I just had to say it, couldn't help myself.

[jedicord]

At work, part of my job is as an HR coordinator. Whenever I hold meetings with the employees to discuss issues, I always hold my tongue. There are always complaints as to why our premiums are going up while our coverage is going down. Why is our pay frozen when the company is making a profit? Why do the corporate head honchos still get bonuses and stock options? I want to scream "It would help if you would stop voting Republican!". But I know that would get me in a lot of trouble, so I stay quiet.

Everyone I work with knows my political stance, at gatherings they are always sure to poke jabs at me (I'm surrounded by sheeple). I get the obligatory Kerry/Clinton slamming e-mails (which I respond to).

But I feel that while performing my job, I need to keep non-partisan. Today, though, an employee called with a question and started going off about insurance costs, pay raises, etc. I had to say it "That's why I vote Democratic."

Got lucky - this guy actually does too! Said that everyone on his job site "beat him up" when he voted for Gore, and he just doesn't understand why they think the way they do. Had a nice little conversation about it.

Must say, it felt good to know I'm not alone!

[SheilaT]

1. You need to find a way

to get the employees to see the connection between all those things you named and voting Republican.

Have you yet read What's the Matter with Kansas by Thomas Frank? While it focuses specifically on Kansas, the broader lesson about the disconnect from economic issues is well worth the read.

Here's a link to the Amazon site to learn a little more about it:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805073396/qid=1089821185/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/104-3505463-1345511