Lubbock (or surrounding areas) sign in...... I have a question/problem

[RareLubbockDem]

[TexasProgresive]

1. I'm a bit east of you-can I help?

[RareLubbockDem]

2. Maybe you can.....

I don't spend a lot of time there, so I don't know what the culture is, but......

Do you find that to speak your mind is to alienate? My wife and I have had a really bad experience over the weekend, and we're just wondering, how do you handle this?

[TexasProgresive]

3. Go into a little detail-

As Texans it is our culture to speak our minds. What has happened in recent years is that we are only supposed to speak our minds if it supports conservative views and the beloved leader in the WH.

Well, I'm a Texan and I speak my mind. It has alienated some but if they can't take the truth then too bad. With those who are close to me that differ with my views I do shy away from the subject of politics. My uncle spent hours driving a delivery truch listening to talk radio. He is fully indoctrinated and I have too much respect and honor for him as a person to enter into what would be fruitless.

[RareLubbockDem]

4. OK..... well

It's just that my wife and I are pretty vocal dems, which makes us a real rarity here, and most of our friends have always just known it and really kinda thought it was funny and knew better than to try to change our minds, which I respect. Doesn't mean I dont' ever want to hear their opinions though, because you can be they'll hear mine.

So last week my wife sent that article out of the Detroit Free Press on how the tax cuts hurt the poor. It wasn't an op-ed, wasn't inflammatory, nothing... but it touched a real nerve with about 4 people. DOwnright hatefulness from some, and these are people we consider(ed) friends.

My question then is this, is it worth it? I mean, i know we're not going to change their minds, and I could change the mind of everyone I know and Bush will still win Texas.

Have you had any experiences like this? And how do you deal with it?

[crispini]

5. This is how I cope with life as a blue girl in a red state.

First, assess. Friends & coworkers come in 3 categories: republican, undecided, and democrat. Oh, and unknown, of course.

Democrat friends are for shared carping, rejoicing, etc.

Undecideds and unknowns should be treated gingerly. (when talking politics). Often these are my most politically un-savvy friends. When I talk about politics with these folks it's in small amounts. If I opened my brain and dumped everytihng I know on them they would think I am a real nutjob. So I feed them information in small water-cooler soundbytes.

Republicans come in two categories:
- Those who like political debate.
- And those who do not.

For those who like political debate, gloves are off, it's fact vs. fact, round 1 let's go DING! These are some of my most enjoyable conversations.

For those who do not, I am always very careful to let them initiate the political conversation. I simply wear a Kerry button everywhere I go and the reminder will often cue them to talk to me about the debates, the news, etc. However, a LOT of these people fall into the "Religious Right" category, i.e. listen to Dobson, etc. In my experience there are a LOT of people who fall into the category of "I can't talk to them about politics," or, if they initiate, then I respond.

Edited to add: They always know my stand... and if they poke at me, I'm gonna poke back. But these folks I am referring to are typically the true right-wing variety and simply do not want to hear different opinions. That's why I basically leave them alone. They aren't really "friends" ... coworkers and neighbors, yes, but not "friends." Can't really let your hair down around them, etc.