I am very sad

[rbrnmw]

My 14 year old son told me that he wishes Obama would never have been elected. This shocked me because he was very happy about Obama winning the election. I asked why he would say that. He said "Mom there is so much hatred for anyone who is pro Obama" I said do you mean the Town Hall Protesters? He said "No mom I mean kids who hung out with me last year at school hate me now and call me a Nazi" I said why would they say that? He said "because I told them that the economy was getting better and I am happy about it" he went on to say "My dad is getting more work and if health care reform is passed my parents won't have to pay so much for my mom because she is a diabetic and can't get insurance" He said the other boy told him he was retarded and if he liked that Nazi he was a Nazi too. What are people teaching their kids? My son doesn't even want to go back to school because he is very hurt that his good friend turned on him for liking the President of the United States

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[gateley]

4. But dayum, they're GOOD Christians. nt

[rbrnmw]

10. yes of course with their WWJD bracelets and all

[taterguy]

19. And claiming that an entire state is bigoted is, well, bigoted

Of course since I'm from North Carolina I should make fun of my backward neighbors but I'm sure some parts of SC are quite nice.

[Confusious]

21. I'm sorry about this

And this is only my opinion, but you guys are on the road with Mississippi, albeit further behind, for fucked up state.

All the southern states are on that road, even my state Arizona.

We're short-changing education, and trading high technology jobs for call centers. WhoooHoooo!

[Sarah Ibarruri]

26. Totally agree. nt

[mwb970]

50. What *is* it about the South? Do we know?

Is it the heat? The "culture"? Why would one specific geographical region of the country become so fouled up?

It's like if we discovered that a huge proportion of British wackaloons lived in Nottingham or Dimsford-on-Thames or something. We would ask "Why?"

[Tuesday Afternoon]

75. you know what they say about opinions....

everyone has one.

[CherokeeDem]

108. Short Changing Education and Losing Jobs....

is not just a Southern problem. I was born and live in South Carolina until I went to college. The SC of today is not the state I remember. My father says that the racial hatred was not as bad then as now, even though we lived there during the civil rights movement. As a country, we have abandoned education and only teach to the test, offer no hope for jobs, no health care and then wonder why people turn to radical groups.

[Anakin Skywalker]

127. South Carolina Has Higher Education, Damn It!

It's called BOB JONES UNIVERSITY! Ha ha ha! *teasing*

[Sarah Ibarruri]

25. You can get all the sensitive you want, but SC has a rather high degree of right wingerists and

bigots, and your love of the land isn't going to erase that.

[rbrnmw]

47. I totally agree

[Tuesday Afternoon]

76. neither is your hatred....

merry go round. take a ride.

[rbrnmw]

41. I am from Ohio

originally but, have been here for 10 years and I never saw open racism until recently. Of course I could see the disdain on certain people's faces but they did not openly act racist they do now.

[gateley]

2. Heartbreaking -- I'm sad for you, your son and our country. So much hatred. nt

[rbrnmw]

3. I cried so many tears since he came home from school

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. There has been a serious troll infestation lately.

I gave you a rec to fix it.

[rbrnmw]

9. thanks so much

what are they afraid of with my post? isn't there a hatewing forum for them?

[Sarah Ibarruri]

27. K&R nt

[sunsi]

64. The reason the trolls are heavier here now .....

is because you're making news over at "The Tree of Liberty" forums with a special mention in this thread:

http://www.thetreeofliberty.com/vb/showthread.php?t=78714

They want to get to know "the enemy" better so some posters are starting to hang out over here. lol, I've been hanging out over there for the same reason. Of course, I've been banned until November but I still go over to read their wacko tinfoiler hate-spewing garbage.

[gateley]

6. I wondered that as well when I recommended it and it only went to 0. I don't get it. nt

[GreenPartyVoter]

8. Sometimes the unrecs are aimed at the meat of the post. In this case the

hurt your son is suffering from the bigoted bullies who betrayed him.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. I would be sad too...

And I have nothing to say that would help you. What a terrible situation for your son...

:hug:

[malaise]

11. Tell him they were never really his friends

just mere acquaintances. And tell him I said it's always better to be on the right side and time will show him just that.

[Shell Beau]

35. Well what is also really sad is I think is that these kids know no better.

Children usually go with what their parents go with. Many probably don't even know of what they speak.

[Blue_In_AK]

45. My 7-year-old grandson is picking up some contrary ideas

from his dad with whom he's living with right now. He told me today that he doesn't like Obama because his dad doesn't like him. I asked why his dad didn't like Obama and he said something about how Obama doesn't support the military and he's a Democrat. I said, "Well, you know, Grandpa and I are Democrats," and he said, 'Well, dad likes you." I told him that it's okay for people to have different opinions about things and that it's a good idea to keep an open mind. I like my ex son-in-law okay, but he is just a redneck Alaskan boy. He loves the kids to death, but he's got his opinions, for sure.

My daughter moved to Denver recently and didn't want to take the boys out of school, which is why they're here with their dad. I'm trying to fill the Democratic void that their mother and stepdad would have been providing if they were still here.

Children are really impressionable.

[Bandit]

67. Truth and Logic are our most potent weapons and of course LOVE

Grand kids are really really cool....

[TexasProgresive]

102. Blue, Thanks for your post and thanks for being a good

grandparent and talking to your grandson in such a sensitive and thoughtful way. You gave him a way out to be able to love dad, mom and grandparents even when they disagree. I really hate it when family use children as a weapon in a divorce.

[Blue_In_AK]

107. I give kudos to my daughter and her ex

for handling the divorce very well. Both have remarried and have additional kids each, but they have maintained a good relationship with each other for the sake of the two boys from their marriage. While my daughter was living here, they alternated week with mom, week with dad. Now they will be going down to Colorado for Christmas and the summers, which should work out pretty well, and they come over here Wednesdays after school to keep the grandparent ties going. Also, my daughter talks with them every day on the webcam, and it seems to be working out okay. Not optimal, of course, but they're making the best of their situation.

[Blue_In_AK]

43. I second that, Malaise.

[Avalux]

12. Make sure you use this as a teaching moment for your son.

His "good friend" said some very hateful things; so he wasn't really his friend; not worth the effort. Tell your son to hold his head high and make friends with kids who think the same way he does.

It's difficult but all you can do is encourage your son to stick with his convictions and learn to not let hateful words hurt him.

[rbrnmw]

20. That is what I told him

I told him a lot of people did not give up after pain and hurt. I said look at Ted Kennedy he did not give up after all the tragedy he faced in his life and look at all he did for the Country. My point is Why do these people teach that kind of hate to their children?

[destes]

73. You had me, up 'til the Ted Kennedy thing..........

.........Ted was okay but your statement seems way over the top. Too much histrionics already. "cried so many tears"....Puleeese! Get over it and yourself. The planet is mostly populated by fearful, mean spirited, self-serving, average people and the rest are untrustworthy but it's all we got and I'll die here. So will you and your son and everybody's sons.

[kestrel91316]

74. - 10

[Zoeisright]

77. -100

[destes]

81. Okay already........

Here's the low down. The American south is the homeland of crybabies. It's like they have determined that their inalienable rights are embodied in their right to express their self-centeredness. Look at these yahoos cross-ways and they're either ready to fight for their "honor" or capitulate into emotional collapse. And, in their eyes, if you feel otherwise you are guilty of incivility.

That's the explanation in a nutshell to both the original posters pliant and her adversary's trespass.

[rosesaylavee]

85. Anyone ever tell you that you were highly intelligent and got right to the meat of the matter?

Ever wonder why not?

This is one of the goofiest posts I have seen in a long time.

[glitch]

121. !

:spray:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

95. the OP is originally from Ohio......................

[destes]

135. One swims in the water one jumps into.

My gripe is that this parent sends her son out into the weeds armed with political sloganeering which she must know is counter to the local norm. Now it's as if, after 10 years, she sees the underbelly of southern charm for the first time. So after her son comes home with a (this time, at least) symbolic bloody nose she races off to tell all her intimately anonymous friends at DU about it. They all gather round licking her wounds for her, wounds she should have been prepared for and more importantly prepared her son for.

This is the daily condition for progressives in the old confederacy. It's a warped society wherein the graduate level of "common knowledge" is that blacks vote Democratic and whites vote Republican. Sustaining ones sanity and integrity here is a continuous process similar to sharing space with wild carnivores. It is prudent to teach your children not to pet the lions while they're eating.

rbrnmw, you're son was lucky this time. These yokels are getting more restless every day. If the hanging "FED" in Kentucky isn't a clear enough sign of the times for you, you may need sensitivity as well as martial arts training.

[rbrnmw]

136. How do you deduce

that I was in some kind of bubble about the political climate in SC by my original post? I am talking about a person my son has been friends with since 3rd grade turning on him for political reason's and how sad it is that politics has permeated relationships even amongst our children. Political intolerance and racial intolerance may well go hand in hand here, but it does not mean I just noticed it. Some people just like to attack whether they are politically like minded or not. I get the feeling that may be the the purpose of your post. I did not send my child out with sloganing did you even read my entire post? My son said he was happy the economy was improving and that we may get health care hardly sloganing, my child is just as entitled to his views as anyone else.

[destes]

140. How do I explain?

rbrnmw, respectfully, I'm not into the "attack thing". I just think that high-mindedness must take a back door to self-preservation. Your son set himself up as a target. From what I get, you abetted this. I don't think I'm particularly paranoid when I sense the potential for mischief in schools. Serious mischief. Especially in southern schools. You'll get no help from the school authorities and the parents will probably slam their doors in your face. You should have a serious talk with him about discretion and the better part of valour.
Unless you're armed for bear and WWIII you need to let this go and you need to encourage your son to do the same. You both need to live and fight another day.
When I was 14 I said something about how we had no business killing poor people in SE Asia. I lived with the moniker "communist" the remainder of my school years, even the English teacher. Public knowledge of my position was of no use to me. And it's worse today, much worse.
I've lived in SC too, two years in Charleston. I know just how deep-seated a sense of political betrayal and popular inadequacy dwells in their hearts. They feel betrayed by the federal government from Buchanan through Carter and when they do an honest self-assessment they can't match up to their own self-image. Reagan will always be their hero and they'll NEVER accept Obama as anything but temporary.

[rbrnmw]

142. you may be right about SC

I like a fool believe there is good in everyone but I suppose that just isn't the case in this enviroment. I will not however, betray my belief's to get along. I will try to get my son into a virtual school so he can learn without fear.

[babylonsister]

13. He's 14? Educate him. Let him spread that truth around. If he's been

so bothered by this, it's time to sit him down, print some info out, and let him tell his friends they're full of crap.

Empower him. He's old enough to be bothered, he's old enough to inform, hopefully.

[rbrnmw]

16. he helped with Lit Drops during the campaign

He wanted to do it I was very proud of him. He worked his butt off during the campaign.

[babylonsister]

24. I have no doubt his heart is in the right place.

But you need to support his reason for doing so. All is not lost! This president is really good and that needs to be reinforced. His friends just have the wrong info.

I am proud of your son. My niece was a druggie at that age, and it took years and heartache for her to get better. She's 24 and will never be the same though she's alive, and that I'm grateful for.

The truth helps so much.

I'm 53. My mom, when I was age 10 and earlier, wanted me to read as much as i could, even when a neighbor thought 'the diary of anne frank' was too heavy.

She just wanted me to read and get some smarts. Knowledge is power. I think your son could handle that.

[Fire1]

18. That's hard to do at 14. He's not dealing with intellects. His best

bet, imo, is to find like minded "friends."

[rosesaylavee]

14. Middle school kids are mean like that...

High school will be better next year day one.

Tell your son that many here, including me, think he's quite brave to state his beliefs out loud and that he should keep his beliefs if he himself knows them to be true. That is so easy to forget for even us grown ups.

Tell him he should consider running for office.

And, give him a hug from me. :hug:

[rbrnmw]

40. I showed him this post he says to thank you all

He sat with this boy at lunch since they were in 3rd grade so it still hurts deeply that even if the boy hates Obama, he should not hate him, because he likes him.

[rosesaylavee]

55. We live in a very red area

and while my son was in school, he was in the minority of kids who thought * was nuts and he was openly a DEM. He's 19 now and when he was back in the area from college, was talking to some friends this summer and one of them just 'went off' he said about President Obama. He asked him if he was kidding and then let the conversation drop when it came apparent he was not. My son knew he wasn't going to change the guy's mind and they are still friends but perhaps his continued support of the President will create a questioning in the guy's mind. However, it does change the friendship - it is difficult to understand how or why a friend changes over time.

It's important to point out that sometimes kids try on attitudes and ways of thinking in Middle School and beyond like they try on clothes. Maybe his friend will figure it out when he's a little older and they can talk about this episode. Or, if that doesn't happen, your son will discover that this kid was never his friend... just one of thousands of acquaintances that will walk thru his life.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

15. Hold him close -

tell him it's better that Obama won, that he backed a true winner, that the kids who are saying these things to him only learned them from their parents.

Tell him the truth - that their parents are ignorant, troubled, bigoted, confused adults who aren't thinking clearly, and are telling their kids lies because they haven't taken the time to learn the truth.

Tell him what he already knows - that you will never lie to him.

Tell him to trust his heart, which sounds to me like a mighty and strong one, even at his tender age.

Tell him that he's already very sophisticated in terms of his political thinking, and his young friends are far behind him, might never catch up.

Tell him, over and over and over, that he is right and they are wrong.

Tell him that Tangerine LaBamba wishes he were her son, but she is just as proud of him as if he were.

And tell him that the Beer-Drinking Pussycat is having one in his honor, because the Pussycat knows a hero when he sees one:

[Blue_In_AK]

46. Exactly right.

:)

[tabatha]

92. Most of all

tell him to watch and emulate the way Obama himself handles all the criticism.

[pollo poco]

111. word! n/t

[katkat]

103. Tangerine said it right

What Tangerine said.

It's so tough for a kid to go through this, but that age level has a lot of lord of the flies stuff going on anywhere. Dealing with it in an adult manner is about the only thing he can try to do, unless you plan on moving.

[LuckyLib]

106. And tell him that having a smart, savvy, articulate, honorable, African American in the WH

who is clearly VERY popular with a large cross section of Americans has brought the rodents out of the woodwork. They are terrified of change, fearful of losing what they have. Together with a corporate owned media, they have convinced themselves that they can now make outrageous comments and find a tribe that agrees with them. The rest of us will continue to be informed, interrupt and call out racism when we see and hear it, and move toward a more just society.

[lostnfound]

113. Shouldn't that be a orange-soda-drinking-pussycat?

Other than that, what you said.
:thumbsup:

[PA Democrat]

17. Give him a big hug and encourage him to talk to you.

Is there a teacher or a principal that you feel comfortable discussing this with? The name calling is way over the top IMHO.

My son had a rough time when he was in 9th grade and dared to speak out against the Iraq war in a social studies class. The school district is extremely conservative and although the teacher handled it fairly well, it really bothered my son.

That is a tough age to deal with the hate that has encompassed today's political debate.

[rbrnmw]

39. I can't understand why a parent would teach their children to hate others

I really thought about calling the boy's parents but I am sure that would further escalate the name calling so I won't do that to him. I would however love to give these people a piece of my mind. I would love to explain the difference in a Nazi, Socialist, and Communist to these tools

[barbtries]

49. maybe a letter to the editor

you can request that your name be withheld to keep your son from any backlash.

[rbrnmw]

54. That is an excellant idea

[question everything]

120. Would it help talking to the principal of the school

I realize this is the state of "Waterloo" DeMint and "You lie" Wilson, but I think the kids should know what the word "Nazi" really means. Don't they teach them about the Holocaust? About hating a specific group of people?

[Newshues]

22. I tell my son there are 3 types of people in the world

The type that will come to your BBQ.
The type that will come help you move.
The type that will come help you move a dead body.

Don't be concerned about offending or losing the ones who will only come to your BBQ. They aren't your friends, they are just people you hang with to kill time.

Pay attention to the ones who will come help you move. They will be there for you and you should be there for them. However, these are not people you should compromise your beliefs with in any way and it's more of a trading relationship - mutual benefit.

Keep close and do not lose the ones that will come help you move a dead body. Those folks are few and very far between. There is line that you should not cross for them, or may cross just once but that would be the end of the friendship, but on all other things drop what you are doing and go help them if they ask because they would do the same for you.

I'm not as clear as I would like to be but I think you get the idea. My son gets it and his applying the concept to his circle of mates has saved a lot of heartache and grief for him. He doesn't take name calling personally because he understands that people that would call him names in an effort to hurt or bully him are people that are only going to show up for the BBQ and aren't worth worrying about.

May work for you, may not, I'm just tossing it out as something that has worked here and you might want to consider some version of it for your situation.

[Arkana]

23. Nah.

My uncle used to say the best friends were the ones that not only would come bail you out at 3 in the morning, but they'd get their asses tossed in the tank as well just to keep you company.

He was a mobster, so I suspect he meant this literally.

[rbrnmw]

31. I like that analogy

[BOG PERSON]

28. Are you telling your kid the economy is improving? n/t

[rbrnmw]

30. he reads newspapers and blogs

then we talk about what he read and why it is important

[femrap]

29. Does this go on at school?

You'd think an 'adult' could step in and give a lesson on what Nazis really were.

What a learning opportunity. These kids don't even know what a Nazi is...

[rbrnmw]

33. that makes it even more heartbreaking

[PreacherCasey]

32. That's a real shame. Sorry to hear it. I would just tell him to not waste time with these kids.

Their opinions have no bearing on anything. I hope he stays strong within himself.

[rbrnmw]

36. The parents of these kids are not rational people

and they are raising kids that can't reason with logic which is really scary because that same cycle will continue with their children

[PreacherCasey]

37. I hear you and agree wholeheartedly, unfortunately. Wish you and your son all the best. nt

[ezgoingrl]

34. My son has experienced the same sort of treatment.

Thankfully he's going to a different school now and the teasing has stopped. I've told him to keep his politics and his religion to himself at this school because I was afraid for him as some of the comments toward Obama were violent. It's very sad.

[rbrnmw]

38. My son said that as well

The kids say some truly horrifying things about Obama I really have never seen this level of hate in the my lifetime

[EmeraldCityGrl]

42. This post made me remember the wonderful

character, Atticus in "To Kill a Mockingbird." How he taught his children what was true and right opposed to what was popular.
These are teachable moments that determine who children will be as adults.

Good luck.

[rbrnmw]

44. That is a wonderful point

I tell my kids to be leaders not followers. To always tell the truth no matter what. To stand up for what is right and denounce what is wrong in a reasoned tone. Do not be reactive be proactive. These are lessons my parents instilled in their children, I feel I am a better person because of them, my siblings would agree.

[Deja Q]

52. Great book, great movie.

I wonder what is told in its place, these days...

[JAbuchan08]

93. THat's too bad, liberals have, from a young age, been taught to

"keep their politics to themselves," that's why true liberalism has died out it's been bullied and humiliated into silence.

[barbtries]

48. where do you live?

can you speak to the principal of the school?

it is very sad. these kids are getting it at home. very sad.

[rbrnmw]

53. oddly enough in Joe Wilson's district

[barbtries]

56. ugh

the hero huh.

[rbrnmw]

57. oh yes to the hatriots he is but he is a zero in my book

[Deja Q]

51. Do those lilttle brats know what a Nazi is? Nazis summarily kill...

While I dislike the word being applied to anyone who isn't some pro-hitler psychopath, I will say the term is more relevant to insurance companies.

It's GREAT to hear your hubby is getting more work! And I hope the reform passes; diabetes is awful...

[olegramps]

58. This what Limbaugh and his ilk have created. Hatred and division,

[Kaleva]

62. Hatred and division amongst kids has always been around.

[rbrnmw]

66. this is different

we are not talking about cliques we are talking about a very ugly and dangerous mindset that permeates every aspect of society it is a level of hate unlike any in my lifetime

[NOLALady]

99. Unfortunately,

I've seen a similar if not worse level of hatred in my lifetime. Children were attacked and jailed, leaders were assassinated, and cities burned from coast to coast.

As someone else suggested, I'd talk to the school administrators. You should put them on notice about the intimidation tactics.

[Bluenorthwest]

59. I was a bit younger than that when RFK was murdered

The next day I was pushed to the ground and surrounded by Republican thug kids who laughed wildly that Bobby had been killed, knowing my parents were Democrats. That was the day I realized I was a Democrat as well, and also why my parents were Democrats. I could not stop thinking about their parents, what monsters they must have been. They laughed about the murder of a good man. They were virtual murderers themselves, each of them.
This happened in California, now home of Prop 8 and other hatreds. So the many on this thread who want to blame geography are out to lunch.
Good luck to you both.

[Anakin Skywalker]

128. Man, You Old!

*just teasing* I only started high school when Big Dog Bill (Clinton) was elected.

[UpInArms]

60. I clicked on your profile just to see if you were my neighbor

'cause this is how the kids in the school where my son goes act.

Hang in there - my son just looks at them and (because he really is the smartest one there) - tells them they are stupid and so are their parents and anyone else who is feeding them their steady diet of lies.

Most of the time they are too stupid to even realize what he told them.

[Kaleva]

61. When I was 14, my mind was focused like a lazer on boobs.

[seabeyond]

69. and what, you are 15 now. nt

[rosesaylavee]

86. ...

:rofl:

[Kaleva]

89. Almost. Advanced to focusing on asses now.

[seabeyond]

90. ass

ya, i hear ya. wink

[Jennicut]

63. The fact that at 14 he is politically aware and has a higher level of thinking than his peers

means he could be involved in political issues for life and an active citizen...that is a good thing. I got into politics at about 16 with the 1992 election. I learned over time to ignore those who called me names for my liberal views. He will learn do the same in time.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

65. Sadly I agree with your son. My biggest fear is that he is unable to clean up the mess that was

left for him. I'm afraid that he'll be blamed for everything, such as Carter was. As a black woman, I fear that the country would never elect another person of color; or, whomever runs would be compared to Obama.

[NOLALady]

97. But,

McCain could not clean up this mess either. I doubt if he would have tried. He probably would have added to the mess. Yet, that would not have stopped the election of white men to public office.
I don't think Obama or anyone can entirely clean up this mess in 4 or 8 years. But, I believe he will give it his best shot. If his efforts cause others to not elect another person of color, it will be their loss.

[gauguin57]

68. I am sick of the Bible-thumpers who would teach their children to treat other children this way.

I keep hearing from the wingers that "this is a Christian nation." Uh, sorry ... but if you're thumping your Bible at me and then telling me you don't want the government to help "the least of our brethren" (as in EVERYONE WHO IS STRUGGLING BECAUSE OF THE RECESSION or because of bad circumstances or the healthcare crisis or whatever) ... you are not part of a "Christian nation."

An atheist or a Muslim or a Buddhist or an agnostic who rolls up his/her sleeves to volunteer, donate, help his/her neighbors and teach their children to respect other people are WAY more quote-CHRISTIAN-unquote than many of the self-proclaimed "Christians" I see screaming their heads off on my TeeVee.

[madmom]

70. Could this be a teachable moment? Maybe talk to the teachers or principle and have

a lesson teaching what nazis, fascist, etc, REALLY are and learn a little history while their at it?

[ginnyinWI]

71. It's gotten to the point that we need to go back to the old rule:

Never talk about religion or politics in a mixed group. Sad, but necessary.

I would advise my child not to talk about politics, and to observe and seek out friends who don't hold such opinions.

[destes]

78. That's the ticket. That's why the old rule was valid.

People don't want their world views challenged. No matter what those views might be. For decades our education has lagged behind most of the world. Yet people who can't find their own city on a world map still brag about how we have the best ______(name it) in the world. Is it any wonder that fools dominate the discussion?

There's not so much a new radicalism and rudeness in social politics but that more people feel permitted to express their own ignorance in public. People don't seem to have any shame or embarrassment threshold any more.

I guess the only solution is to nuke more children.:nuke: :sarcasm:

[ginnyinWI]

that's an important observation.

People used to be afraid to show their ignorance. They deferred more to those who were educated and in authority--at least publicly. Now it's gotten so "democratic" out there that the most ignorant fools think they know as much or more than the educated.

Because they are ignorant, the right-wing can exploit them. All it takes is to put out a fable on radio or TV and these gullible people swallow it whole. After all, it wouldn't get on TV and radio if it were not true--right? The all powerful "They" would allow such things to get on the TV if they weren't true--right? Oh and especially Christian radio--they wouldn't lie or exaggerate--would they?

The messages are simplistic and designed to stir up moral outrage, anger and a sense of superiority--just what they want to hear. It's scary and downright evil. It takes advantage of the ignorant--and especially the ignorant elderly--causing fear and pain. The right-wing knows full well what it is doing; they will stop at nothing to try to bring down their political opponents no matter who else suffers.

[keep_it_real]

72. If this is happenening all over America lets hope it does not lead to civil war?

[aikoaiko]

79. fortitude. now is the time for your son to learn political fortitude.

and not regret the election of possibly one of the greatest presidents of all time.

[jotsy]

80. Children and adolescents have been affected by a widespread lack of high profile accountability.

There's so much opportunity for sadness in a story like this, that's what I think makes it so overwhelming. It's an unhappy thought to deal with an up and coming generation who have parents that see themselves more as copy machines than foundations or pillars of support to those they've brought into this world. Your son is at an age when too many kids decide free thinking doesn't compete with the desire to manipulate and belittle; that some kids are just so mean, it's what they consider fun. I'm up in the Northwest, as a mother of a 28, 19 and 12 year old, I have had a passenger seat on the bully train, without interruption since the mid 90's. If there's a difference between then and now, it's that kids are more proud of having no scruples and cruelty is akin to chocolate.

I want your son to know, by virtue of his awareness and understanding of the factors and the stakes on a big picture scale, he is a credit to his generation and those who mock and menace him aren't qualified to assess him on any level, as they lack his intellectual standing. For that you should both be proud.

[patrice]

82. That kind of pain reaches deep and seeing your child learn this about who and what "we" are

is really hard.

Now that your son knows this about people and now that he has made himself known regarding President Obama, I hope he can continue his relationship with his friend and, while NEVER forgetting what his limitations are, remain loyal and just don't bring President Obama up again and show his friend by example how wrong ignorance and bitotry are. I know that's a tall order, but there's nothing else you/he can do and fighting will only make it worse. Encourage your son to "win" by actually being the better person of the two. He doesn't have to betray the things he admires in our President to do that and he doesn't have to forsake his friend.

[lady lib]

83. You might want to have him read Morford's "How to talk to

complete idiots..."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/09/25/notes092509.DTL

h/t Shallah Kali for posting the article.

Good luck. I live in a very red area and my oldest used to come home from middle school disturbed and disheartened by what she heard her classmates say.

[VPStoltz]

84. You need to go immediately to the administrator/superintendent AND the newspapers with this.

This completely unacceptable. These parents know who they are and they need to be exposed. Same with their hateful children.

[bkkyosemite]

87. See if you can change schools.

[rbrnmw]

115. I don't want to do that

If I teach him to run from his problems he will take that into adulthood, It may be any easier way to deal with it, but not the best way

[bkkyosemite]

130. Your son's self esteem is what is important. Bullying him does not make him stronger if he has to

deal with it and is in fear of going to school. Talk to the principal try to find out who the parents are and talk to them. I changed my children for a similar situation with an inter district transfer and they did great. Some kids are just cruel and they will not stop. But of course it's your business. I just feel a kid should not have to deal with this kind of crap while going to school. It has nothing to do with your kid running away from anything in my opinon.

[rbrnmw]

133. Yes it is I am looking into Virtual School

I have my doubts because of socialization but with this type of socialization perhaps it would be better not to have any. I think his fear is well founded after speaking to him further he saw the insanity of the town halls. He says the kids are just like that, they are irrational, He saw the story about the Census Worker and said he is afraid it will encourage more of the same, these people and their children think what Joe Wilson did was honorable, so he may be right. Thank you for helping me see that I should at least discuss this possibility with him.

[bkkyosemite]

143. Home schooling while allowing him to enter sports with other children can be beneficial. Kids that

are home schooled with proper socialization can do very well. Good Luck...

[EFerrari]

88. I'd keep an eye on it. This could turn into a bullying situation.

That other kid sounds like a bully.

[Hansel]

117. I agree.

It's possible that the other kids don't even care about politics. They might just as well be trying to find something to bully your son with. If it wasn't that, it would probably be something else. The parents probably have Fox News on and the kid picks it up from there. So make sure you keep the lines of communication open with your son and find out what else this/these kid(s) have to say.

When I was around your son's age this boy used to tease me about what a great president that Nixon was because he knew I was a Democrat. He also teased me about being fat and ugly and having acne. I don't think he even knew what Nixon looked like. It was just one more thing to add to the list. He probably just heard his parents talking about him. At that age I was only a Democrat because my parents were so I'm assuming he only liked Nixon because his parents did.

Also, you might want to talk to the history teacher and/or principal and talk about if they are giving a lesson on what Nazism, Marxism and Socialism really are. Find out if the teacher is objective and can teach it without calling Obama one or all of them. It is the responsibility of the school to teach and this would be a great teaching opportunity.

Better yet, you can give him the assignment yourself. Encourage him to research and really understand the different political systems. At least then he can either laugh this kid's taunts off or educate him as to how ignorant he is on the matter.

[LWolf]

91. That's the state of politics in the U.S. today.

Winning is valued. Bullying is valued. You don't have to be right, you just have to win. People who hold different opinions are enemies to be attacked and/or shunned.

I remember when it was considered impolite to discuss religion or politics outside your faith community or political group/party.

Looking around today, I can see why that social value, now extinct, existed.

America doesn't value "agreeing to disagree" or "disagreeing with the position, but respecting the person."

[1776Forever]

94. Unfortunately hatred doesn't go away - When I was 15 in Ohio JFK was running & I quit my church....

because the Minister was railing from the pulpit about Catholics and how JFK would go along with the commies and the Pope would rule our country. He even had pamphlets made up and handed them out. Just before the election I wore my JFK for President badge in the Church and I was literally told to remove it or leave. I left and never went back to a structured Church although I have thought about looking into the United Church of Christ because of their believe that Jesus truly did love everyone.

I guess my advice is to pull him out of that school and home school him. It is not fair that these closed minded people should make his life unbearable but sometimes it is better to get a teenager out of these situations until they are old enough to not be tormented by idiots like these! He should be grateful to have such loving parents who are their for him. Best of luck!

:grouphug:

[madmax]

96. It's hard for kids when their friends turn on them

but your youngman is a wonderful. Just keep doing whatever it is you've been doing - you are doing a great job, Mom.

:hug: for your son.

[hfojvt]

98. I think it's ironic that this made the front page

especially since somebody linked to the "How to talk to a complete idiot" article (our own version of Coulter's "How to talk to a liberal - if you must".

"He said the other boy told him he was retarded" --- "How to talk to a complete idiot"

See, the other boy did something hateful and hurtful, but it would be cheered if a kid from our side did it. After all, the other team is full of "complete idiots".

"if he liked that Nazi he was a Nazi too"

Well how many times did we see here people posting, and being cheered for, statements about how disgusted they were by Bush supporters? We typically rush to make politics personal, somebody who commits the terrible faux pas of 'liking the President of the United States' is not just wrong or misinformed, they are an idiot or a fascist. At least they were last year.

It seems to me that both sides need to hear a simple message. The message that there are idiots on both sides, there are jerks on boths sides and there are good, decent people on both sides.

[lady lib]

141. Oh, brother.

Did you even read the article before you posted your response? Morford said that his best advice is to ignore them. He also noted that calling people stupid is no way to advance the debate, and is itself rather childish and stupid.

I'm going to leave it at that.

[BlooInBloo]

100. Keep him away from DU then at all costs.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

101. rbmmw

It may sound crazy, but the fact that your 14 year-old finds himself in this position is a testament to the great job you've done of raising him so far. He is a thinking, questioning, intelligent young man, and he didn't get that way just by eating right.

While this is a sad state of affairs, when I've looked at footage of the teabaggers this past summer, there were always lots of kids there, along with the oldsters on MediCare. I can only imagine how those hate-filled events made an impression on young people.

I think it's valuable to keep in mind, politics has interferred with adult friendships, too. What I've experienced is that rabid right-wingers attitudes and mindsets about other things besides politics are a huge turn-off to me. Huge lack of empathy and generosity.

Lastly, your son is destined for great things, and this too, shall pass.

:hug: for both of you!

[davsand]

104. My 12 year old gets crap sometimes from kids at school.

We live in a pretty Republican area--seriously Republican. My husband and I are both very up front about our politics. I am an office holder at County level, and my husband has been a face for organized Labor for quite a while. Our kid has pretty much been raised in Dem party politics and in Labor circles. As a result, she has some very defined attitudes about life that are maybe not compatible with some of her school mates.

They might see her dad or me quoted in the newspaper sometimes, and that seems to kind of fire some of the kids up. You just gotta figure these kids are hearing some of it at home and some of it they make up on the fly to try and be hurtful. I never cease to be amazed at how awful they all are to each other, but I can only hope that the continual hormone bath of puberty has something to do with it--I'd hate to think this will continue with them forever. I know my kid has been raised in the company of adults and she expects those norms of minimal civility to be observed. Frequently, she is amazed when kids deviate from them.

Wednesday we let her take a day off school to go with us to an Illinois Supreme Court hearing regarding a case that began in my office. Essentially, it revolves around a local hospital and their refusal to extend charity care to poor and uninsured people. (I've written on here about this before...) The case has garnered a fair amount of national attention, and it has been debated greatly by the legal types and the hospital execs.

Truth be told, I'm 49 years old, I am a political activist and I had NEVER been to a hearing at the Supreme Court level. I did not want my daughter to end up saying that same thing. I have never had anything I have ever done that has gone this far, and if I'm being honest, I'm kinda proud to be involved with this. Our action has made some very real changes in the nature of the health care policy debate in this country, and how the poor are treated by hospitals.

My kid went back to school the next day and IN THE LUNCHROOM had some girl giving her a raft of shit because her mom works for that hospital. My kid told her she didn't think this had anything to do with the actual caregivers in the hospital, and that it has EVERYTHING to do with the accountants and the executives.

The girl got even louder and more obnoxious--claiming my kid had no understanding of anything and that she's "just stupid." My kid told her that she didn't intend to argue it any longer and that if she (the girl) wanted to try and understand the case she could watch the oral arguments online at the Supreme Court website. Then my kid walked away.

Our kids learn from us in all things. I have never stood down when I felt something is wrong, and I have never taken the "easy" way out. I do, however, always make sure I am not wasting my time on the ones that simply cannot be educated. My kid exemplified that this week with the girl in the lunch room, and I am very proud of her for it.

While it is terribly sad that your son is dealing with the feeling of loss with the particular friend, I think he's a pretty remarkable kid to be so aware and SO involved at this age. I also want to congratulate you that your kid tells you this stuff. You have obviously done something really right.


Laura

[sakabatou]

105. Poor kids...

Poisoned by the parents who watch Fox "News."

[proud patriot]

109. Zero Tolerance

I'd go to the pricipal .

[proud patriot]

110. Either that or teach your kid to make a L with their hand and walk away

[goclark]

112. Have you been to see the Principal and the Superintendent?

If not, I would sit at their door step until this is resolved.

[Seldona]

114. That is 100% the parents imo.

No 14 year old is going to call the President a Nazi on his own. It was something he likely heard at home. Or heard it from someone else who heard it at home.

Perhaps your son can ask his former friend what it is exactly that makes the President a Nazi? Does he want 46 million uninsured people? Is he okay with nearly half a million people a year dying from lack, or denial of, insurance coverage? Is he at peace with the fact that these people died so others could make money?

It may not be to late at 14 to get this kid to think. I did have a similar situation with my daughter, and that failed in her case. The whole family was right wing through and through. No way my daughter's friend was going to change her ideology over a little thing like facts.

That doesn't mean she hasn't had her successes. She swayed several of her classmates in their mock election at school. Perhaps it is not applicable in this situation for whatever reason. Just offering my experiences.

[rbrnmw]

116. In this case it is the parents

I thought about calling the other boy's Mother but I don't want to stir the pot and make things worse. I did call the school they are going to talk to this boy but I got the feeling they thought I was over reacting

[jeff30997]

124. Yes it is.

They learn all these idiocies at home or some of them do and spread the word and
there you have it.Little parrots who are harassing another kid and they don't
have a clue about the meaning of what they are saying.

[bertman]

118. 123rd rec. I'm sorry to hear about this trauma to your family, rbrnmw. Peer pressure

is such a strong influence at that age. It takes a very strong person to go against it.

You've had a lot of good suggestions and I hope they help both of you to cope.

[Joe Chi Minh]

119. Disgusting, as well as stupid beyond belief. He should tell them that it is they who the rest of the

world, and in fact, most Americans see as Nazis. They need to learn what political labels mean before spouting their hate. Why do they think Obama won in a landslide, even with the crooked voting machines?

If anyone says, "You calling me a Nazi?" Say. "I don't need to, when you're doing it very loudly. Who do you think you are? The Gestapo? You're the political bigots and bullies, not me. I've given my reasons for favouring Obama, but I don't give a sh*t who you vote for. I've yet to hear your reasons for favouring a Republican. Any Republican."

The point I'm making is don't let them off the hook in terms of their reasoning. Or rather lack of it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8671727

[opihimoimoi]

122. MOVE to MAUI....No Ka Oi.....peace, sun, fun, Aloha, Poi, and Tranquility

[The Green Manalishi]

123. All those jerks know how to do is hate.

When delusion fantasy come crumbling down all they have got is incoherent rage or, at best, 'ditto'ing what they hear on hate radio. They are dumb, they do not understand the real world, and are dangerous in their blindness. It is sad that a youth, or any person anywhere, should have to experience this, but at least the adults are in charge in Washington.

[BREMPRO]

125. sorry to hear this- maybe time to consider moving out of South Carolina to a more

progressive state or help your son fight back with facts about what the Nazis were and why Obama is not anything like them. A teachable moment. Can you talk with the pricipal about your son's experience with his peers? Maybe they can do a special assembly to address these lies and educate the kids.

[hay rick]

126. Time for some new friends.

Better to find out what's going on with your "friends" sooner rather than later. Kids are not as naive as we often suppose. A kid that is parroting the Nazi meme is getting in touch with his inner bigot. Buh-bye.

A precious few of the kids that your son grows up with may turn into lifelong friends. Hopefully they are not just people he likes, but also people he can respect.

[penndragon69]

129. The southern KKK bigots

will never accept any non white / non (true) christian in the WHITE house....it's the (WHITE) house after all.
These people who rabidly hate MY president are the result of rural inbreeding and ignorance.
May they all be turned back at St. Pete's desk and directed to the down escalator!!

[rbrnmw]

131. It brings me back to when I was a child

My sister had a crush on a boy at school she was 7 she could not understand why they made fun of her. She told my parents who then had to explain race to us. So I disagree with the article earlier about race I did not see it I had an Aunt and Uncle who were of another race we did not know they were not really family I had superb parents it is sad there are not more parents like mine. It is pure ignorance and arrogance they really have no reason but he is of another race so they say these crazy things that don't make sense it all boils down to racism.

[rbrnmw]

132. I have decided to go to the Parents on this matter

If the parents don't know this is going on maybe they need to, if they do and have taught this to their children which by the way is 8. They themselves maybe have no clue about what Nazi means so I could educate them who knows.We are Catholics so I spoke to my Parish Priest last night after Mass, he suggested I speak directly to the parents first I told him I called the school and was sort of blown off. I told him of my concern that these children be taught the history of Nazi Germany and the reason why Obama is not nor could he ever be a Nazi, he agreed with me He suggested If all else fails to enroll him in a virtual school online which has teachers so it is not home schooling per se. I would not be able to home school I am going to college now myself so it would be hard to give the attention needed to home school.

[rbrnmw]

134. A few quotes I printed and placed on our to do board for my kids

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.
Small people always do that,
but the really great make you feel that you too can become great.

~ Mark Twain ~
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
The latter cannot understand it
when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices
but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence.

~Albert Einstein ~
Say what you mean and act how you feel,
because those who matter don't mind,
and those who mind don't matter.

~ Dr Seuss ~

[Joe Chi Minh]

137. It's highly likely your son will know how feasible it is to stay at that school

of numbskulls, or to remind them of such matters as Bush's grandfather being "done" for collaborating with Nazis the during WWII, but if you are Christians and he wants to persevere for a while, however brief, saying the Lord's Prayer in the morning and at night is a good idea, particularly in a time of crisis. It would be nice for all of us to try to remember your son in our prayers, or wishes to the "Higher Power", as some atheists suffering addiction, prefer.

[rbrnmw]

138. Thank you very much

we are Christians and we are involved in a 12 step program I say the Serenity Prayer a lot these days but the Our Father is very good too

[Joe Chi Minh]

139. Great to hear. In the end, there's only so much we can do, and then

it's in god's hands. Well it's always in his hands, isn't it? His loving Providence is never derailed, and he'll see us through in his own time and his own way, until we see him face to face.