Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

Does anyone here have a close friend who is politically right wing?

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion: Presidential (Through Nov 2009) Donate to DU
 
nevergiveup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:47 PM
Original message
Does anyone here have a close friend who is politically right wing?
Just curious, as I can't comprehend maintaining a close friendship with anyone who is way right.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
NMDemDist2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:48 PM
Response to Original message
1. actually my step mom (who I love dearly) is a veteran and big * lover
but I'm working on her :evilgrin:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bouncy Ball Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:50 PM
Response to Original message
2. Not anymore.
Edited on Sat Jan-01-05 10:52 PM by Bouncy Ball
I cannot reconcile their obvious disregard for fiscal responsibility, their obvious disregard for life and laws (attacking a country that did nothing to us), their obvious disregard for the military (not protesting them being used in an immoral, unjust manner), their obvious disregard for the Constitution, etc.

I could go on.

On edit, their disregard of FACTS is the most frustrating. I just can't hang out with people who eat Kool-Aid straight from the packet.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
booksenkatz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:55 PM
Response to Reply #2
5. Same here
I've lost 3 friends over this election. It wasn't even enough to "agree to disagree," because a) they NEVER stood by the agreement not to talk about politics -- they just HAVE to get their digs in at every opportunity; and b) even if they did honor the agreement: what in the hell could I possibly have in common with a person who has absolutely no basic decency as a human being? That is what being a Republican has come to represent to me. Greed, warmongering, not giving a damn about the world, about non-white people, about non-straight people, about non-American people, you name it. How could I even do small talk with such people who support those ideas and this administration? And if they don't actively or knowingly support such ideas, then that means they're either stupid or ill-informed. America is collapsing, there is no room or time for stupid people or for ill-informed people. I can tolerate differing viewpoints, but I can't tolerate those who actively want to destroy my family and my country and my world. I don't care how "nice" my friends are otherwise.

Thus, I feel no loss. I should, but I don't.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
adadem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:14 PM
Response to Reply #5
20. Me, too
I just can't deal with them anymore. Have completely avoided my two friends for the last 8 months and am very "cool" with 1/2 my family.

I feel no loss either. I made tons of new friends working on the election.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
shawcomm Donating Member (877 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 12:05 AM
Response to Reply #20
32. Yep
Lost three friends I grew up with. I'll never forgive bush for it either. They just got so nuts about him, they couldn't keep their mouths shut around me. They knew what I thought about him and refused to have even the least bit of respect for our friendship and not talk politics.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SharonAnn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 01:27 AM
Response to Reply #2
39. Me neither. I just can't spend time with people who don't think and
and don't pay attention to information.

I've never suffered fools gladly and it's become tougher to do so.

I don't like to be around selfish, greedy people or around people who are hypnotized by cultish beliefs.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Ladyhawk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 02:22 AM
Response to Reply #2
45. Me, too.
I cut off my family and I'm very cool toward a right-wing "friend." Like the others in this thread, I find I can't justify their stance. Being a Republican has come to represent everything I detest.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
not fooled Donating Member (553 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 09:20 PM
Response to Reply #2
61. yep...
...can't say I had any close friends who are wingnuts, but whenever I meet someone now, early on in the conversation I bring up politics, to find out whether they are crackpots, i.e. like *.

anyone who likes *, my first thought (unless they are $$$ or arms dealers, in which case their affection for * stems from greed) is "what's wrong with them?" e.g. can't think properly; can't perceive reality; susceptible to hype and spin; religious kook, etc. etc. etc.

I do know of a couple of co-workers who are big * fans; both are ignorant and closeminded (clueless when I ask about specific * policies; they like the macho strutting and posturing)



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
n2mark Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:52 PM
Response to Original message
3. Sorry to say yes
My son!! His girlfriend and family are very rightwingers. There is no way to talk to them either. They are drank the kool-aid.

