I had a run-in today with a Backwash Republican today

[Ian David]

You know what a "Backwash Republican" is... they're the remaining 1/3 that still support Der Chimpenfuherer.

Anyway, I was minding my own business, just driving along, doing what everyone does... which is rolling down my window and giving the finger while honking my horn when I see a Bush/Cheney sticker.

You know, just minding my own business.

Anyway, so the guy follows me and pulls-up next to me a few traffic lights later.

He rolls down his window and asks, "Hey, why did you honk and give me the finger back there?"

"You have a Bush/Cheney sticker on your car?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Well, then go fuck yourself!"

Well, he said something else, I'm not sure what it was.

So, I just said, "Go fuck yourself you fucking Nazi."

That's when he asked if I wanted to pull-over and fight him.

So, here the two of us were... a microcosm of America today.

Me, a loud-mouthed Democrat content to speak my mind... and him, a Backwash Republican whose first thought is to turn to violence.

So, I just bid a fond farewell to him with the words, "Sieg Heil, Nazi scum," and re-deployed myself to a position over the horizon.

[skooooo]

1. charming

Winning any hearts and minds?

[Ian David]

4. If they've still got the sticker, they ain't got either. n/t

[bryant69]

79. That's just foolish

Why try to convince when one can attack? I mean what's going to make me feel powerful, calm reasoned discourse or giving the finger?

I think we both know the answer to that.

Being an asshole is both less work and more gratifying.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[bleedingheart]

2. I have to say I like your style.....

[Sammy Pepys]

3. Good luck with that....

...good way to get yourself killed in some parts.

[rockymountaindem]

5. All I can say is

that if you're going to confront people, anybody, in such a way as that, be prepared to back it up with violence. I wouldn't get in someone's face in that manner and expect anything besides a punch in the face, a kick in the nuts, or spit in my eye.

That's why I usually try to be tactful or keep things to myself. No reason to get an assault charge on my record or spend time in jail over someone like Bush.

[Ian David]

8. Somewhere deep inside, I think I *AM* itching for a fight

But if I were to pull-over, get out of my car and walk up to someone with the idea that we were going to fight, I'd be looking at jail time.

That's not something I'm interested in.

[rockymountaindem]

11. Well, then my advice is

don't do what you just did again.

[Sammy Pepys]

14. Try it face-to-face next time.....

...that might get you a nice scuffle.

[Ian David]

17. Came close a few times...

Asked a "Vietnam Vet Against Kerry" if Project 100,000 misses him.

"Veterans for Bush" = McNamara's Moron Corps?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1946225#1946438

[Sammy Pepys]

23. Is it worth getting into physical confrontations over?

Somehow, I don't see it.

[Ian David]

24. I've got a large life insurance policy and the next payment is due in June

I'll save $700 if I'm killed by then.

[Roark]

28. I hate to break it to you...

but if a cop sees you giving someone the finger out your window, you are looking at going to jail anyway.

Might as well deserve it.

[AllieB]

40. Not in MA. The one-finger salute is too common.

The jails would be filled to the brim with road-rageaholics.

[sharp_stick]

41. Jail for flipping someone off?

If the cops gave tickets to people flipping the bird around here we wouldn't need a sales tax anymore. If they actually sent them to jail, where would we put all those nasty pot smokers taking up space there now?

[Ian David]

47. I gave the finger to a cop once, and he didn't arrest me

Instead, he pulled me over and offered to meet me while he was off duty so we could fight it out.

My lawyer and I had a nice talk with his boss, though.

The cop didn't like my Liberal bumper-stickers, so he kept maneuvering to keep me from getting over for my exit. I finally raced my way around him and gave him the finger as I did.

"Maybe I was waving to thank you for letting me over for my exit?" He didn't find that amusing.

[ixion]

56. I don't think so

giving someone the finger is not illegal. They might try to get you on some obscure decency charge, but making it stick would be difficult if that's all there was to it, IMO.

[treestar]

68. For what? That's against the law now? Where?

[libhill]

29. Yup- and in my frickin' state,

the other guy would come out smelling like a rose, cuz he's a repuke. They'd toss you in jail and throw the key away.

[Atman]

6. Uh...I can't say I agree with your tactics.

Wouldn't it have been better to just pull ahead of him and hock a loogie on his windshield? I mean, seriesly, flipping people off and telling people to go fuck themselves...what's the point? I just don't get this line of thinking. The guy WILL NOT change his mind about Bush because a stranger acted like an asshole and flipped him off and cussed him out while he was just cruising along minding his own business.

:shrug:

[Strathos]

7. That's a good way to get shot

It's one thing to express yourself, but to insight some sort of violence by giving the finger because of a bumper sticker is way, (IMHO) over the line. Be careful, we want you fighting on our side and not some statistic, "man killed in road rage".

Peace.

[DUHandle]

13. Much better to key a parked car or better still

flip a lit cigarette into an open window.

[Ian David]

27. Vandalism and arson are immoral and illegal

Unlike, for example, torture and warrantless wiretaps.

[libhill]

39. Now now -

the torture of prisoners is merely a schoolboy prank. Rush done told me so...

[RedstDem]

9. That's Fantastic

Had To Laugh...
Can't Wait To Hear About Your Commute Home...

[DeadManInc]

10. LMFAO!!!

Best laugh I have had all morning!!!

[ixion]

12. careful... bushbots will kill on sight

anyone they think may be a 'liberal'.

I think they call that being "united", as in 'United We Stand' :crazy:

[Ian David]

25. Yeah... they're all into violence, so long as they don't have to enlist

[kentuck]

15. You wouldn't last long in some parts of the country...

They would first shoot your tires as you attempt to flee, then drag you out of the car and beat the holy crap out of you, just for general principle. :)

[ProgressivePatriot]

16. Try this....

I point to the back of their vehicle and when I get their attention I say:

"Hey, some idiot put a bush sticker on your car!"

By the time the fool figures out I just called him/her an idiot....I'm driving away!

[ComerPerro]

22. I like that idea

[Midlodemocrat]

26. I did that the other day.

There was a woman parked next to me in the grocery store parking lot. I said to her, shaking my head "It looks like someone vandalized your car. They put a Bush sticker on it". She kind of reeled and said "I did that". Me: "you did? On purpose?" and then I walked away shaking my head.

Had on my DU shirt. Felt great.

[ixion]

30. of course, the irony here is that all this does is strengthen their

resolve, because their connection with * is on an emotional level, not a logical one. :scared:

[Midlodemocrat]

34. You're probably right. But, personally, if a complete stranger

commented on the stickers on my car as though they were vandalism, I would feel pretty stupid. Which, of course, was my goal.

[ixion]

53. that's because you use your cognitive skills, and have a sense of decency

both of which bushbots lack. :hi:

[treestar]

69. True. They just claim to be "persecuted."

[TomInTib]

18. I once had a giant rubber dildo that I would wave at drivers

with Reagan/Bush stickers.

That thing caused some hilarious reactions.

I was NEVER challenged by anyone.

[ComerPerro]

21. Now that is funny

[Warren DeMontague]

44. That was you?

No, I'm serious- that was you?

[TomInTib]

49. Yeah, I was living near Houston at the time. Plenty of targets.

There would have been a dearth of them where I live now.

[Warren DeMontague]

60. Oh, damn. I was thinking of Marin and some dude waving a rubber dildo

although, come to think of it, that took place in a bar in San Rafael, and it was a homeless guy who was clearly insane. :hippie:

[Sydnie]

58. that is a riot!

Don't know how I would react to someone waving that at me ... but being the waver would bring great laugher and joy!

[ComerPerro]

19. Thats funny, but don't be suprised when that happens

After all, you did flip him off.

[ComerPerro]

20. Although, one comeback you could (and should) have used

So, I just said, "Go fuck yourself you fucking Nazi."

That's when he asked if I wanted to pull-over and fight him.


Your reply should be something like, "Fight you? You won't fight me! Hell, you won't even fight to defend our country in a war you support! I know you won't defend yourself!"

[librechik]

48. good one, CP n/t

[Journeyman]

31. Interesting. You act with rude aggression and incivility . . .

then compound it with crude insults and irrational behavior, yet you conclude the other guy was the first to resort to violence.

