Would you take a job offered by a Republican in order to survive?

[Just Me]

What if you have been unemployed long enough to devastate you economically and psychologically,...and you are the "bread winner".

You are "unexpectedly" offered a job, paying a "living" wage by a Republican (a particularly protective of party, Republican) because one of your right-wingnut relatives handed over your resume.

Would you take the job? If so, would you feel conflicted?

If you felt conflicted, how would you deal with that confliction?

[trumad]

1. Sure I would

SHit... Most of us already work for Republicans.

[Inland]

2. I'd take the job but pilfer office supplies

Isn't this an idiotic question?

Nobody is taking a vow of poverty. Getting paid an honest wage in exchange for an honest days' work is no crime.

[darkism]

39. best.response line.ever. n/t

[Califooyah Operative]

42. hahaha nt

[quaoar]

45. Touche!

LOL

I'd also make personal long distance calls.

[roguevalley]

3. no. my grandpa was blackballed during the depression for

union organizing and never bent. He would walk down the railroad tracks for a hundred miles getting day labor. He would send his money home and come home on the weekends when he could. He's my hero. It would be a betrayal of him if I did that.

[dhinojosa]

56. Wow!

Inspiring to read.

[noamnety]

4. I would take it, sure.

And if I felt particularly conflicted, I would donate a percent to a progressive cause. Once you are back in the workforce, if nothing else, it makes it so much easier to get another job that you're happier with. Everyone wants to hire an employed person, nobody wants to hire someone who is out of work, even though they are the ones that need it most.

[rodeodance]

6. of course, why not?

[Erika]

5. A job is a job

Yes, I would take the job if I needed it. It would give me chance to politically enlighten the boss.

But if he was a jerk, I'd have no problem in telling him so.

[hootinholler]

7. I have, I did, and I would again.

Because my children are everything to me. I'm not above being a whore, but, I will be an honest whore.

Since 9/11 I have been RIF'd twice, and I just had a contract end. I would even consider getting a clearance to get work. I'm a software engineer near DC and the only real openings are for those with very high clearances.

-Hoot

[TNMOM]

8. Take it. Use it as an opportunity

to tide you over until you find more appealing employment.

[rox63]

9. I probably already work for Republicans

I have no idea what the politics of my current employers are. But they are a software company with revenues of around $100 million a year. So chances are most of the upper management are repugs. As long as I didn't have to support their politics, yes I would take the job. Many years ago, I made a promise to myself that I'd never work for a military/defense contractor or supplier. And I've managed to keep that promise.

[Bluzmann57]

10. Yes I would take a job

in fact, at one time I did take a job at a notoriously republican company. I'm talking the owner used to buy radio time to denounce Unions as "Socialist or Communist" institutions. But I needed a job and had training in machining so I took the job, as I had been unemployed for 5 months and didn't like the feeling. Worked there for nine months before I landed another (Union) job. As for feeling conflicted, HELL YES I felt conflicted. A few of the people in our department listened religiously to limbaugh and believed everything he said. Luckily we were on second shift so we didn't have to listen to the fool on the radio. One guy even had some kind of calendar he got from limbaugh next to his toolbox. Just had to deal with it because I needed work. Sometimes life sucks but those of us who are tough enough can get by and eventually prevail.

[Just Me]

16. Great story! Thank you. I already accepted a position and am having,...

,...similar experiences. UGH!!!

I think my conflict is almost cathartic because,...during my own horribly extended period of unemployment, I was energetically self-initiated in being informed and being active in spreading that information about the neoCONspirators and their Republican backers.

However, it's not the blatant "right-wing" stuff you describe that is causing me,...concern. It's the same ole', craftily crooked shit that is already making my insides burn.

Of course, I always have the power to be the moral and ethical person that I am,...without any responsibility for actions that my boss decides to engage.

[zulchzulu]

11. I work with Repubs and Dems..and it's...OK

Actually today was pretty cool. I did the logo for a really good cause and it's on this web site as well as 10,000 buttons were made.



http://dva.state.wi.us/Welcomehome.asp

I've worked with all kinds of people in the past with all flavors of politics...don't personalize it..or in some cases, discuss politics...

