Things Your Wingnut Brother In-Law Says At The Family BBQ - And How To Respond

[ErikJ]

Things Your Wingnut Brother In-Law Says At The Family BBQ - And How To Respond
By Susie Madrak
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/things-your-wingnut-brother-law-says-


If you're like most people, you have a couple of wingnuts, some independents, and some rather conservative Democrats in your family. (In addition to the real Democrats, I mean.)

Here are some of the more common topics that will come up at the family's July 4th celebration, and some amusing suggestions for responding:

The Affordable Care Act. Try not to focus too strongly on the actual facts, like whether it will cut Medicare spending by $500 billion (it doesn't) or death panels. The thing is, true believers are more interested in how they feel, not whether they're accurate. Fox News Facts are just the scaffolding that holds up what they already believe.

So keep the conversation in that ballpark. When Bobby goes off on a rant about freedom, look at him, snap your fingers and say cheerily, "That reminds me! Personally, I think the freedom for people to have health insurance that isn't connected to their jobs is going to set off a wave of national entrepreneurship and small businesses, which are going to be great for the economy and bring real innovation back. It's going to be great, don't you think? Plus, we'll be able to compete with other countries that already provide universal healthcare, so our jobs won't be going overseas! I thought you'd be happy!"

The Kenyan. This one's so silly, it's absurd to try to "prove" it's wrong. Just change the subject again: "You know, I've been wondering about those stories that Mitt Romney was born to a polygamous family in Mexico. Sometimes I'm convinced, and other times I think it can't be true. What do you think?

-snip-

If all else fails, place your hands on the top of Cousin Louie's head and start praying in tongues. It's a real conversation stopper!

[B Calm]

1. We have lost jobs to Canada because

of our expensive health care costs to employers!

[ErikJ]

2. And operations 1/8th the cost there.

Some caller on Hatrtmann said today she has friends that go to Canada all the time for operations/treatment because its so much cheaper. One friend had an operation there that cost $1000 that wouldve been $8000 here. I suppose a big part is the higher efficiency, loack of paper work and the PROFIT MOTIVE!. We are the only country in the world that allows FOR PROFIT health industry.

Something is fundamentally wrong about profitting off sick/dying people! The more they deny claims the higher they profit. THAT is sick.

[DearAbby]

3. How about "Pass the 'tater salad, it shore is tasty!"

I avoid it, like talking in a wind tunnel. They have been totally brainwashed, the poor are coming for their shit, and you can't convince them otherwise..."pass those ribs this way"

[SoutherDem]

4. I attempt to not talk politics during family gathering

but Christmas two years ago I quietly took all I could. I let everyone know exactly were I stood. Being I am usually very mild manner this was a shock to everyone, except my mom. We have never talked about politics again. But, it wasn't just my unusual temper. I answered each an every claim being made with something they were not prepared for. The FACTS.

[HopeHoops]

5. I prefer snake handling. I've owned a snake. They don't creep me out at all.