[Ian David]

32. I suggested he engage in sexual self-pleasuring. He suggested violence

It's not like I offered him a chance to go quail hunting with Cheney.

[Journeyman]

And you'll persist in the belief that *they* are the delusional ones. . .

Well, I've no further time for foolish schoolboy pranks this morning. Good luck with your research into your city's emergency medical capabilities.

[ProgressivePatriot]

33. When dealing with these ingrates:

Fighting fire with fire is usually necessary.

[Ian David]

37. You're suggesting I steal $42,000 from them...

dump mercury and lead in their yard and send their children off somewhere to deliver unusably contaminated fuel in an un-armored vehicle through hostile territory while censoring their news?

How could I possibly do that?

:sarcasm:

[ProgressivePatriot]

38. Oops....

I should have said: rhetorically!!! LOL

[reichstag911]

35. For all those who decry the wisdom or efficacy of violence:

It may, in fact, come to that in this country. What happens if the Repukes steal the midterms? At what point does violence become essential to the survival of the Constitution? Everyone here is familiar with Jefferson's admonition that "(t)he tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants," but like Jefferson, too few are willing to exhibit the physical courage necessary to validate that aphorism.

Violence and the exercise of oppressive state power are the linchpins of this administration's rule, and violence may be necessary to ultimately defeat their political agenda.

[Ian David]

42. We'll all be more useful alive and free if/when that comes...

rather than incarcerated or jailed in a road-rage incident.

Did you know you're 3,000% more likely to be killed in a road-rage incident than by terrorism?

In any case, I believe that being loudly and verbally aggressive with a certain amount of hint of inclination toward violence may act as a deterrent in the minds of the repukes.

Not on a one-on-one basis, but as a group.

Don't let them think that they can trample us.

[reformed_military]

50. Source for that Statistic

"Did you know you're 3,000% more likely to be killed in a road-rage incident than by terrorism?"

Can you source that?

The reason I ask is because just to keep that ratio correct 30 to 1 , 90,000 people would have had to die from Road rage just to cover 9/11.

[Ian David]

52. I got that number out of my gut. I don't like books. They're all fact

Actually, I think the correct number may actually be 300%, not 3,000%.

I am, after all, wrong 1/12 of the time.

I think I read the statistic in either Popular Science or Skeptic Magazine or maybe Free Inquiry.

I can try and hunt down the "correct" number, but as we all know statistics are nothing more than numbers that reflect what happens in "reality." And reality has a well-known liberal bias. If I want to believe that number is 3,000%, then that is my right as an American.

[Sammy Pepys]

66. ????????

Um......ok

[MostlyLurks]

55. Apples And Oranges

There is a vast crapload of difference between sparking a fight in a revolution and acting like a dick. And what we have here is the latter, not the former. Sorry to the OP, but that's a dick maneuver pure and simple and there's no way to justify it or explain it away.

Shoe on the other foot, and it was a DUer who got the finger for a bumper sticker then the offender refused to back it up with real action, we'd all call the offending party a chickenhawk puke and blah blah blah, but now we're supposed to act like this is a great fucking red-letter day all because we're the home team. That's horseshit.

Mostly

[reichstag911]

72. I was extrapolating from this...

...to a broader discussion on the efficacy (necessity?) of violence. Everybody who yammers on about "violence is never the answer, yadda yadda yadda" does a disservice to what has been accomplished only through the use of violence: overthrow of the oppressive British colonial government in the Revolutionary War, elimination of slavery (a bigger blot on the US's world standing than Bush, even) in the Civil War, our eventual involvement in WWII and the subsequent defeat of Hitler, et al.

The successful peaceful resistance movements led by King and Gandhi are the exceptions, not the rule. I have my doubts as to whether US forces would have any trouble firing on American citizens. For generations, television has desensitized the less cerebral among us to the point where killing their fellow citizens would probably be like a really cool video game for many/most of them.

[MostlyLurks]

76. But my point is that no extrapolation is possible here.

To say that such an incident is somehow an incremental or embryonic point in the evolution of a larger "shooting war" is to say that a fight between the two principles would have lead somewhere or meant something.

I agree that violence does have a place and am not averse to using it in a manner that is logical and effective. I would argue that the OP's actions were neither and that any violence that arose as a result would have been pointless and ineffective regardless of the outcome. Either the OP beats the hell out of the guy with the sticker or vice versa. Either way, neither is likely to have their opinion changed nor, and most importantly, would either outcome be the spark to a larger incident.

There is absolutely no way an incident of violence, in this context, would have accomplished anything worthwhile or meaningful. It would have been exactly what it was: a random act of violence with no "higher purpose" or "savage nobility" to it. It was two guys measuring dicks, plain and simple.

It sounds to me (and I don't want to put words in your mouth, so please reply and rebut as needed) as if you're willing to say that all politcally, socially or economically motivated violence is valid as a means to revolution.

I disagree. Some violence is only self-serving, as I believe this
particluar incident was. It's only the well-chosen violent action that means anything.

Mostly

[reichstag911]

78. At no point did I imply...

...that this particular incident would lead to anything, or be of any particular broad social significance. What I do feel very strongly, however, is that we need to be as willing as the right to use violence. Insofar as this incident reflects, no doubt, the expression of pent-up frustration on the part of our fellow DUer, we must recognize that we will all continue to feel that same frustration, in ever-increasing amounts, until such time as we once again live in a Constitutionally valid democracy, rather than the odd hybrid we now have. That frustration is a good thing; it shows we care, even if the freepers don't.

[MostlyLurks]

80. OK, then we agree.

I thought you were basically implying that this incident connected to a larger framework of "storming the castle".

Mostly

On Edit: You know, it's interesting, I got into a debate with some friends - one to my left and one to my right, around the time the Iraq war came up and we ended up tacking into a discussion of WHEN and HOW violence was a "productive" means to an end. My left friend was almost completely dove and my rightie friend was almost completely hawk, with me in the middle making the same point I think both of us are making now: violence CAN be weidled to good use but it has to be done with the intent of being "good use" and under certain parameters that make "good use" a possibility. I managed to dissuade my hawk friend, not much movement from the dove.

[Ian David]

81. "How can you shoot women and children?"

"Easy... just don't lead them as much."

Which movie is that from?

[dogday]

36. My husband did that one day

and he said he felt wonderful.... :hi:

[leeroysphitz]

43. If you are going to START fights like that the decent thing to do

would be to finish them. Don't we call the pukes "chickenhawks" for doing things like that? Or am I missing something? That's not to say you are WRONG for cursing at and calling a complete stranger a Nazi while making obscene gestures with your hands just because of a bumper sticker but it does make the rest of us liberals look bad when one of us acts like that kind of a weasel.

I'm just saying.


P.S.
(If you forgot to put a sarc or I just missed it then my apologies)

[Ron Mexico]

45. You risk your life to make a point with someone who sees no

logic, and then look like a chicken as you run. After all, he may have voted for morons, but he didn't start this, you did - and then you ran when he acted exactly as you should have expect a provoked idiot to act.

Had he pulled out a gun and shot you, I wouldn't have been surprised. The microcosm of America that I got from your story was a politically ignorant dolt who was ready to fight because someone no less foolish (albeit in other aspects) decided to provoke him for no reason.

You've stopped to his level, and you've found a good way to play with fire. Hope you can afford health insurance. Most of the Repugs I know would have chased you down.

[AllieB]

46. It's not worth it. He could have run you off the road or worse.

If he still has a Bush sticker on his car, he's obviously not a rational human being.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

51. I embrace the term "Backwash Republican" and yet I am so sorry

I cannot embrace your behavior. It was dangerous as well as counterproductive. I feel that those who are part of the backwash have to be led to understand that the shrub is no friend of theirs or of Democracy or truly the "American Way".

[Ian David]

54. In hindsight, my actions may not have been the most wise

Again, I fully admit that I am wrong 1/12 of the time.

Then again, if I get killed before June 7th, I save $700 on my life insurance premium!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

62. Well here's hoping that on June 7th you'll be out of pocket that

$700!!!!

:toast:

[KansDem]

57. I kinda see your point, IanDB1

There are some mornings I feel so disgusted with my fellow Americans--the ones who are so ignorant or stupid that I just don't think it's worth it anymore to debate or reason with them--that a punch to the jaw might be best approach. There are some mornings I just don't care anymore about what the consequences might be. You wanna beat me senseless? Go ahead, I'll tell them, you've done worse with your ignorance and stupidity, but at least I'll get a couple of good licks in.

There are some mornings my empathy tank is running on empty.

[Ian David]

59. We'll probably all be dead soon enough when we nuke Iran

When that happens, I'm through fighting with words.

We'll be too busy picking through the radioactive rubble for food anyway.

[Mr.Green93]

61. Bullshit

[TheFriedPiper]

63. I prefer 'guerilla marketing'

Pretend you're on your cell phone talking about someone you know that is stupid enough to vote for Bush and speak loudly enough to be 'overheard'.

I do it all the time, and not just about Bush. Remember, the insecure slimeballs that vote for Bush are scared the most of being ridiculed and laughed at. I say things like:

"No way man, someone would have to be completely retarded to still support Bush after all the crap that's come out, hell, he even makes Bill Clinton look honest!"

"O, forget about him, he's just mad cuz everyone is always making fun of him for voting for Bush"

"O man, my Dad's a long time SERIOUS Republican and he can't STAND Bush!"

"Nah, I'm not scared enough of some cave-dweller to give up what it means to be an American!"

It's fun, it's educational, it's the right thing to do.

hehe

[Ian David]

65. Okay, I like that idea! n/t

[treestar]

71. You're right about their fear of being laughed at - how many

columns by right wing pundits whine about that? While they are attacking verbally any opponent of theirs.

They complain when they are called religious wackos, or racists, as if they don't do the reverse.

They are so loud and self righteous because they know they in the wrong somehow. Rush Limbaugh and the like try to embolden them away from their natural embarrassment, and give them what they believe to be clever argument toppers. You can tell this because of how you hear the same argument from completely different sources, as though they got it directly from some right wing playbook.

One example, how they were in mass numbers saying that Saddam moved his WMD into Syria - you could tell that was the standard party line argument crusher (intended) for the fact that there were not WMD to justify the war.

[0007]

64. Wish ya come to Midland Texas to flip off junior & cheney

bumper stickers.

[rememberearth]

67. I have been flipping off people with the stickers

and people who drive "hummers".
I'm pathetic. I get so frustrated though. These "people" act like they're in the right and are the majority. They are the only opinions that matter now, frustrating. I've fought the urge to say "Thank you have a nice day, and Bush lied" at work.Maybe I should start though.

[mitchtv]

73. I wave my pinky at Hummers

still waiting for someone to prove that Hummers are not small penis substitutes

[rememberearth]

75. yeah i know!

completely.

[HughBeaumont]

70. I see them dopes all the time on the freeway.

I either laugh at them hysterically or shake my head in pity that they're still holding on to their bad Reagan resurrection.

[VOX]

74. I appreciate your zeal, but your "preemptive warfare" style is lacking.

To say you had "a run-in today with a Backwash Republican today" is not true.

Based on your story, you aggressively challenged and publicly cursed a "Backwash Republican." It was **he** who had the run-in with you.

I'm also sick of taking the high road as our country goes down the drain, but your methods are not winning any hearts and minds to the cause. If anything, this BushBot you challenged this morning probably feels more convinced that he's in the right, and now he gets to bitch to all his family and friends (real and imagined) about the "moonbat liberal" who "assaulted" him.

I'm not saying that we should let the right wing walk over us, but you've got to choose your battles wisely.

Otherwise, you come off like a CIA plant at a peace rally, trying to stir up some shit. Not cool.

[MostlyLurks]

77. Excellent point, KrazyKat

>To say you had "a run-in today with a Backwash Republican today" is not true.

Based on your story, you aggressively challenged and publicly cursed a "Backwash Republican." It was **he** who had the run-in with you.<

I thought the same but thought two contrarian posts in the same thread would be pushing my luck.

Mostly