My ex tried to talk with them, no way. They would not listen.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Prodemsouth Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:54 PM
Response to Original message
4. Two family members, Brother (wife a dem) and Sister and her husband
all of my co workers except two. Several friends.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
CelticWinter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:56 PM
Response to Original message
6. My mom, sister and sister-in-law
and my sister in law thinks that * is the greatest thing that was put on earth, she thinks rove is a cherub and cheney is just the sweetest grandpa type....so needless to say I dont go to too many family functions, although my one sister and I had a field day on Thanksgiving LOL.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
cal04 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:56 PM
Response to Original message
7. I have a lot of friends that are right wing
we have gotten into many yelling matches, but we do not discuss politics anymore. My son and I also have had many fights where my other kids had to leave the room. I just keep trying to explain things to him.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
s-cubed Donating Member (860 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:57 PM
Response to Original message
8. Yes, both a friend, and a whole bunch of family.
Edited on Sat Jan-01-05 10:58 PM by scubed
I confess I haven't seen the friend as much lately, because I've been so obsessed with the election fraud, and I've neglected my family for the same reason. I did write a long essay to my family about why the election was rigged. We had some discussion on our family forum, but I think most wanted it to die, to avoid stirring up too much controversy. Generally, as a family, we've avoided discussing controversial issues, so as not to cause dissension and hard feelings. I am the opposite: I want to talk about issues, explore how people feel, and trade ideas. But most of the family would rather not. I tried my damnest to convince one brother that the swift boat vets were a pack of lies, and never made any headway.

One thing has come with age: I've learned how to discuss without (ususally) getting too emotionally worked up.

Another thing: I know that all Republicsns and right wing people are not evil, and it bothers me a great deal when people on the forum consider them all alike. It's not true, just as it's not true that the whole middle of the country is red. It's really purple all over.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Lugnut Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:57 PM
Response to Original message
9. Thankfully...
No. I can't imagine having any deep connection with somebody who would espouse the ideology to be a right-winger.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
The Backlash Cometh Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:58 PM
Response to Original message
10. Speaking of soccer, my daughter's team is about 70% Republican.
I don't even speak to the right-wing nut who last year told me he listens to Rush Limbaugh and whose wife said she would never allow her daughter to go to college in California because of all those Liberals. Oh, and the none stop negative comments about Hispanics wasn't helpful either.

I would love to move out of here. I mention it everyday.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Ladyhawk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 02:26 AM
Response to Reply #10
46. I live in a red county in California. I want to move west.
I mention it quite often.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
marlakay Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 10:58 PM
Response to Original message
11. Old friends but don't consider close anymore
and my older daughter who is very religious and voted on the abortion thing. My other daughter and I tried to talk to her but she is brain washed as they come by her church.

I couldn't be close to anyone that is bringing our country down. I am polite as I always am to them but not close except my daughter, when its your kid you have to love them and hope they see the light some day!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
merwin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:01 PM
Response to Original message
12. I went to Thanksgiving dinner in Arizona, and my aunt/uncle/cousins all
had Bush* crap all over the place... even to the point of having calendars of the Bush crime family and the anti F-9/911 videos.

Made me ill :)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
antigop Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:35 PM
Response to Reply #12
27. do what we did this year -- DON'T GO
We avoided the Repugs by not going. We had our own Thanksgiving celebration. Our blood pressure was normal. We were much happier.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Silverhair Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:02 PM
Response to Original message
13. Yes. There is more to life than politics.
When we do discuss politics, we are both respectful and civilized. I've learned a few things from him that I didn't know, and vice versa. And on some things, we simply agree to disagree.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
serryjw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 01:56 AM
Response to Reply #13
40. I respectfully disagree
Its; NOT about politics. I really don't know you can separate your world view and chalk it up to disagreeing. I'm single will NOT go out with a republican. The most fundamental difference on what we believe.How do you have someone close to you whom what to hurt other people? When all the truth comes to light what are you going to say? I told you so?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Silverhair Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 05:21 PM
Response to Reply #40
54. Because politics is only PART of who I am.
Politics is NOT the totality of my being. Life is much more than politics, and individual people, on both sides, are much more complex than just party affiliation. If I know somebody, I know a living breathing human who usually just happens to be one party or the other or neither. Of course sometimes I meet people who are so one dimensional that politics totally defines them, and I usually find them to be boring - no matter what side they are on.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
serryjw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 10:12 PM
Response to Reply #54
65. You didn't read what i said.....
It's NOT about politics or being a democratic. It is about being a liberal and my prespective on life.How could I even befriend someone whom drink koolaid?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Silverhair Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 10:28 PM
Response to Reply #65
67. I did read it. For you, politics seems to define who you are.
Even as you deny it, you still require that your friends agree with your politics first.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
serryjw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 10:40 PM
Response to Reply #67
68. Absolutely
Once again it's NOT politics it is my perspective on the world. I can have acquaintances that do not agree...but never friends. How could you have a friend whom was PRO-LIFE and waned to take away YOUR rights?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Silverhair Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 11:27 PM
Response to Reply #68
69. Your "perspective on the world" IS what defines your politics.
I do not demand that all my friends have the same views that I do. In fact, I enjoy having some who are able to challenge my views in some areas while we agree in others.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
serryjw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 11:52 PM
Response to Reply #69
70. This isn't a college class
where I want to debate. I want my friends to agree with my world prespective.I accept the fact the thugs don't agree with me. I experienced this 12 hours a day for 3 years working to defeat Bushit. My heart can't take much more debating. Curious...May I ask how old you are?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Silverhair Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 12:09 AM
Response to Reply #70
71. My first political volunteer work was for the local JFK campaign in 1960.
I have been around awhile. I don't like posting my exact age, but that should get you in the territory. My hair really is silver on the sides, and gone on top.

