Do I look like a moron

[Curmudgeoness]

or a teabagger (I guess that is redundant)? It seems that the hate-filled GOP women of this world seem to think so.

I went on vacation last week, and while I was waiting to get my plane, a woman starts a conversation with me. Within five minutes, she is on politics and is ranting about Obama and the lazy poor and her taxes and everything else I have heard a hundred times from Rush and O'Reilly---and bordering on worse. When she came up for air, I told her that she must have mistaken me for a hard-hearted, hard-assed Republican. She moved in a huff after telling me that I was the problem with this country.

Last night, I went to a neighborhood get-together, although I usually just keep to myself. I am talking to one of the women about her kids, and the next thing I know, she goes off on Obama and Obamacare. I wanted to stop the whole conversation right there, so I told her that I loved Obama and that Obamacare was a small step in the right direction. Instead of being embarrassed and changing the subject, she starts to lecture me on all the flaws with the Democrats. As much as I wanted to, I did not tell her to go fuck herself (I still have to live here and although I don't care for her, I don't want to piss off neighbors), but I did not let her get away with all the lies. She was parroting Rush's talking points.

So now I am beginning to re-evaluate the way that I look. The Republicans can think all that they want about older people being more liberal and more likely to vote Democrat, but that is not what I am seeing. It seems that just because I am an ordinary older woman, these people think that I must be of like mind. So I guess that I will have to pull out the hippie clothes and peace buttons so these assholes will leave me alone.....or at least know that they are putting their feet in their big mouths.

What's a person to do????

[temporary311]

1. Are you white?

For some, that seems to be enough to assume that you, too, are a racist dimbulbed fuckwit. You could always try tanning and speaking with an accent, might throw em off.

[Curmudgeoness]

4. LOL. Yes, I am white.

I doubt that I can tan enough to stop the assaults----they will just think that I am wealthy enough to lounge by the pool all day or vacation at the beach every month.

And the accent suggestion.....whew, that might bring a lot more problems. "Where are you from?" "Are you here legally?" "Here is what you have to do to love America."

But thanks for the suggestions. At least they gave me a chuckle.

[Warpy]

5. I very seldom run into bilebots these days

Part of it is because my area is heavily Democratic and I rarely have occasion to set foot in the McMansion district where the Republicans live. I must also give off "don't fuck with me, I aint in the mood" vibes.

Or maybe my reputation for teaching rude ranters a lesson in manners has preceded me.

I suppose my white hair would be a beacon to them in red states. I'm so glad I don't live in one of those, it would be exhausting.

[Curmudgeoness]

84. It is exhausting.

Exhausting in that I have so much trouble tolerating it.

Sadly, it is not just the McMansion district here where I find the ultra-conservatives. I am hardly in that neighborhood, and they surround me. People just do not realize that their well-being and their interests are not being served by the GOP clowns.

[awoke_in_2003]

88. Bingo. nt

[silverweb]

2. I know someone like those women.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]The last time she started ranting and tried to corral me into talking politics (already knowing that I'm her polar opposite), I said, "Well, you certainly have a right to your opinion, just like I have a right to walk out on it."

And I gave her a big smile and walked out. And my blood pressure didn't even twitch.

[Curmudgeoness]

7. Oh, you have it right about blood pressure!

I was really pissed both times. That could have worked at the airport without a problem, since I would never see that bitch again. But I was intent on staying at the neighborhood party, since I combed my hair just for the occasion. I suppose that I should have tried to defuse her by using your tactic to walk away from her though. I wasn't thinking on my feet last night.....I was just shocked at her venom.

[silverweb]

19. The venom never stops, unfortunately.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]This particular woman always pulls this shit when she has an audience, and your neighbor is probably the same way; they have a need to show off. It took me a couple of encounters to come up with the response I finally gave her, but the practice did help.

Walking away from her instead of leaving completely would likely work just as well, unless she's actually aggressive enough to follow you and pursue the subject. In that case, you could probably call her on lack of manners.

I realized after the fact that how I said it (calm voice and a big smile) was as important as what I said (succinct and declarative), since she was actually speechless -- at least until I got clear. It absolutely made my day.

