk with 6 other guys in my neighborhood.
We're in our late 60s to mid 70s.
We do a bit over 2 miles.
We talk about a lot of stuff, but mainly Alabama football.
And just stuff going on in the neighborhood.
There are usually seven of us.
One other guy is a liberal.
The other 5 I'm pretty sure voted for Trump.
This is the reddest county in Alabama.
We NEVER talk politics.
I guess it's the unwritten rule, and not a bad one.
We two know where the five stand and they know our views, pretty much.
Fair enough.
But I am absolutely DYING to just say "So...what did you guys think about the press conference yesterday?"
I'd make NO comment about it.
Just want to hear their take on it.
Am I getting in trouble?
5 votes, 2 passes | Time left: Unlimited | |
Yeah, go for it | |
2 (40%) |
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Why alienate your so-called "friends"? | |
3 (60%) |
|
2 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided. | |
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Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll |
Warpy
(110,913 posts)If so, go for it. If you'd rather keep walking, keep avoiding sex, religion and politics. Well, religion and politics.
trof
(54,255 posts)These aren't stupid guys.
Just...'misguided'?
It's just more enjoyable to be with some guys you can chat with.
I can walk alone.
Warpy
(110,913 posts)Right now, you're in the minority in a very red area. They're still getting positive feedback about Orange Cal from talk radio, Pox news, friends, family, and church. It might be too soon to expect a change.
I'd let them bring it up, honestly.
Mr. Ected
(9,670 posts)Sometimes it's nice to carry on relationships that don't involve a lot of controversy or confrontation.
LisaM
(27,762 posts)If this chaos keeps up, I think they'll bring it up after a while. Then you can be nice and receptive to them.
I bet if things keep snowballing they will bring it up eventually.
Jim Beard
(2,535 posts)have good companionship. On the other hand, have one huge blow out and enjoy the other Liberal friend and walk 10 miles.
meadowlark5
(2,795 posts)Some people are worth poking. But if these are men you enjoy hanging around with and having conversations with otherwise, I would leave it.
There are people in my life I have had to take that approach with.
anarch
(6,535 posts)I bet they solve this problem for you by bringing it up themselves.
(of course, if they're super into the fascist buffoon, that might be hard to listen to, but you'd have your answer as to what they thought....)
dem4decades
(11,244 posts)One guy said he was going to vote for trump a different guy says, then you're voting for the biggest idiot that ever ran. We laughed and teed off.
Daemonaquila
(1,712 posts)Look, if they're nuts, they're nuts, and it's good to know that and act accordingly. If they're cool, it will only improve your friendship. Either way, none of us can afford to be "good Germans" right now. If they are on the wrong side, you may be able to help bring them over. Walks are where talks like that start.
As for all the folks who say "it isn't worth it," shame on you. That is how the GOP keeps winning. They're in everyone's faces. But poor, poor Dems just meekly decide they don't want to go head to head and cause friction. Well, that's what got your state's gerrymandered, and that's what Lost you state houses and governors, and that's what lost you the house... and the senate... and the presidency. We must engage even when it's scary.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)It wouldn't have to be confrontational. It might be interesting to find out where they are coming from. Are they usually reasonable people? Not all Trump supporters are raging idiots. My Dad and one of my Brother's just didn't like Hillary, but they aren't really rabid Trump lovers either. My Dad knew my position and all he said to me was "Well, you have to vote your conscience". I have a few members in my family like that. They are able to deal with a difference of opinion.
chillfactor
(7,566 posts)could bw counted on as friends......more like acquaintances....with friends you should be able to talk about anything whether you agree or not.
otohara
(24,135 posts)during the primary...wish now I'd been more vocal but got tired of being called Shillery.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)Up a political conversation. Those guys agree to no politics because they enjoy the company of you and the other liberal walker. Don't bust up your social group with what is bound to be a contentious issue.
Stinky The Clown
(67,697 posts)I, too, have friends of long standing who are diametrically opposite to my political views. Not so much socially, but for sure on politics. Most of these people are fellow geezers, but some are younger. I've chosen to treat them as they treat me. They've never sought to talk politics with me, let alone criticized me or liberalism. It simply never comes up. I am happy to leave it that way.
For what its worth, one of their wives mentioned to my wife that she and her husband regretted their vote for him.
Most of these accommodations are of long standing. Back to when they din't matter nearly as much as now.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Keep it that way. Sounds really cool. Politics, even just a mention, can turn into a life of its own.
Go Gators!!!
Skittles
(152,967 posts)why ruin what sounds like a fun time
Tikki
(14,539 posts)field because there is no one to harvest them and the trump lovers and their spawn are too
lazy to do the work...then tell them
Voting Has Consequences.
Of course we will all be caught up in this crapola.
Tikki