Personal question

[blue cat]

Today at work, 3 of us were bashing Bush in front of a woman who has a son in Iraq right now. Now I'm feeling guilty. I think that she is a republican as well. Any words of wisdom?

[applegrove]

1. Could have been hard on her. But so too - not being yourself around

her could be isolating. Don't know.

[Poppyseedman]

14. I leave politics and religion at works door.

I find it is easier to work with people who don't know my personal political views and of course my religious views are private.

In this day of partisan politics, I rather talk about my faith then my politics. People seem to understand if I believe differently than they do, but God forbid if I like a particular politician or party.

Then I am either a loon an idiot or both.

Plus I get paid to work, not push my personal views on people.

[Caoimhe]

2. Get her alone and tell her

you didn't mean to offend her, that you support the troops and her son, and you feel the best way to support him is to get him home safe and sound to his loving family.

[Faygo Kid]

3. Speak out. Your time to do so may be closing.

She can walk away. Don't go out of your way to offend her, but there is no way, at this insane time, that people of good will should not speak out. Our lives and our nation are at stake here. This isn't just political disagreement any more.

[Big Unit]

4. Thank Her

You should thank her and her family for the sacrifices they make to have their son so far away, in harms way, and trying to do the right thing for his country.

[fleabert]

5. perhaps talk to her tomorrow and tell her while you support her son

and hope he comes home safely, you and your friends feel it is Bush who put her son in harms way for a lie, and are working towards and hoping he comes home sooner rather than later.

[Mythsaje]

6. That's probably the best response so far...n/t

[fleabert]

7. thanks. I have a few family members in the military, liberal and

conservatives. Makes for interesting holidays. The worst ones are those that champion the military, yet do NOTHING to support them beyond a sticker or magnet on the car. (usually a gas guzzler three times too big for their needs)

[Mythsaje]

9. I have a few republicans in my family as well (I assume)

though I haven't seen or talked to them in years. My uncle, for example, who owns a successful electrical engineering firm and is definitely the richest member of my family, is almost certainly a rethug. I understand he's gotten into politics recently. Makes me want to show up at one of his rallys and do something disreputable. :evilgrin:

I have very little contact with Republicans, so I'm a bit insulated. My dad is a life-long Democrat (says the Repugs are for the rich and the Dems are for everyone else).

[politicaholic]

8. Avoid her, don't make eye contact, and perhaps move your desk...

Just kidding. Talk to her. Being up front is the best method.

A red, white, and blue carnation bouquet with a GW bobblehead might help too...actually...maybe not...

[blue cat]

10. Thanks for all your replies

I think I will donate some phone cards for him and his buddies. I just felt sorry for her because she must be so worried right now, but we weren't talking about Iraq.

[khashka]

11. I don't think you should feel guilty for voicing your opinion

It is possible that you might have hurt her feelings. So you might want to take her aside and tell her you didn't mean it that way. Saying "I'm sorry" never killed anyone.

Unfortunately a lot of people think that being critical of the government or the war is being critical of our troops. And if her son is in Iraq, I'm sure she's very worried - anything that remotely can be construed as criticism can be hurtful.

You didn't do anything wrong and you don't need to change - but the fact this bothers you says what a good person you are. And now you have a wonderful opportunity: to extend the hand of friendship, to get to know her better

Khash.

[Totally Committed]

12. She should be too busy feeling guilty for supporting a man

who put her son in harm's way for a LIE to even notice.

TC

[president4aday]

13. Bash away. Do bush voters have any qualms about offending

you ?

Send her kid and buddies phone cards?

Nah. People waging immoral wars don't deserve moral support.

If she can't having her beliefs challenged, she needs to grow up.