[meow2u3]

26. Teabaggers are at base cowards

They won't go on with their venom unless they have a large group to back them. These excuses for women are self-hating authoritarians who aren't woman enough to confront you one on one.

[silverweb]

29. You're absolutely right.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Although I've found that some only need 1 or 2 like-minded people to perform for instead of a large group. But yes, they are authoritarian types and really hate anyone who disagrees with their world view.

[socialist_n_TN]

105. But that is exactly why you (and the OP) and everybody....

MUST challenge them on their bullshit. They DON'T want to spout off without an audience because they're trying to get the "echo chamber" effect in operation. Of course that echo chamber influences the people who haven't thought too much about the issues. We have to be a counter influence.

[avebury]

69. I will have to remember that line. It is perfect.

[Cha]

110. Ohhh, I like that one. I had an encounter like Curmudgeoness

once when I was at work and a customer was going off on Pres Obama and Michelle when he was first elected.

I said what Curmudge said.. "I love Obama" and kept smiling.. she fumed(I think I saw smoke coming out of her head) when she walked out the door.

But, my blood was boiling inside as it always does when faced with ignorance of that calibre.

[Fumesucker]

3. Bless their hearts

Said in the right tone bless your heart can get actual meaning through the thickest skull while remaining treacly sweet.

Especially said by a woman of a certain err... maturity.

[Curmudgeoness]

8. Sure, I would try that.

I will practice my sweet smile in front of the mirror.

[hrmjustin]

6. Sounds like you are handling it just fine.

Fortunately I don't get this that often but when it does happen I just say I am a proud member of the democratic party. I hear them out and just point out where I disagree and discuss. It never gets ugly.

[Curmudgeoness]

11. It didn't get ugly.....

at least not on the surface (if you don't count my rage on the inside). At least not from my end, although I did stand up for my opinions. It seems that if you aren't young or black, these people think you are kindred spirits.

I have a whole family full of Republican conservatives, so I have learned to just avoid politics with people who already know it all and will not have a discussion. I don't need any lectures from people that I don't know about how wrong I am.

Jeez!

[hrmjustin]

13. I live in NYC so people tend to be more liberal here but I live in a mixed Gop and Dem area in

Brooklyn so I am exposed to republicans. Luckily I never have a major problem with this.

[reformist2]

9. I always liked the wreath-of-flowers hippie-chick look. Go with that.

[Curmudgeoness]

16. Does it age well?????

All I know is that I will no longer go bra-less.

[reformist2]

20. Not so much - maybe you could be kind of a Mother Earth type? LOL

[txwhitedove]

109. Yes. 62-yr old Earth Mother here, luckily the gray made an artful streak in my hair, sandals, long

skirts, no suits or fancy nails, drive a Prius and make sure everyone knows I hug trees and dogs DO go to heaven.

[Curmudgeoness]

112. Good for you.

I think it is great that you are still comfortable in the "hippie" look. I outgrew it, but still don't do the makeup/nails/hair/fashion thing.

People in airports would not know that I hug trees or that my heart bleeds, but my neighbor should know better. We have had some conversations that should have let her know----like when she wanted to have the raccoons in the neighborhood trapped and killed, and I said that I would never be responsible for harming another creature, especially when I used to be a wildlife rehabber who would save these critters. Or why I refuse to use any chemicals on my yard or garden, instead, I pull all the weeds by hand on my hands and knees (which she finds appalling). Or my bumper stickers. I guess her mind just doesn't engage, or she was baiting me.

[txwhitedove]

116. Hmm, 'still' comfortable? I 'outgrew' hippie look years ago for work in the business world. Still

working, but at a company where I can dress as I want most days. More like going back to a more natural and much more comfortable look. And most importantly, a job where I can express my politics openly.

[Curmudgeoness]

117. Lucky you to have a job in a great place

where you are free to express liberal politics. I suppose you could say that I am too, since they call me the "token liberal" and use me as the person to argue their mindless points. But at least I am free to express myself if they take a breath. Not that it is all bad. A few people who are undecided or on the fence about things know that they can ask me about things that they don't know details about, and get the liberal perspective. And at least one GOPer has gotten disenchanted with the teabag agenda that he can't even debate the merits of the conservatives anymore and has stopped voting----now if only I can get him the start voting Democrat! That would be my life's work fulfilled.