There is a difference between arguing politics, and an intelligent exchange. I won't bother with an arguement, but I LOVE an intelligent exchange - kind of like a good chess game, or a poker game - except that in the exchange, both sides can win.

I do require that my friends be intelligent. I am a Mensan, and have difficulty having that much in common with just average people. But I also consider that a failing in myself, that I have difficulty relating to average people.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
serryjw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 12:57 AM
Response to Reply #71
74. LOL! I assumed you where
female. Ohhhhhhhh, you are male that explains OUR exchange!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Silverhair Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 01:10 AM
Response to Reply #74
75. If you say so. Even with my years, the female mind is still
one of nature's great mysteries - at least to me. Just joking there. Actually I do understand that female to female bonding requires greater agreement than guys do, because yours if based on a greater degree of cooperation. Guys' relationships tend to have a competitive edge to them.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
juliagoolia Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:03 PM
Response to Original message
14. One but he is confused
Laugh

He is Gay, but he is celibate because its not moral to go around having gay sex!!! (He was not always so virginal) He took me with him to more than one 'gay' nightclub. He is "RW" christian but studies ancient writings and travel the world.

He is from Selma AL and remembers the civil rights marches. He is actually related to Harper Lee who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird.You would not know he was gay unless he told you, but he was the very best friend I had while I worked in GA as an only female amongst 15 very uptight RW men. Also he was the only one that broke a sweat and came to help me move me crap!A very intelligent complex colorful character who is a dear friend.

He lives quite a distance from me, or I am sure we would have had very heated discussions about the election! And I love him so its a damn good thing we were so far apart this election.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Debs Donating Member (723 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:04 PM
Response to Original message
15. No close friends
But several aquaintences. Some people I have known a long time. A few I know to be people with a good heart and a couple that are actually intelligent and good hearted. I am constantly amazed. I do know I could marry a person of another faith or another race without blinking an eye but I could never have a real relationship with a right winger
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
classof56 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:06 PM
Response to Original message
16. Welcome to DU!
I have two friends who I am struggling to maintain relationships with, given their RW support. Both hang their hats, as it were, on money. Bushy's policies are, it appears, making them rich, and they have no problem with the war and the social programs that are being unraveled. It is becoming very hard for me to know where to go with this--one is a friend of over 40 years (yeah, I'm pretty old), and I just have to focus on keeping our infrequent conversations focused on anything but politics. Also have Texas relatives who are very RW, one of whom just about lost it with me recently when I informed her (she's a fundie) that I don't believe in the Rapture. She spent a great deal of time giving me the Rapture-Rhetoric lecture, by the end of which she all but assured me I'd lost my place in heaven by not buying in to the Big "R". One way I deal with these folks is by accepting that they are not nearly as intelligent as I'd always given them credit for. That kinda helps. We'll see what the long haul brings. You say "never give up". But truth is, I'm just about there with these folks. Sad, sad, sad but true.

Tired Old Cynic
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Jon8503 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:25 PM
Response to Reply #16
24. Had To Reply To You Class of 56 as your bit is so close to my
situation. When you used the word struggling that is exactly what I am doing to maintain the relationship with my friends who I consider selfish in their justification for RW support. I know they are intelligent enough to make a decision on the right choice.

Makes me very sad because I cannot change and do not want to change.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
classof56 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 10:55 AM
Response to Reply #24
51. Thanks for using the word "selfish"
I had hesitated to call my RW friends and family that, but that's just what it is, isn't it? I am sad, too, but like you will not change because I too cannot and do not want to. We are in the right (as in correct!) and soon it will become obvious to everyone. Just pray it's not too late for all of us.

