https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216485977Wow. These people. Seriously.
Justice (6,857 posts)
Help with my response to a GOP "friend" - please
Recently, a childhood friend said these things to me. She is a Republican, she is generally respectful but very much in the GOP camp. Any suggestions on how to respond, or do I not even bother?
"I’ve decided if I walk into a business and they have a news channel I don’t watch on, I’m going to….keep entering and conduct my business with them. Why? Because I believe in freedom of speech and I’m an adult…I have the ability to respect people who hold a different opinion of me."
"I miss the good old days when you actually could have an opinion and not offend somebody."
This person is "generally respectful"?? So THOSE statements are NOT respectful?? Wow. The 'friend' will probably be glad if you just cut her loose.
FSogol (42,187 posts)
1. You can probably make new friends by being more sociable at things you already do.
For example, if you go to the dog park, chat with some of the other dog owners. I'm always meeting people at the farmer's market and local brewery.
Hope that helps!
Yeah, but ... OMG! What if you find out they gender your dog wrong?? What a waste of time, going out and meeting new people who may have a different opinion of something than you do then you have to start ALL OVER. Sheesh. Just stay home.
VarryOn (2,130 posts)
2. I have friends with whom I don't agree on politics...
We agree to disagree and basically don’t discuss politics, except to yank each other’s chains on an occasional issue. We have myriad interests apart from politics.
Her quotes seem entirely reasonable. I’ve said and thought very similar words.
I’m not sure what you need to respond to.
Justice (6,857 posts)
10. Hmm.
I've no issue with the free speech aspect. But I might not spend money at a place where owner spews Fox News TV.
Why do we even need a TV everywhere?
DUmmie has to think about it!
gratuitous (76,716 posts)
4. A short answer
"That's wonderful. I've found it difficult to hold a conversation with someone who refuses to recognize my right to exist."
Nice over the top answer. It doesn't address the perfectly reasonable statements, but you're a DUmmie.
Justice (6,857 posts)
6. Agree.
viva la (1,257 posts)
8. "I believe in freedom of speech too--
"That's why I have to point out that Fox News tells lies. And also, my freedom of speech means that I can choose not to be in a business with that on the TV. And, by the way, my freedom means I have every right to be offended if someone says something offensive, and I have the right to say that is offensive."
Probably that will only inflame things, but really, isn't she saying, "What I want is the freedom to say offensive things without you having the freedom to object to my offensiveness."
She's kind of setting a trap-- "I'm so tolerant! I don't mind that people have opposing opinions. BUT... if I say something you oppose, and you actually tell me that, well, you're being mean!"
What you should probably say is, "Let's not talk about politics then."
This could be a big part of the problem. Take a perfectly reasonable statement and turn it into ... whatever the hell that is above, then complain about it.
lagomorph777 (29,373 posts)
9. She is certainly welcome to do business where MSNBC is on the TeeVee.
You are not obligated to spend your money where they advertise their dishonesty by playing Fux on the TeeVee. That would be foolish. I have walked out of businesses for that reason. They can't be trusted.
Well actually, she can do business anywhere she likes. So can you. Why did the perfectly reasonable statements bother you? That's what you should ask yourself.
KC