As to comfort, I find that looser pants are more comfortable than jeans these days (unless they are two sizes too big which is not much of a fashion statement), and long skirts are always in the way trying to trip me. T-shirts don't flatter me with the way that they fit. I am hitting that "old lady" fashion stage in life.....but I have decided that being comfortable is of the highest priority, along with not looking like a fool for wearing tight clothes that are in fashion with my not-so-fashionable body. And to all the young people who read this far and are laughing at me, you will see one day.

[davidohenry]

10. i dont think

Hi im new, and maybe my oponions dont count as much but i think you handled it fine. Sometimes poeple want to vent and it can get real annoying when they preach to your face esp if its a subject you feel passionate about. but no i dont think your a moron at all.

[Curmudgeoness]

14. Thanks. I am not a moron,

I just apparently look like one. I guess that people who have all that hatred in them do have to vent. Not that I intend to continue being the ventee....I need a plan.

Welcome to DU. Everyone's opinion counts......unless you are going to preach conservative crap.

[Buns_of_Fire]

21. Welcome. I think you'll do just fine.

[October]

12. Work it to your advantage!

It happens to me sometimes, too.

A friend of mine who knows how left-leaning I am, and how informed I am loves these moments. She just watches as I quietly listen and then calmly, but frankly "assert" myself and my view.

They seem to always be rude, whereas I'm not. It throw them, and that pleases me.

It's powerful.

A paradigm shift is in order.

[Curmudgeoness]

22. I did have a few of those moments

at the airport, by rather shaming the woman for some of her views by showing empathy for the people she was so abusive about. I don't think that she was ready for a debate.....she thought she was singing to the choir.

And you are right, these people are always rude and hateful.

I am glad that you do this so well that you can entertain your friend. I get caught off guard too easily......but if they were there a few hours later when I put all my thoughts together!

[October]

102. It's not always easy.

There are times when I've been around someone more threatening, and I just stay quiet.

Their hatred, anger, and rudeness always shocks me, though. There was a time when even the hate-filled types could dialogue, disagree, and yet remain somewhat (!) civil.

Those days seem long gone.

Your safety is paramount. I don't trust some of these nuts (witness Gilberton, PA).

Peace. Stay strong inside.

p.s. Excuse my typos from my earlier post.

[BainsBane]

15. Don't take it personally

People generally assume others think like them. I'm sure the problem isn't how you look.

[Curmudgeoness]

25. I don't assume all old people are liberal.

Hell, I know that there are all kinds out there. I would never say toxic things to someone I didn't know.

[BainsBane]

27. I'm saying it's not your fault

Don't change your appearance or dress because of bigots. I'm sure you're perfectly fine as you are.

[Common Sense Party]

35. Some of the most highly recced threads on DU are those where a DUer goes off on a political rant

to a complete stranger at the grocery store or at some function. We love it when one of us lectures one of them.

[Curmudgeoness]

38. Too bad I didn't really go off on airport wingnut.

I did keep putting out alternative opinions, and let her know that she should be grateful for her privilege in life while others struggle. But I never raised my voice. Should have.

[bettyellen]

108. but conservatives are simple so minded and dislike diversity- if they see someone who looks

"normal" to them, they assume they are like themselves. Liberals appreciate diversity and don't normally assume so much about others.

[Savannahmann]

17. Not really, but....

You have to remember that they all see us as illiterate and morons too. So if you're reasonably eloquent, they assume you must be as smart as they are, and thus think the same way. We all tend to project ourselves into the universe we see.

They all see us like this.



Instead of what we are. I know, terrible link, but I didn't want to search too long for what I wanted.

[Curmudgeoness]

31. Illiterate?

At least he had the spelling right.

[Common Sense Party]

36. He did clarify he's only against the Zionist juice.

[awoke_in_2003]

89. Heretic...

grapefruit juice is great.

[struggle4progress]

18. I wasn't going to say anything -- but you need drive a different car and wear different clothes

[Curmudgeoness]

28. I absolutely love it!

My car should give a little hint......the bumper stickers are very clear if you pay any attention to them. But not as cool as your picture.