Happy new year to you!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
idiosyncratic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:07 PM
Response to Original message
17. Yes . . . but we don't talk politics.
Although the last time we got together I countered a few comments she made about "partial-birth abortion" and other Fox Talking Points.


Another RW friend and I haven't talked for a long time. Sad . . . :cry:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
blackcat77 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:09 PM
Response to Original message
18. He's been my friend since HS (and I'm 52 now...)
He's a paleo-con just like I'm a paleo-lib and we get along just fine thank you...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Prodemsouth Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:20 PM
Response to Reply #18
22. paleo cons are a lot easier to get a long with than Bushies, neo cons
and fundies
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
PROGRESSIVE1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 12:20 AM
Response to Reply #22
34. Paleo-Conservatives are more concerned with getting things done...
and being practical, unlike Neo-Cons who attack anyone who dissents against them, including Paleo-Cons.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Acryliccalico Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:10 PM
Response to Original message
19. Yes
my mother and father, both 78 years old. We don't talk politics, but I do get in a few choice observations once in awhile. They are old and things don't change for them. The repubs are the same to them as they were 40 years ago. They also watch fox news all the time :scared:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
proud patriot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:16 PM
Response to Original message
21. nope
:shrug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
1monster Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:23 PM
Response to Original message
23. Yeah, but we aren't anywhere near as close as we used to be...
There's that streak of self-rightous mean that appalls me. Otherwise, that friend is warm-hearted. It's a weird juxtapositon in personality. I find it confuses the heck out of me.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
bobweaver Donating Member (953 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:28 PM
Response to Original message
25. Yes, and for that reason I never discuss politics with him. Any other subj
Edited on Sat Jan-01-05 11:35 PM by bobweaver
ect is OK but I avoid political discussion with him. And if he brings up something political I just ignore it, so the conversation is forced to change to another subject. I just think of his right-wingness as sort of a "disease" or "disability" that he has that shouldn't be mentioned. Political orientation is based on belief systems and thus will never change unless the beliefs change - and how often does that happen in a person's lifetime. Never, unless they enter a personal crisis. I believe it is possible to have a friendship with someone at the opposite end of the political spectrum, although the friendship is limited in depth by that, there still can be the basic elements of a friendship.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
GRLMGC Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:30 PM
Response to Original message
26. I had a friend
He was amusing in a cruel way. He's also pretty abusive and can get on your nerves. I didn't talk to him about politics because he just talks at you and shouts you down w/ his right wing talking points. I haven't talked to him in a few months. Maybe I will someday but I just don't feel like it right now.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
seabeyond Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:46 PM
Response to Original message
28. family and friends.........but since the election
i just have not felt the same about any of them. still love them, especially family, and can even be around them, just told them all we talk no politics in this house. they respect that. but all the time it is on tip of tongue to go after them. friends though, i can hardly be around them
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Pam-Moby Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:58 PM
Response to Reply #28
31. I have one ex friend
that is a right-wing nut. Every time he would stop over he would talk about political points of *ush and fox news. I once told him that he will never be Mr. Hannity-so give it up. Oh god he got so pissed. He eats, sleeps and breaths this venom of this administration. These days when I see him, I go the other way. :puke: :puke:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
zulchzulu Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:52 PM
Response to Original message
29. I work with one that doesn't personalize the politics with real life
Granted, he's a moderate Repug...da bastard.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
KSAtheist Donating Member (209 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-01-05 11:54 PM
Response to Original message
30. Yes.
Edited on Sat Jan-01-05 11:56 PM by KSAtheist
Let me tell you a tale. This is more family than friends, but this has a point.

The thing to remember is that our family was shit poor. My grandfather moved from town to town, working crappy job after crappy job. He had five children. I will discuss two of them--my uncles.

One is a pentecostal minister in Wisconsin. He's very religious, and is a big-time Bush supporter; he actually met Bush and exchanged words with him. He can quote the bible verse by verse, and has seen the Passion about five times. He is probably the most intelligent and eloquent person I know. I have engaged in theological debates with him numerous time, and he is always eager and willing to answer my questions. He is also one of the nicest and generous people I know.