If it's good money, go for it. If you need a job, do it. You might learn something.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

38. Your logo is beautiful!

You have very good reason to be proud of your artwork. Congratulations!

[CindyDale]

12. As long as the work was honorable

why not?

[intheflow]

Would I? I already have!

I am a cog in a system whose rules I had no say in establishing. I had to support my family and myself. I couldn't do it forever, but I have certainly done it in order to survive. Take the job and keep looking for something that pays a living wage in what you want to do.

[htuttle]

13. I learned during Reagan's reign that one can 'survive' without a job

...and without a roof or regular meals or easy access to toiletries.

It might suck living on the streets, but it's still surviving (and probably a billion or more people on Earth live just that way). I've been quite aware of the distinction ever since those years. It's a lot more dangerous living that way on the outside, so there is a 'survival' aspect to it. But it's not like you automatically die if you lose everything. It just sucks. Bad.

That being said, it would depend on the atmosphere at the workplace. If someone shoves their politics in my face, I tend to shove mine right back, regardless of other considerations (other than loaded weapons). I might take the job if I had children to support, but I might not keep it if they were an asshole.

Either that, or I'd take up robbing banks for a living. The pay is good while it lasts, but the state sponsored retirement plan is rather austere.

[Maat]

14. Got to be honest.

My hubby's co-owners in our corporation are Repubs. The clients are mostly Democratic, but government officials they deal with are not. That's just the way it is.

They know that part of our income goes to progressive causes. We kid each other, and I torment them by 'proving' to them that they are really Democrats at heart. I'm working on them. I think that one of them was beaten by a Democrat when he was young, because he is a Rethuglican for no apparent reason. I'll keep working on him.

[cally]

15. Of course!

I don't see the conflict. After this nightmare we'll be a nation again where we will all have to work together to rebuild. Most of us would be unemployed if we refused to work for Republicans.

[Just Me]

18. Yes. After all,...we are a member of just one race: the human race.

At the very least, we will somehow pull it together,...eventually.

The vast majority of us do not fall into the lot of "evil" or the lot of "good". The vast majority of us are just doing the best we can with the best of intentions in the environment in which we find ourselves.

[marcologico]

17. Most people do. n/t

[oneold1-4u]

19. Go for all you can get

We will count our losses soon enough! Put away all you can in both money and necessities for yourself and family. No matter how this ends up it is going to be a bad time and rough going for millions who would normally have no problems with job or security. Hate to add this, but no assets in the bank is beyond the reach of government!

[B0S0X87]

20. Sure would

I try to keep politics out of professional relationships, and I don't even know the political leanings of most of my co-workers.

[thefloyd]

21. Take the job and never talk about politics

[Just Me]

22. What would you do if you were "solicited" about politics?

I took the job. I am focused on my duties (which actually serve a personal passion pertaining to political transparency - a blessing, I hope).

However, "politics" are brewing at every turn.

Although I respond with a focus on my responsibilities, there is a great deal of discomfort which I simply must deal with.

[thefloyd]

33. Well, My policy has always been a tit for tat policy.

If someone says something negative or an outright lie then I speak up in a diplomatic way. The tit for tat policy puts the blame on the other person for a deragatory remark. Or locate another Democrat in the office and laugh about whatever lies or distortions are "Spude"(hatemail reference)

[DaveinMD]

23. I don't work for Republicans

I'm a Democratic political consultant. Only Dems for me.

[Catchawave]

24. Yes.

They're not all bad, believe me, I married one :)

[Orangepeel]

25. the only thing wrong with the job is that the boss is a republican?

well, sure. I've worked for all kinds of assholes. :shrug:

I wouldn't take a job with the republican party and I wouldn't take a job where I thought the work itself was unethical (or is that the same difference)

[Just Me]

29. *hee hee* Naw,...not all jobs under republicans are necessarily unethical.

Are they? :wow:

Of course, right now, I am listening to a buncha' propaganda about Syria, SYRIA, SYRIA!!! PNAC propaganda with lotsa' help!!!:mad:

[Carolab]

26. I already work for one. n/t

[donheld]

27. I do not know the politics of my employers

as long as they don't try to force me one way or the other it's all good. Now if it was a right wing organization like "Focus on the Family" i'd rather starve.

[GarySeven]

28. I've FIRED people for being Republican

I won't tolerate them around my company.

[Just Me]

30. You're kidding,...I hope.

Are you kidding? :wow:

How would you even know whether or not they are "Republican"?

Do you ask?

I've been in management and NEVER asked a person's political affiliation,...EVER.

Do you really discriminate based upon political affiliation? :wow:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

37. I'm wondering this also.

This doesn't seem quite legitimate somehow. I'd appreciate your explaining how this worked in your job. Aren't there laws that forbid discrimination based on political stances?

[John_H]

50. No you haven't. And you're not making DU look bad either.

[in_cog_ni_to]

65. GOOD FOR YOU!

:hug: You're my kinda guy!

[fnottr]

31. depends

are you talking about working for the republicans or one of there poltical action groups, or just an average job where the boss happens to be a repub?

[DU GrovelBot]

32. ## PLEASE DONATE TO DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND! ##

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This week is our first quarter 2005 fund drive. Democratic
Underground is a completely independent website. We depend almost entirely
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your support.

[MrSlayer]

34. You can't eat your principles.

Take the job and stay out of political discussions. Or you can talk politics and just lie or you can talk politics but word the RW talking points in such a way that they sound even more absurd.

[Senior citizen]

35. I did it once.

I learned the hard way that my survival chances were actually better unemployed.

Pukes tend to be control freaks. They'll probe and push and want to know all about your politics, religion, sex life, etc. You can get on their bad side simply by not laughing at a joke based on bigotry--or for not telling such jokes when others do. If you have to be a team player, make sure you're on the right team.

[Norquist Nemesis]

52. Same experience here

Did it because I needed an income. She wanted me to work with her, but only as an independant contractor. I finally had enough when she screwed me for the second time by refusing to pay me for billed hours.

So, would I? Not if they wear their political ideology on their sleeve. It's not worth it.

[autorank]

36. Ever since I started working for myself, NO (16 years now). Never

My boss, me, is a proud Democrat from the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party. I will quit if my employer, me, ever turns Republican.

[NoSheep]

59. What do you do?

[JI7]

40. of course, and would not feel conflicted

there is nothing wrong with working to get by each day.i would just continue to support the same policies i always have though.

[NVMojo]

43. I was once the only Dem working at the local newspaper and

they were all Repukes in philosophy and operations. This was in late 80s, early 90s. I learned alot about what good repukes used to believe, small government. Wonder what happened to those types of repukes?

[skids]

41. It didn't even take a Republican to make me quit my last job.

All it took was a few authoritarian lying sacks of crap abusing the trust of my fellow employees and pulling six figures for making a series of decisions with consequences that are now essentially crippling a taxpayer-financed public service (most of which cost the taxpayer money in and of themselves to implement in the first place.)

While I totally respect those who are financially "up against a wall" through no fault of their own, and would do such a thing to stay afloat, keep in mind folks: business owners, bosses, and managers all profit from the expertise and labor of those that work under them.

Some of them, even Republicans, deserve to do so. They provide a fair and equitable exchange -- looking out for the people that work for them and guiding them, as a group, to success. Many don't. In fact, I'd say most don't.

So while it is OK to sell your time and effort to someone even if you disagree with their personal politics, too many people view it in the context of "it's just a job." It isn't just a job. It is an exchange of power. If you don't take responsibility for ensuring your end of the exchange is equitable, if you take it up the posterior for them out of some delusion that you have little or no choice, you are doing yourself, your country, and your own principles a grave disservice.

OK, I lied. I don't have sympathy for all of you "up against the wall" people. A few of you put yourselves in that situation through reckless spending, bad priorities, poor credit management, and I should probably single out, starting a family before you had saved enough to pull it off. I hope you dig yourself out as soon as possible, because your inability to negotiate a fair exchange of power with employers is at the root of much of what is wrong with this country.

The very least you can do to make up for it is, as soon as you get your new job, don't relax. Continue, no matter how hard it is, to look for another job working for someone who deserves you.

And no matter what your situation, put something in savings and pay down debt. In that order. Make it your goal to be able to survive at least one year with no income. Without that level of security, you will not be in a position of influence. You will be exactly what they want you to be -- maleable.

Yes, the "movement" does permeate. Yes, the workplace is part of the world. Yes, just like everywhere, you have to fight on that ground as well.

[robbedvoter]

44. Soon, all jobs in US will be "offered" by Republicans....

better get used to it.

[Silverhair]

46. Yes. There is more to life than politics.

My day does not begin and end with politics. I hope I never get that politically minded.

Yesterday was a really beautiful sunrise, and I enjoyed every minute of it without once thinking of politics.

[funkybutt]

47. I, and pretty much everyone i know works for republicans

gotta work

[dryan]

48. Question...

would I work for the GOP Party or a GOP cause - no.

Would I work for a Republican - yes, I have worked for Republicans in private companies.

[funkybutt]

63. My sentiments exactly n/t

[John_H]

49. Huh?

Why on earth would you not work for a republican provided the job is not political. Sometimes DU cracks me up.

[bitchkitty]

51. Take the job.

Unless it's a job that involves you going against your Democratic ideals - i.e. I wouldn't take a job designing a right-wing web site no matter the salary.

Take the job - too many people are going without now. Take the job and donate 10% of your salary to the DNC.

[w4rma]

53. Work for any large corporation and you are almost surely working for

a Republican.

[SonofMass]

54. I'd take the job but every day I'd be crying in my teacup.

It's a shame the world is being taken over by 'republicans'.

[applegrove]

55. Yeah - take the job. You have to live. When they serve kool-aid

take notes and report back to us. But only if you really want & need that job. Are you excited about it?

Nobody says that corporations have to go - just the manipulative corporates who are not acting as citizens of a country and need to have their wrists slapped big time.

Remember every day that you walk through those corporate doors: the corporation was invented as a tool to help make business opportunities more efficient and less risky to human beings. You are the master of the word corporation (they have no language of their own ... well except for 're-branding' and the like) because you are a human being.

So go out and get a job and do well and work hard. And make friends. And be grateful if that is how you feel. Because you are an adult human being and you have a right to make choices and live in a world filled with 'shades of grey'. It is the ones who want all American adults to be looking at the world as adolescents with their 'black and white' thinking outside of work hours and inside their hearts who are the enemy.

[dhinojosa]

57. Yes, but I'd make sure I get back on my feet , create a company of my own.

Idle hands are the devil's workshop, you have to do something.

I have worked for a Republican before, and I had a great time actually.

He'd stray off to the right once in while. He insisted once that employees sign a form saying that they wouldn't sue the company. I laughed at him, told him I wouldn't sign it, and mentioned that it wouldn't even hold up in court, and that any prosecutor would claim that you are blackmailing your employees.

He dropped it, I didn't sign anything. But he would have the upper hand on a lot of things, and he pretty much molded my work ethic. The greatest thing about him is that he believed in all his employees and was a very positive guy.

[skippythwndrdog]

58. Of course, why wouldn't I.

Economic realities must be thought of. I must have money, I must work.

[AStateofThings]

60. What A Silly Question

Of course I would, what a ridiculous thing to ask. In fact, I'm sure I do. I'm not preached at, I don't have it shoved down my throat, and that's fine. People are people, a job is a job.

Denying a job because the boss is a Republican is the most immature, ridiculously absurd thing I've ever heard.

[ZenLefty]

61. My boss is a republican.

And he's a great guy to work for. There's no conflicted feelings; work is work and politics is politics. :shrug:

[cheezus]

62. Yes! I can get paid to undermine a partisan republican?

sign me up!

[in_cog_ni_to]

64. I'd rather eat dirt and live on the streets.

I REALLY DO despise repukes and everything they stand for.

[Skittles]

66. in Texas you have little choice

nt

[Connie_Corleone]

67. I already do.

I've been working for a MAJOR Bush contributer/supporter for almost 7 years.

It doesn't bother me because I work in a corporation. So, it's not like he knows me personally. Besides, it's not a bad place to work.

[Zhade]

68. Hell, I'm already employed by a certain neocon media baron.

No more will be said, as I am currently selling myself as we speak...

EDIT: And yes, I feel like an utter traitor to truth every time I badge in.