And I now see that the hippie look is not just for the young!

[annabanana]

97. That couple (and a few million like them), could

collect royalties on "the hippie look".....

[Egnever]

23. Thread is useless without a pic

[Curmudgeoness]

39. Sorry.

In my mind, I am still 35. When I have a picture taken, I realize that I am not that person anymore, but I am my mother. I do not get in front of a camera anymore.

[Egnever]

41. It's ok

I was only kidding cause the tittle of your op ad me expecting a pic of someone wearing an elephant hat or something

[Curmudgeoness]

48. .......

[Curmudgeoness]

32. Thank you. That was very well said.

I do believe that you nailed it. Thank god it isn't ME!

[Arkansas Granny]

30. As a 60+ white woman living in a southern state, I am often mistaken for someone

who would appreciate teabagger tirades. One thing I've noticed is that if you counter their arguments with facts or ask them for a reference for their wildass claims, they either get mad or they find someone else to talk to.

[Curmudgeoness]

34. Ask them for references....

classic!

It is disturbing to be looked at as a wingnut, and I can imagine that you do have the same problems.

[raccoon]

33. Where do you live? I live in an area red as a baboon's arse. The majority of people are

Conservative/Republican--that's the default around here. I think a lot of those people think, because the majority are like that, that EVERYBODY thinks that way. I've encountered it in church and in a 12 step group.

I'm an older woman, too.

[Curmudgeoness]

37. The airport was in Pittsburgh

which is not as red as it gets. The woman was from the LA area, but probably Orange County. I live in a very mixed area in W PA, the city goes Democrat all the time, but the surrounding areas are all red. Our neighborhood is one that you would never be able to nail down, but is probably more Republican than Democrat (just guessing though).

But maybe I have an idea about it----since I go to work every day, and I take care of my yard, they assume that I cannot be one of THOSE liberals. You know, they are all lazy scum.

[Divernan]

49. Yinz did great n'at with the jagoff at the airport.

(Also from Da Burgh)

[ThoughtCriminal]

40. White 50+ guy. When these imbeciles find out out I'm from Alabama...

they think it's safe to let me in how they really feel.

If I have time to waste, they get a history lesson.

[Curmudgeoness]

43. "They think it's safe".....

that seems to be all there is to it. I am sure that your history lessons would be fun to watch.

[Grey]

42. Love & Hugs to you.

No, you look like one smart Cookie....

[Curmudgeoness]

45. What was I told to say earlier........

Well, bless your heart!

[Skidmore]

44. You need to add to your rejoinders that

you have a particular distaste for Limbaugh, Hannity and O'Reilly.

Let them expose who they are and educate them bit by bit with little bits of info and imparting how uncool and indecent/immoral the are RW mindset is and that it is straight from the 19th century. We worked this county ( a red one) neighbor by neighbor and over the last two elections turned it blue. It can be done, but you need to interact.

[Curmudgeoness]

47. I am grateful for people like you

who are able to convert what I see as the unconvertibles. Some people seem to just want to hear themselves talk, and do not listen to anything that differs from what they believe. I have come to a time when I can distinguish between people who are willing to open their minds and people who are not. But as to the neighbor, I will continue to try by pointing out how insensitive her comments are, one by one. I don't think that she is open to changing her opinion, but I guess I can try.

[Skidmore]

51. I know a couple of

evangelicals who continually harped on Teabagger themes. Several of us kept telling them that the particularly insensitive and judgmental remarks they made were not in line with the Christian teachings they claim to follow. We were also able to point out instances in the community where people were suffering because of bad policies pushed by the right and not personal moral flaws. One of them has dropped their registration with the Rs and we had them voting with us in the last election.

[Katashi_itto]

46. I don't know, I would consider Zimmerman higher up the food chain. He's murdered fewer people

[mick063]

50. Here is the key

Get them to say "yes" a few times.

An example:

Did the bank bailouts suck for taxpayers?

Yes.

Doesn't it suck that no one is in jail for it?

Yes.

Did you lose money on your 401K like I did?

Yes.

Did your house drop in value like mine did?

Yes.