My other uncle is a self-styled liberal intellectual athiest. He holds a strict left-wing viewpoint, which made for interesting family get-togethers. He's never succeeded at anything he's tried; he started up a couple of businesses, each of them failing. He's had numerous jobs, and has been fired from each one after a few months, claiming that "they" had it in for him. After his house was foreclosed due to total lack of payment, he moved in with my grandmother and proceeded to max out her credit card bills. He studied law in Topeka on a government grant--with the understanding that he would teach at an inner-city school after he graduated. He failed at that, thus robbing the government. After the entire family severed all ties with him due to his backstabbing, plundering bullshit, he moved to Montana. I suspect he's a drug mule, funneling hashish across the Canadian border. I have nothing but contempt for him, no matter how much he shares my worldview.

There's more to people than just political viewpoints. There are useless assholes on both sides of the aisle; it's not a black and white world. Hating someone for their political outlook is no better than looking down on someone for their religion or sexual preference, in my view. I have a low opinion of anyone who does.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Debs Donating Member (723 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 02:11 AM
Response to Reply #30
43. Its true
People arent just one thing. A persons political views however do says something about them. About who they are in the dark inaccesable places of their souls. You can have contempt for anyone you want, I think I have contempt for people who make snap judgements about how other people make judgements
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bridget Burke Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 07:48 AM
Response to Reply #30
79. How fascinating.
Almost like something from a novel.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
bunkerbuster1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 12:20 AM
Response to Original message
33. Sure. Friends, some family.
none what I consider to be "way" right wing, but that's not what you asked.

I work with them, try to deal with facts rather than emotions, and do my best to explain why they (and our country) are getting a raw deal from their party and their leaders. Sometimes I make inroads, sometimes not.

That's where our future lies--in peeling off a few percentage points' worth of voters for the midterms and beyond. I can completely understand a progressive Democrat withdrawing for a few months, post-election, from these discussions, but sooner or later we all need to pitch in and make our cases with those who can be reached.

Obviously there are those who are best left alone.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
OhioBlue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 12:35 AM
Response to Original message
35. yeah
friends, relatives, co-workers......
can't stop arguing.............must resist swearing at them.........
I'm blowin' my mind up.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
juajen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 12:48 AM
Response to Original message
36. She was my best friend, but I couldn't maintain it in the
face of her vote for *.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
sparky_in_ma Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 12:49 AM
Response to Original message
37. Yes,
several. I don't close the door because I have been able to reason with some and opened some eyes. It's like being a missionary among cannibals,sometimes you get converts,sometimes you get eaten.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
MLE Donating Member (81 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 01:16 AM
Response to Original message
38. well kinda, kinda not
not any CLOSE friends. I'm very lucky to have a such a strong Democratic family. Even though my parents have been divorced for many years, my extended family, on BOTH sides are almost all strong, active Democrats, too.
But since I live in a small Midwestern town, most of the people around here are right wingers. My "old" best friend was great, she was totally on par w/ me, very liberal. Unfortunately she's gone to college now and I don't have many people to talk politics with. My "new" best friend goes to a wells Lutheran church, her dad is very conservative, and she kinda leans a little bit right sometimes, but for the most part she really doesn't care about politics (which has always puzzled me as to how anyone could be like that). She knows how I am and I always make sure to set her strait if I need to.
For the most part, my friends really don't feel anywhere near as strongly as I do so it works out fine w/ us.
I do have friends, particularly one comes to mind who are pretty pro-bush. But I really can't be too mad at them. They're just more or less politically stupid. They don't know what the current administration really stands for or does.


Ignorance. It's a bitch.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
OnionPatch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 02:01 AM
Response to Original message
41. You gotta be kidding!
I can't imagine what I would possibly have in common with a Bush-voter that would make me desire to be "close" friends with them.

I lost one friend when the Iraq war started and he began spouting all the flag-waving, nationalistic BS. It was a statement of the type "We ought to just go blow the whole place off the face of the Earth" that made me see what a pathetic person he actually was.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
shiina Donating Member (294 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 02:05 AM
Response to Original message
42. My mom (sob), but she's clueless
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Lenape85 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 02:15 AM
Response to Original message
44. I don't like having Republican friends
Being around those Repukes turns me off
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
muse Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 03:08 AM
Response to Original message
47. Yes. I live in a red state. I'm Christian. It comes with the territory.
Seriously, my two dearest friends from childhood are republican voters and one has become increasingly right wing over time. She lives out of state and we have learned to not talk politics when we are together or on the phone. The other friend lives closer, but we also choose not to discuss politics.

I also have a very right wing family member that I am close to and it's a difficult situation.