Do you think it is criminal that the financial institutions got away with this?

Yes.

Condition them with the yes. Work your way toward your position, attempting to get a yes with each question. You will be surprised what you can get them to eventually say yes to.

[Curmudgeoness]

52. Question number 83....

Are you an asshole?

Yes.


I have to agree that your suggestions would work. I will remember them.

And when you think about all the things that both sides agree on, as with your questions, it does seem odd that we can find no common ground.

[tularetom]

53. I'll be 72 in September

My usual attire is boots, jeans, a tee shirt, and a baseball cap or straw cowboy hat.

I guess I look like the kind of old fart that would listen to and agree with the bullshit that these asswipes spout nonstop. Because I get it all the time.

Fortunately I have the capacity to visually project hostility so the douchebags generally leave me the fuck alone after I glare at them. According to my wife, however, my great-granddaughter is intimidated by me so I've been making a conscious effort to moderate my scowling mien.

[Curmudgeoness]

55. It should all be about the situation.

Your scowl reminds me of my father. He had us scared, and our friends refused to come to the house if he was home. You have to learn when to use it, and when not to. Of course, if your great-granddaughter is old enough, you might scare her more if you smile too much. Reminds me of an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond with Ray's father trying to talk to the daughter.

I am capable of projecting hostility, but I don't often do it. But if I have one more of these encounters within another week or so, I am willing to use it. I do think that I vocally expressed hostility when I told the neighbor that I loved Obama. It was a challenge, to be sure.

[tularetom]

62. lol, my kids swear that I was the model for Ray's father

But I've really tried to mellow out since then.

[NRaleighLiberal]

54. Ha! Despite my scruffy beard and T shirt and shorts get up, I am amazed at how many people

start a chat with me confiding as if I were a bagger like them. Letting them know the truth is always amusing, though! Guess I need to let my hair grow longer!



Just enjoy the surprises you get when you enlighten them!

[Curmudgeoness]

56. You need tie-dyes and peace signs too, huh?

As to enlightenment, I think that is impossible with some---like my neighbor, who never took a breath. I only was able to get away from her non-stop criticism by other neighbors who decided that I would be a good choice to volunteer to be tazed by the cop who showed up for food.

[ErikJ]

57. Ask them: Dont you remember the Great Depression?

The Republicans controlled the govt from 1920 to 1932 resulting in the Great Depression and from 2001 to 2008 resulting in the 2008 Great Recession, the 2 worst economic crises of US history.
How many more times will it take for you Republicans to learn that the government-hating Republican politicians cant govern?

[L0oniX]

58. Wear a peace sign necklace. n/t

[hootinholler]

72. I was thinking forehead tattoo

But I guess a necklace would do.

[Curmudgeoness]

85. One of my first thoughts

but I had a bigger one in mind----so you couldn't miss it.

[dembotoz]

59. i think the teabags are now proud of how they see things and they think everyone is like them

being a racist is now socially cool

[Curmudgeoness]

60. I think that you are right.

It is now popular (thanks to conservative talk shows) to be non-politically correct, and to be in-your-face about how patriotic they are (and you aren't). But I have been accused of being unpatriotic since my opposition to the Vietnam War. I guess we just have a different view of what America is.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

87. yeah.....culture of snark

The logical outcome of decades of the Culture of Narcissism.

[MrScorpio]

61. Ask them if they're Christian - Chances are they'll say yes

Make sure to memorize the verses where Jesus spoke of the poor and of strangers (foreigners), about feeding the hungry and healing the sick.

Mention to them that whatever one does for the poor and the sick, they also do for Jesus.

Then mention that they sound like they don't love Jesus very much... As you walk off mention that you'll pray for them.

[Curmudgeoness]

65. Yes, chances are that they will say yes.

But that brings up another subject that I have no desire to have conversations with them over. I have used this argument, and you would be shocked at what they are being told in their churches, it seems. Jesus is now a conservative. He was against big government. It was the government that crucified him. It goes on and on. Even armed with scripture, I am at a loss to get through to them. They do agree that Jesus told them to take care of the poor, so they say that the churches should be doing that, not the government. Odd how they want the government with more religion in it, but not like this.

As an atheist, I would have a hard time telling them that I would pray for them. (That is another thing that I am sure I do not look like.)

[MrScorpio]

67. Well, I gave it a shot

That method does have a lot of flaws.

[Curmudgeoness]

74. It's a good method....

if you don't mind changing the "discussion" to another hot topic.

Thanks for trying, MrScorpio.

[Egalitarian Thug]

63. I use it all the time. Virtually everybody thinks that the Thugs are hard-core republicans

because we're old, white, and well dressed (usually). So, whenever there's no money on the table, I just fuck with their heads.

I'm convinced it keeps me young.

[Curmudgeoness]

66. Keep it up...youth is hard to come by.

That well dressed part----especially at the airport, was just the way we were raised at the time we were impressionable. Nothing more.

[Egalitarian Thug]

76. Exactly. Since I'm the only member of my genetic family to avoid dying of cancer,

despite a lifetime of debauchery (smoking, drinking, drugging, and single well into my '40s) coupled with the fact that I'm the youngest looking guy my age I know, the only conclusion I can draw is that I've survived primarily through my lifelong refusal to get all worked up over the stupid shit that other people think is important.

I've been pretty rich and I've been destitute, but I've always had only one goal in life. To be as happy as possible every minute that I'm above ground.

[Chemisse]

64. I have made the same mistake many times.

I assume that intelligent people must be Democrats, and wind up making a political comment, only to find out they are Republicans!

I think we make those kinds of assumptions about people who seem similar to us.

Living in a mixed state, I have learned to be cautious. Are you in the South or somewhere where Republicans are in the majority?

[Curmudgeoness]

70. I am in a mixed area...in PA.

The airport was at Pittsburgh, not a bastion of Republicans.

But I suppose you are right that we do assume people who come across as intelligent must be Democrats. I know better. I work at a professional office, with most people college educated, and I am surrounded by wingnuts there. I no longer assume anything. In fact, I am baffled.

[56miSSie]

68. LOL "...must have mistaken me for a hard-hearted, hard-assed Republican."

I love your response. I might borrow it sometime.

[Curmudgeoness]

71. Borrow away.

If I wanted to keep something to myself, I would not post it on a discussion board.

Welcome to DU.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

73. A lot of Conservatives now openly say things that would have earned them a punch in the mouth...

...just a few years ago.

One cool thing about being an old lady is that you can smack them with a purse.



Might I suggest loading it with a brick?

[Curmudgeoness]

75. Well, that made my day.

What ever happened to the topics or politics and religion being taboo??? Ah, the good ol' days. That a stranger would start in on Obama with me blows me away.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

86. They'll often rail about some made up stuff only on FOX "News" and then claim you're ignorant.

[dusty trails]

77. An off the wall thought

Stay away from trailer parks. (joking)

[Curmudgeoness]

79. But but but.....

how am I supposed to go home? (joking)

[ohheckyeah]

78. I find that a small, peace sign pinned

to whatever I am wearing is a deterrent to these kinds of conversations.

[Curmudgeoness]

80. A small one?

I am about ready to wear only "peace" and "Obama" t-shirts. But that could open up a whole new set of problems---and worse ones. Like the people who are intentionally going to go after me. Oy.

[ohheckyeah]

81. Yes, I have a small, sterling silver peace sign.

It annoys the hell out of my brother-in-law. LOL

[Kath1]

92. Good for you!

Keep wearing it! Upgrade to a larger one! My RW relatives are always annoyed at my peace synbol necklaces and earrings. I love it.

[Kath1]

93. Just do it!

I reluctantly attended a July 4th celebration at a relative's home and I wore my american flag peace symbol shirt. No problems. We are right and they are wrong. They will flee in the face of your convictions. Proudly wear your "peace" and "Obama" t-shirts. Peace is waaaaay better than war. Obama is waaaaay better than any Republican. If anyone gives you any shit, you can shut them down quickly with logic and facts. You have proven that you can stand up to them.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

82. A few days ago, someone here posted the best reply ever.

When the teabag stops for a breath, you say, "and yet, the best guy your side could come up with couldn't beat a black, Muslim, commie, pinko, socialist from Kenya".

I have not had the opportunity to try it yet but I expect it will pretty much leave them talking in tongues.

[Curmudgeoness]

83. I love it.....

and I do intend to use it myself. I'll let you know if and when I get a chance. I hope it is before I forget it.

[awoke_in_2003]

90. It is even worse when you are male....

they assume you are sexist, too. I hate this place.

[Curmudgeoness]

96. Ugh. I can only imagine. nt

[Kath1]

91. I feel your pain!

Your responses to those encounters were very appropriate!
55 years old, white, grey hair. They usually think I am am one of them.

"So I guess that I will have to pull out the hippie clothes and peace buttons so these assholes will leave me alone....."

That is exactly what I do! When I attend these neighborhood gatherings and parties (which I do enjoy), I tend to wear my old bell bottom jeans that drag the ground, denim/peasant blouses and a large peace symbol necklace and/or earrings. And, of course, I still have my OBAMA 2012 and I LOVE OBAMACARE buttons on my shoulder bag.

I wore my OBAMA 2012 shirt to a local party tonight. Lots of compliments, peace signs and positive reactions. The tea bagger/Rush/Hannity gang, which was surely there, left me alone.

I don't shy away from confrontation, but I really don't want it when I am trying to have a good time.

[Curmudgeoness]

95. My feeling exactly---

don't want confrontation when I am trying to have a good time. Or when I just want to get on a plane to my destination.

I have little left (or that would fit) of hippie days, only an Indian print wrap-around maxi skirt. But I have old peace buttons from the marches in DC from around 1970. I will just have to find an eccentric look, or decide that I am going to argue with every idiot who comes my way. I do that when I am goaded, but who wants to be goaded all the time!

[Enthusiast]

94. Kicked and Recommended. nt

[OnionPatch]

98. My husband has this problem

Brush cut, pick up truck and yes, he's a white guy. Even I mistook him for a teabagger the other day out of the corner of my eye when some a-hole started gesturing to me in traffic. It turned out it was him, lol! (I get a lot of guff from a-holes because of my bumper stickers.) FYI, he's so liberal he's practically a pinko commie!

[Scurrilous]

99. K & R

[Quantess]

100. No, don't change your appearance!

If you do, you will be feeding their sterotype. They need to know that many liberals / progressives look nothing like hippies.

[Curmudgeoness]

101. Excellent point.

It is true that they assume that all liberals are odd people who are so unconventional that they can be spotted a mile away. I will just have to brush up on my polite put-downs of their venom. I hate to stoop to their level and get in their face.

[opiate69]

103. Does your neighbor like mushrooms? Take her on a foray...

"Officer, what do you mean those mushrooms she picked were amanitas?? She said they were boletes!"

[Curmudgeoness]

106. I gather mushrooms in the neighborhood all the time

and no one will try any of my wild treasures. After all these years that they see me still alive and kicking, they are afraid to eat my mushrooms. That's ok.....their loss and more for me.

[opiate69]

115. They have no idea what they're missing ....

But like you say, more for you!

[Ken Burch]

104. Great OP...but your thread title would be MUCH more effective

with a question mark on the end.

[Curmudgeoness]

107. Oh poopy doo.

I got your attention, didn't I? <----note the question mark

[Cha]

111. Great OP, Curmudgeoness! It's weird dealing with brainwashed idiots

in this country. What if we didn't have them? What if no one were brainwashed.. just staight up news? I know.. what a concept!

I told her that she must have mistaken me for a hard-hearted, hard-assed Republican. She moved in a huff after telling me that I was the problem with this country.

If I ever get acosted like that(highly unlikely 'cause I don't go to social settings that would provide it).. I will remember that line if someone assumes they're talking to one of their own.

[Curmudgeoness]

113. You would be surprised

at the settings that could get you accosted. Seriously....the airport? A stranger waiting for the plane? That one I never expected. It could be at the grocery store waiting to check out. It might be a neighbor walking their dog while you are out in the yard. I have to learn to always be ready.

Imagine.....no brainwashing. Impossible as long as there are so many people who are so easily swayed. Too bad.

[Cha]

114. And, so many people getting the big bucks to brainwash..

You're right.. you never know where.. I might be able to use that line yet.