Seriously, when you are born and raised in a red, red state and you are involved in your church, it is inevitable that you are going to be close to some right wingers. It's an uneasy situation for me, I have to admit.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
GreenPoet64 Donating Member (897 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 03:57 AM
Response to Original message
48. *Had* a close friendship . . .
until I asked her to please not send me any more religious stuff or propoganda about the war in Iraq. She refused. Things eventually escalated and I asked that we just remember each other with cards at the holidays. She agreed. We aren't close anymore.

Also, my parents are RW. But I think they respect me as I was talking about the lack of WMD's in Iraq long before they even heard of the idea in the media. (They thought I was nuts). Eventually I think they realized that I wasn't so wrong.

Before the war, I suggested that a strong sense of nationalism might unite Iraqis and that we could be facing a situation like Vietnam where my son would be draft age before the war was over. My parents thought that was silly. They assured me my son would never even have to worry about war and that * was only going to make the future safer for my kids.

Well, my son is now 17 soon to be 18, and I think they too worry about the possibility of a draft.

Eventually I think many RW fundies will be discredited by their own predictions about the future under W.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
bling bling Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 07:50 AM
Response to Original message
49. Some family members are RW
I used to discuss politics with them and even sort-of liked debating with them. This administration has changed that. I don't want to talk about politics or anything else with them anymore. They have become ego- and ethno- centric hateful little people. Or maybe they always were and just never showed their true colors before. I could tell a hundred stories about their world view explain why I loathe them so much now but it makes me too angry so I won't go into it.

I don't have any desire to see or talk to any of them. I thought maybe I would stop feeling this way in time but so far nothing has changed.

I have a couple of RW acquaintances at work. I don't talk to them anymore either. Why should I waste my beautiful mind on people who want nothing more than to turn my country into a theocracy. Maybe one day they'll see the light but I'm not going to waste another minute of my time trying to help them find it. Been there, done that. I've moved on.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Taxloss Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 10:54 AM
Response to Original message
50. Yes. I still love the guy. We just rarely talk politics.
The important thing is that he's clever. He's not a moronic drone.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IStriker Donating Member (408 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 11:53 AM
Response to Original message
52. Yes. She changed from a Jesse Jackson voter to a RWnutcase...
and we are definitely not as close as we once were because we now must avoid any mention of religion or politics to avoid an unpleasant argument. It's hard to keep up the friendship when I have to think one step ahead in the conversation instead of saying what I think or feel. And that doesn't even take into consideration her attempts to "convert" me for my own good which I truly resent. She's the one who changed, not me.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IronLionZion Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-02-05 12:03 PM
Response to Original message
53. some of my best friends are right wingers
hehe, I sound like a racist talking about his ______ friends!

IMO, labels are really stupid. What makes someone "conservative"? or "liberal"? What if some of their views are "conservative" and some are "liberal" and some could go either way? :shrug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
PlanetBev Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 05:44 PM
Response to Reply #53
55. I'm in the middle of composing a letter to a Right-Wing friend
She's been getting in digs at me for years. I've been trying to get away from her; not returning phone calls, etc. It's my fault because I never confronted her. I'm going to tell her exactly how I feel. I'm tired of putting up with this manipulative shit. It't about as welcome as an unwanted sexual advance or ants at a picnic.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
FreeStateDemocrat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 06:47 PM
Response to Original message
56. Were friends since high school but it has totally cooled
It is not only that he became a born-again Christian with the entailing conservative politics but that he is an unbelievable hypocrite. He is now against abortion but 30 years ago borrowed the money from me for an abortion for his girlfriend (now wife). Big Christian churchman yet a total racist but loves televised sports (mostly played by blacks that he truly hates now). Hates gays but his daughter had a sex change operation and then married and he couldn’t understand why his redneck Christian friends and relatives wouldn’t attend the wedding and he is now vocally against gay marriage. I avoid him after several nasty arguments he calls every couple of months and we talk about everything but politics. I noticed he has absolutely no critical thinking skills and will believe any rhetoric if it reinforces his prejudices. I think a lot of these people suffer from a real delusional disconnect from reality.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
cry baby Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 09:11 PM
Response to Original message
57. I refuse to let **** to come between me and my friends.
He may be a divider, but he wins if I let my friends go because they believe differently than me.

I love my misguided friends.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
youngred Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 09:13 PM
Response to Original message
58. several
we try and stay respectful and keep it to the issues or just avoid politics altogether. My girlfriend is a Republican (though she doesn't like Bush) so it makes things interesting
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
montieg Donating Member (454 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 09:18 PM
Response to Original message
59. Here in west Texas if you don't
have conservative friends, you don't have many friends. I've come to the conclusion it boils down to HATE. If they are the 'hater' tribe, I just don't try to keep it friendship. Hell with 'em. Life's too short to put up with that shit.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Canadianchick Donating Member (8 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 09:19 PM
Response to Original message
60. Can't do it
It goes way beyond politics for me. Right wing views are associated with a narrow world view, so ideas about everything under the sun clash with mine. Liberals have a more broad world view (are typically more educated)I can't separate the two.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Undercover Owl Donating Member (621 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 09:23 PM
Response to Original message
62. No, I don't think it would work out.
We could be acquaintances, but not "close friends".
I don't enjoy constantly disagreeing with close friends.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Geek_Girl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 09:45 PM
Response to Original message
63. I have a friend who is a RW Christian Fundamentalist
I'm not sure why he hangs out with me and my other friends who happen to be more like minded. Before the election we would send emails back and forth discussing politics. He didn't seem to have much of an argument about supporting Bush other than he believed Bush to be a moral man. :puke:

Well after the election I was really mad and I basically emailed him called him a fucktard and got pretty nasty. I just basically attacked him without provocation. He emailed me back and said that he'd pray for me. I feel bad about it now to be honest. And we're still friends.

I think true friendship transcends politics, religion and ideology. After all, all we got on this earth is each other and to throw away a true friend is a waste.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
eg101 Donating Member (371 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 10:11 PM
Response to Original message
64. do DUers who are close friends count?
?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hughee99 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-03-05 10:12 PM
Response to Original message
66. Several friends and my brother and father...
Although I don't think they're the kind that often get described here. They're not "fundies". Both are fine with gay marriage, are not fans of the out-of-control spending and do not worship * as a god as some do.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
babylonsister Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 12:28 AM
Response to Original message
72. Yes, but she is a
70+ year old woman who moved to FL from NY. Was an art teacher and a single mom in the day. Dad of her daughter turned out to be gay, she was liberal, and all of a sudden, she kisses the ground shrubbie walks on. I don't get it at all. I think it has to do with how "protected" we are under the shrub regime. We don't talk much, and politics are not allowed.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
shanti Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 12:37 AM
Response to Original message
73. nope
i have a fellow lib friend who DOES have a rw friend tho. apparently, she's able to overlook it, but she's a better woman than me, cause i sure couldn't. :shrug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NVMojo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 01:33 AM
Response to Original message
76. yeah, but we hardly talk anymore and it all started going downhill in 2000
after Bush was elected, got worse when we invaded Iraq and is still bad so now I avoid her.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
lgardengate Donating Member (341 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 01:35 AM
Response to Original message
77. My sister is my best bud.She's a freeper
My other best friend is a moderate repub.

Really, i can't be mad at them.They are both great women,kind,caring,and have been loyal buddys for YEARS.My sister is older (60...i'm 46) and has been like a second mom in some ways.When it comes to politics we agree to disagree and change the subject.




My family is the most important thing in my life and i wont let politics divide and seperate us.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
orleans Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 02:06 AM
Response to Original message
78. welcome to the suburbs
we had a "kid" thing in common, and a neighbor thing in common. and we bonded over the day to day thing. and through the years my neighbor has become more open-minded than anyone would have guessed. last year we had some heated discussions politically but we're both extremely opinionated and slightly hot-headed. but when the topic peaked out, we'd kind of fade away from it because--in spite of our one glaring difference--we depend on each other, support each other, count on each other, trust each other. there are numerous things that bond us together and we cherish each others friendship.

i know there are issues we have major trouble discussing calmly but i feel as if i have opened her eyes about various issues and so have her kids (who are nearly grown-up now). she's not as conservative as she used to be--which is a good thing because i'm not as tolerant of conservatives as i used to be

i do my political ranting and raving with my best friend who is on the same political wave-length as i am.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Catchawave Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 08:11 AM
Response to Original message
80. Married to one....
...ask me anything :smoke:

LOL...actually it's not as bad as it seems, other than our politics, we agree on everything else!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
txaslftist Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-04-05 09:53 AM
Response to Original message
81. not anymore...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Fri Apr 19th 2024, 03:15 AM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion: Presidential (Through Nov 2009) Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC