I just put THE smackdown on a couple RW idiots ;)

[guitar man]

I used my lunch time to go to the grocery store and pick up a few things. I was standing in line behind what I assumed were a mother, daughter and grand baby. The daughter had a baby about 18 months or so I'd guess, and was pregnant again.

They were talking about the election and lamenting that it was going so badly for McCain and the repugs, and talking about how bad things would be with the "awful Democrats" winning and "damn liberals" running the country and blah, blah blah. As we got closer to the register, I saw the daughter pull out an Access Oklahoma card, which is our electronic version of food stamps. Then I heard her mom tell her they would have to pick up her WIC at another store since the one we were in didn't do WIC vouchers or something like that.

It was at that point that I said "excuse me, I don't normally butt into other people's conversations, but I'd just like to say *You're Welcome*..." They shot me a puzzled look and after a pause, I said, "I'm sorry, I thought I heard you say *thank you*.."

The mom looked real puzzled and asked "why would we say that?" I said "because I'M one of those *DAMN LIBERALS* and *AWFUL DEMOCRATS* that has voted and fought damn hard to make sure you have the government food benefits you're so happily spending right now, among other things. If everything were left solely up to the tender mercy of the ultra conservative idiot republicans, you'd be in a world of hurt trying to find something to eat today!"

The mom just looked at me and sort of stammered and said "sorry, I didn't mean anything bad by what I said" I said "the hell you didn't, you just didn't think there were any of us *godless liberals* within earshot, or none that would have the guts to speak up. Next time you start running your mouths, don't be surprised when someone calls you out on your bullshit. Fact is, what your family is enjoying in benefits, which by the way I'm happy you have, is the result of my Democratic, union-man Grandfather voting for FDR in the 30s, and my Democratic Teamster Father voting for Jack Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson....and God willing Barack and the Democrats will win two weeks from now and set about saving the day once again from yet another godawful mess the damn republicans have created.Something to think about before you go into the voting booth."

I shut up and the two of them just sort of looked down at their feet as the checker finished ringing them up and they got out of there. As I was checking out, my checker was grinning and a teenaged girl in line behind me said "you're awesome....and you don't even look like a Democrat!"

Now I just wonder, what the hell is a Democrat supposed to look like? :shrug:

[geckosfeet]

1. Kinda like shootin monkeys in a baited banana tree. o - I forgot -

exceeeelllent!:applause: :kick:

[guitar man]

7. ROFL!!

With your kind permission, I'm going to use that one...:rofl:

[blue cat]

2. I love you!

Really!

[bjobotts]

238. A Democrat looks exactly like me.If you don't believe me, go look in the mirror

[yardwork]

3. Nice family values those Republicans have, too. One kid on welfare and another on the way.

Like you, I don't begrudge them the food. Everyone deserves to eat.

Maybe your words will help them think beyond the words on hate radio that they feed themselves.

[mitchum]

15. "But Gawwd wants you to have lots of baybees!"

[lligrd]

144. Our Welfare System Encourages Having Kids

I don't really know what the solution is. Nobody (at least no Liberal) wants children starving but the current system gives exemptions to work and more money for having kids.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

151. Childless people don't qualify for shit.

No food stamps, no welfare, and no Medicaid.

[Oilwellian]

171. I don't know where to start

First of all, having worked with mothers on welfare, I can assure you NONE of them had more babies to get that extra $60.00 a month. It's absurd and ignorant to suggest such a thing. Secondly, welfare was created so kids wouldn't be taken away from their mother and placed in orphanages. I suggest you read up on the history and purpose of welfare benefits before shooting off at the mouth about something you obviously know NOTHING about.

[mamalone]

191. Thank you.

:hug:

[annabanana]

217. Thank you G.O.

I wonder about some people, really.

[lligrd]

235. Your Post Is Just So Wrong - I Don't Know Where To Start

I was not disputing the need for welfare nor degrading those who use it. I am a strong advocate of safety nets. Neither did I claim that women were having children to get benefits. I don't know where you live but in my state you get a few hundred per child and are exempt from work requirements if the child is under 6.

I actually know quite a bit about it since I work in the field. My main complaint is that without kids one gets virtually nothing which is why I said it encourages having children. My solution would be to offer more help to those without children too.

As for "shooting my mouth off" because I dare to express an opinion on a touchy subject, well, I'll just leave that alone.

[jeff30997]

227. "Our Welfare System Encourages Having Kids"

Yeah,sure,whatever.In Third World Countries a couple may have 9-10 kids and it's certainly not

because of their wonderful welfare systems 'cause in most of those places they have none.

Besides,maybe all the peoples on welfare in the U.S should be sterilized isn't it ?

[lligrd]

236. Sure Jeff, Sterilization Is The Answer For Sure

If you have no idea what I am talking about, why bother posting a reply?

[aviationpm]

242. I think in those cases it's because of religion.

Religions dissuade people from birth control and lead to horrific treatment and abuse of women across the world.

[jeff30997]

245. I totally agree with you on this.

Over here in Quebec before the 60's the Catholic Church was heavily involved in all aspects

of people's lives.They told peoples for which party to vote for and they were pushing for

everyone to make babies.My maternal Grand-Parents were pretty poor and had 11 kids.

One day my Grand father complained about the fact that it was hard to feed this big family

and the damn priest told him to make more kids because it was "the will of God".

My poor Grand mother was pregnant most of her short life.She died of cancer at the age of

47 about 20 years before my birth so I never met her. :(


And also,in the poor countries they make a lot of children so they can have more peoples to

work on the farm and when they get old they're taken care of by their family because they

have no retirement plan or social security.

[Catherine Vincent]

4. Now I just wonder, what the hell is a Democrat supposed to look like?

There must not have been any minorities around. Were these people caucasian?

[guitar man]

14. in all fairness

I am a biker, I think the Harley Davidson garb and accessories catches some people off guard. Yes, they were caucasian.

[northofdenali]

99. GTRMAN, been there, biker gear and all..........

Mine aren't HD, generally First Gear and usually RoadStar (01 Roady named Ravn1) - but it's funny, just about every biker I know is a pretty strong civil libertarian/Dem leaning/constitution believing/fiscal conservative but social liberal type! So post us a biker picher and show us what a Dem looks like!



Bikers for Obama!!

On edit: K&R - what a great moment that would have been to watch. Maybe it'll make them both THINK.

[Jackpine Radical]

181. Democrats...

(Geez, that woman looks like somebody I used to date, 40 years later)

[zogtheobvious]

213. Hmm.... looks like a couple of Americans to me! :)

See subject

[EnviroBat]

188. I wish that was my experience here in Ohio, but many of my former

biker "friends" have been giving me shit about the Obama signs in my front yard. Oh well, screw it. I mostly ride alone anyway...

[northofdenali]

211. Palin has made a lot of my biker buddies do a turnaround -

most bikers here are fiercely anti-government (very typical Alaskan attitude in general) but I've had a least 3 friends I ride with say the McCain/Palin matchup was the last straw. Most of the folks I ride with are left-leaning and don't even realize it until certain subjects come up (racism, in particular, civil liberties as well). Once they realize where they stand, they vote accordingly!

[POAS]

48. Let's see, I've been a democrat all my life and

when I was in my 20's I was a long haired hippie anti-war radical.

When I was in my 30's and 40's I was a bit less scruffy but still was often without a decent haircut or good clothes owing to child support and a low wage factory job.

Now I'm in my 60's with little hair, still in jeans and T-shirts but not quite as scruffy, they don't come with holes these days.

I guess that is what a Democrat looks like, at least in my mirror!

[AlbertCat]

152. I'm a Democrat

and always have been and I go to the Opera and Ballet as often as possible, and since I used to make period clothes for the movies, I wear things I made...which look professional and "designer" because... well, I was a professional. So bikers and hippies don't have the "total liberal" look either.

I must admit I always wanted to be a hippie. Born too late...just missed it! I love long hair and a beard! Right On! Groovy! Peace...tie dye and Bobby Sherman!

Would've been fun to be a Beatnik too, Daddy-o.

At any rate...DOWN WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT!

[mamalone]

193. Bobby Sherman?????

Whoa! I had the most enormous crush on him! I thought he was just the cutest thing ever created... "Here Comes the Brides" was my must-see-tee-vee back then:blush:

As an aside, you are only the first other person I've ever "met" who's admitted to having a thing for him. Actually I think this is the first time I've ever admitted it publically myself. lol.

[KatyaR]

219. Okay, I'll step up and admit it, too--

I had a HUGE crush on him . . . but I think I was, what, 12 at the time?

Bobby Sherman and David Cassidy--oh, and I had a HUGE crush on Glen Campbell, too, I thought he was soooo good in "True Grit."

Ah, the good old days . . . .

[mamalone]

228. Oh Yeah!!

Glenn Campbell in "True Grit!" I thought that was a great movie... except wasn't there some scene where fingers were cut off or something? I seem to remember being horrified by something related to fingers... Whatever it was, I'm sure it would be mild in the extreme by today's standards though, lol.

memories...... ;)

[KatyaR]

231. I think I do remember something about that--didn't that happen to John Wayne's character?

What sticks in my mind is that pit Kim Darby fell into that was filled with rattlesnakes--akkk!!!!

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

209. Well, in my 20,s...

I had long, curly Robert Plant hair.

At 56, I have about 2 ft of ponytail and all of my hair.

I've always been a dem and those who don't like my hair can pucker up and kiss my ass :-)

[jeff30997]

229. Scruffy ?

(Character on Futurama) :P

[lumberjack_jeff]

78. I'm pretty sure they all look just like me.

I must say, the suspenders look quite fetching on you.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

5. Awesome!

What fucking hypocrites.

[leftofthedial]

6. haven't you heard?

democrats look like socialists


this week.

[guitar man]

19. "socialists"

that's so three hours ago, haven't you heard, now we're communists! :rofl:

[tavalon]

54. You knew it was heading that direction!

[NikolaC]

128. LOL

:rofl:

[rateyes]

225. potAtoes potaatoes.

:D

[redqueen]

8. ...

:yourock:

[tabatha]

9. Awesome.

[polichick]

10. K&R - Nice going! (You don't LOOK like a Dem??)

[Ian David]

11. Yay! You go! n/t

[Greyhound]

12. K & R, good job and thanks. n/t

[elizfeelinggreat]

13. I think we're supposed to look like old, worn out hippies.

Or "rich elites" who don't have to shop for themselves or maybe drooling nut cases - after all, that's what Rush and Ann make us sound like ... quite an assortment of personalities they have cooked up for us, isn't it? And they just pull out whatever stereotype they think will fit some particular situation.

BTW, it's great you got the history lesson in there! They certainly needed it.

[unapatriciated]

176. Maybe that's why my customers try to convince me McCain is the best man for the job.

I look like an ole hippy and I don't talk like them(moved here from Ca two years ago}.
They think they can save me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCutvXccFlA

Thanks to the op for setting them straight.
As a checker in a grocery store in the red stated of Ga and the even redder counties of Cobb and North Fulton I get these customers everyday.
They can't wait to tell me how "worried" they are about Obama winning.
I'm not allowed to talk politics so I have to be content with saying "I'm one of those crazy liberals and will that be cash, check or credit card?"
But I have seen a growing number of Obama button and t-shirts being worn by our customers, so there is hope for GA.

[Quantess]

179. We're supposed to look like old, worn out terrorists.

[LiberalAndProud]

16. What *does* a Democrat look like?

I shall forever wonder what sterotype the woman has in her head. So you don't look like Barack Obama? You don't resemble Ted Kennedy?

By the way, you are Awesome ... really.

[OwnedByFerrets]

17. Thank you

that made me LMFAO!!!! You da man!!

[WritersBlock]

18. You are wonderful, you know that?

And I have no idea what you look like, but you look just like a Democrat to me!

:toast: :toast: :toast:

[yodoobo]

20. Great story. Its amazing how often politics occur

in the grocery store lines.

What is it about conservatives, that just can't resist going on about their idiotic political thoughts in the checker line at the grocery store? (I think the Gas pumps are a close second)

You'd think that after awhile they would get tired of getting smacked down and having their stories of humiliation appear on blogs.

very nice.

[pecwae]

113. LOL.

[Morrisons Ghost]

122. I like the gas pump ones!

Man they just don't seem to get how wrong driving an SUV is even after a tongue lashing by one of us!

[Cerridwen]

21. Nice job.

BTW, as a feminist who has been told I "don't look like a feminist," I completely understand your confusion about not looking like a Democrat. It's amazing the stereotypes uninformed or misinformed people buy.

edit: grammar icky goof

[guitar man]

29. well ,here I am

I think a lot of people have a real misconception about bikers and politics...

[Cerridwen]

35. I think a lot of people have real problems with books and covers.

I don't have a pic handy but I'll break it down thusly, I look like a "soccer (grand)mom". Back when that was said to me I looked more like a "soccer mom." :D

I do remember years ago being surprised that there were republican "bikers." How times have changed. LOL

[The Backlash Cometh]

36. I see what they mean.

You look less threatening, but there are some serious right-wing bikers where I live. Lots older, too. They drive with anger and a look of defiance in their faces. No doubt they go to the Steak and Shake every Thursday night to complain about the minorities, now socialists, I guess.

[Catherine Vincent]

67. My! Aren't you cool!

:)

[smoogatz]

69. Dude. Helmet.

You're too good lookin' to be an organ donor.

[glitch]

165. Agreed - plus we can't afford to lose anymore Democrats! nt

[Subdivisions]

22. Absolutely AWESOME!!! Good job! n/t

[Quantess]

23. Good for you.

Your last question: Some people think Democrats are supposed to look like they stepped out of a Cheech & Chong movie.

[Jed Dilligan]

94. In post #29 he is dressed almost exactly like Chong from

"Next Movie," but in darker colors. Bandana, vest, t-shirt, jeans. Very distinctively Chonglike.

[Hand]

24. OUTSTANDING!

:applause: :yourock: :loveya:

[The Backlash Cometh]

25. Man, I wish I had been there. Are you caucasian and male?

[guitar man]

31. yep

there's a pic of me up thread a ways now :)

[BlueJazz]

26. I want you to have my Baby.

[guitar man]

27. sorry

I already had a vasectomy :crazy:

[Caretha]

60. But are you single?

That is the best "on your toes" response I believe I have ever read. BTW, I "flipped" a Repub today that already voted, but felt like stupid dodo after I educated him. :) and wish he'd voted for Obama.

edited to say...they don't think I look like a Democrat either, what the hell are these people smoking?

[NeoTheo]

28. Now I just wonder, what the hell is a Democrat supposed to look like?

I don't know, maybe long hair or something.

That is a great story. I like you have never understood how people can talk bad about those who put policies in place that help them get along in life.

However I might have added, but then again I'm a cretin, "And while your at it you might see if you can do something about having your daughter keep her legs shut so there will be more to go around for everybody else. Or is that some of those great moral values that Sarah Palin has been teaching her"?

[SammyWinstonJack]

116. Probably because they are unaware of which Party really gives a rat's ass about them. I think they

know now that it isn't the republicans.

[NeoTheo]

117. However you have to admit

The Republicans have done a stellar job over the last couple of decades in somehow convincing the peasantry that they are actually part of the aristocracy. I don't fully get it, but I clearly see it's results.

[WallStreetNobody]

30. Great work. K&R

[MelissaB]

32. OMG! I need a cigarette

and I don't even smoke. :evilgrin:


:yourock:

[guitar man]

34. :)

:blush:

[boobooday]

33. Wow, GTRMAN, you rock on!

Great story.

You're a damn fine American, and you did a great and patriotic thing.

[Haole Girl]

37. ROFLMAO!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

K & R'd!!! :hi:

[guitar man]

38. thanks!

:hi:

[noiretextatique]

39. good on you for speaking up

my friends are always on my case because i break that unpsoken, unwritten rule: don't talk about politics. it's ridiculous to sit or stand around and let some loudmouth say things that aren't true. you "corrected" those people, and they needed correcting. :toast:

[guitar man]

43. thanks

It is hard to speak up in Oklahoma sometimes, believe me. I have bitten my tongue and stayed silent more times in the last 8 years than I could possibly count. No more, I've had enough, when I hear bullshit, I'm going to call people on it, at least from now until the election is over. It is too important to remain silent.

[TuxedoKat]

71. Good for you.

I have been doing the same and I notice people around me doing the same as well -- here on DU, politicians, in the MSM. It's like we are experiencing some kind of collective awakening and standing up to all the bullying we've put up since the Reagan years. It's curious. It's almost like Barack is leading by example standing up to the right-wing bullies -- ENOUGH!!!

[AnneD]

195. I don't suffer fools easily anymore....

not since 2004 anyway-and I'll continue correcting them after the election. Enough is enough.

If I mention being opposed to the war, they always throw in well what do you know. That's when I mention my career military Dad and my 10 years in the military. Some of us (a lot actually) that protest the wars were in them. Don't believe it-just start of fight with one of us. Yes-even us sweet natured women.

[whathehell]

40. That was one fabulous "Teaching Moment"...That's really what

it was...These idiots don't know history and don't even know who is on "their side"...Good for you...You may have actually started a little thinking today.

[lunatica]

41. I'm too old for you but I love you

:loveya:

[RandomKoolzip]

42. This didn't happen.

Sorry, I just don't buy it. No "uh"s? No stammering? Your thoughts as spoken are as articulate as they are as thought?

I mean, I run into republicans all the time, spouting off, and I'm willing to admit that i get mad and then become sub-articulate in turn. When i try to confront them, I rarely can dredge up kind of articulate, ordered speech many DUers seem to conjure at the drop of a hat. I'm usually more like, "Uh, yeah, right! You're a jerk!" or something...and then LATER, after I've calmed down, I think of the clever ripostes I shoulda used.

I'm of the firm belief that 99% of all "freeper/repuke encounter" stories are just fantasies. Either that, or there's a kernel of versimillitude and a truckload of wishful thinking/embellishment.

No offense: this isn't personal. I just don't believe this actually happened. :shrug:

[guitar man]

46. I had a hard time believing it myself

I'm like you, there have been times when I have tried to say something before and came off sounding like a buffoon. But this time, I had a minute to think before I started in. I think the fact that they weren't speaking to me and expecting an immediate response is what put me in the driver's seat. ;)

[Beam Me Up]

185. Having a minute to think about it is key.

I can be either inarticulate or articulate depending on just how much I've 'studied up' on a particular issue. But 'having a moment to think about it' before I speak, and not speaking completely from my outrage (which is sometimes very difficult cause I have little patience for such ignorance) is also important. You handled this one perfectly!

[Scriptor Ignotus]

47. here is a tip for DU and for life in general

when you retell a story, it's ok to embellish slightly. It will make you a better storyteller and more beloved by man and woman alike.

If you recount every single unflattering nuance it tends to make for a less then compelling story.


;-)

[CoffeeCat]

75. I think it's really rude...

...and also classless--to call someone a liar, when you have no proof.

If you don't believe the story, that's fine, don't comment on it.

However, it is pretty heartless to insinuate that someone is a raging liar---when
they take the time to share something about their life on DU.

I really hate it when DUers do this to other DUers.

[Zhade]

76. What, the OP's going to include all the uhs?

Come on. That's just silly.

Hard not to take being called a liar personal.

[Seldona]

83. Some people are good off the cuff.

I have had many a heated conversation with wingers pointing out the very things the op was attempting to. It does happen.

In fact I like to go about it from the other direction. My 3 buddies and I sit and have lunch and talk politics. Loudly. Love to see the looks on some people's faces while they squirm and blush. Nobody has said a word. Yet.

[Phentex]

114. I am pretty good I think....

I've had "encounters" when I wear my Jesus is a Liberal shirt to the grocery store. Sure, most people start off by muttering something under their breaths, but I don't have a shy bone in my body. I like to respond by asking questions first, not belittling someone, and I remain very calm.

Anti-war buttons are also good ice-breakers, lol.

[pecwae]

115. Oh no you didn't.

[BeachBaby]

138. What's so hard to believe?

Haven't you ever been passionate about something? Something that you've thought through over and over again? Something about which you've educated yourself so that you are well-informed and can have productive discussion on the topic? Something that you feel so strongly about, that you want to contribute to its success?

I worked on 3 campaigns - both of Clinton's, and Kerry/Edwards. I volunteered my time for those campaigns because I am passionate about upholding the greatness of our country - MY country that so many of my relatives have fought for, and died for. They didn't risk their lives - and LOSE their lives - so that their loved ones, and their future grandchildren could be the victims of neoconservatism; so when I was out canvassing neighborhoods, I knew what message I wanted to deliver to the people I encountered.

I've also spent many years volunteering my time to Vietnam vets. What they've had to endure for the last 30+ years is absolutely horrendous, despicable, and an embarrassment to me as an American. I have an extensive knowledge on the problem, and am passionate about finding solutions; so when I occasionally come across the ignorant person who claims that Vietnam vets are milking their vet status for all it's worth, you better believe I have plenty to say - but "Uh, yeah, right! You're a jerk" isn't what comes to mind.

GTRMAN is obviously passionate and greatly concerned for the future of our nation and the people who inhabit it. His reaction to these ignorant, misinformed Americans was the reaction of someone who is sick and tired of having to contend with the horrifying repercussions of the Republican vote.

To GTRMAN.....well done, sir. :patriot:

[morillon]

141. I've got friends who absolutely are this articulate and fearless.

I've seen 'em in action. And taken notes, too. :-)

My mom has had some moments like this lately. She's about to turn 70, and I think she's sick of watching this country go to hell around her. She used to be shy, but not anymore.

[RandomKoolzip]

159. "Fearless?" The guy rebuked a poor mother and daughter on food stamps.

A little less "fearlessness" and a little more compassion (and humility) probably would have been more apropos in this situation (if it DID actually occur). As it stands, if the actions described in this anecdote are accurate, then these poor folks just got their stereotyped views about know-it-all "nanny state" holier-than-thou scolding liberals reinforced. Which, hey, if that was the intention, then: cool.

If I was a woman living in poverty who got lectured in line at a supermarket by some conservative for spouting off anti-conservative rhetoric, I'd probably hate conservatives as a group even more than i do now. Especially if I only wanted to procure some goddamned food for my starving kid. See how that works?

[morillon]

160. If I'd decided to speak up...

...it probably would've been along the lines of "Just to clear something up: Democrats and liberals have *always* been the ones looking out for folks like us. If it were up to Republicans, we'd have no social safety net at all. That's one of their *core* beliefs."

I tend to use more "we" and "us" language, though, because it seems less confrontational. It's just a habit of mine.

I don't fault the original poster for doing what he did. It's not the way I would've gone about it, but I don't think he was wrong. Those two women will think about what he said. They may hate him for it, but think about it they will.

[Pacifist Patriot]

206. It sounds like you've decided to imagine the transaction

as one of overt hostility and an utter lack of compassion. Without a video camera to hear tone and view body language and facial expressions we really don't know what the encounter was truly like. Surely you have seen transcripts that did not do justice to what actually transpired.

I honestly don't know if this occurred or not (I'm overhearing more and more stuff like this in public so I'm not going to discount the possibility), but I don't see any reason to start beating someone up about it. If you suspect bullshit, why not ignore the thread or PM the person with your concerns about the veracity of the post and what that could mean to DU and fellow progressives who read it?

I'm afraid it isn't the OP you are casting in a negative light.

[Scout]

208. i think it's high time more assholes got put in their places

i'm sick to death of them, and more of us need to stand up to them.

at least these women now know who butters their bread, and it's not the Republicans and their ilk.

[TankLV]

237. OK - you've been punked - and shown up GOOD for your insulting baseless insinuation of that poster

so now you resort to defending those ASSHOLE REPUKES who were INSULTING the very person who allowed them to live!

unfuckingbelievable...

get a fucking clue, asswipe...

[Pacifist Patriot]

203. Here's another story you can choose not to believe happened.

At a weekly Sports in the Park outing on Monday afternoon, I was approached about my Obama t-shirt. (Keep in mind this is organized by some pretty fundamentalist Christians a la Calvary Chapel so we rarely discuss religion and politics)

One of the women I didn't know very well asked me how in the world I could vote for "that man."

I said, "Can I assume you are referring to Senator Barack Obama?"

She sneared, "yeah that liberal that is going to ruin our country."

I pointed to our kids on the playing field and I said, "I am voting for Obama because of them."

She looked startled and said, "huh?"

I said, "For the first time in my life (okay, stretching it a bit there) the choice is not only an easy one to make it is the only one to make. The GOP has demonstrated for the past eight years that they have serious issues with ethics, morals and sound fiscal judgment. I cannot in good conscience vote for a man and woman I would be embarrassed to have as role models for my children. Obama on the other hand is eloquent, demonstrates good judgment, has a history of ethical propriety and his policies make the most sense for the majority of Americans. I am weary of the lying coming from the Republicans and the selection of McCain, an elderly man in poor health who claims to support the troops. (couple of military families in earshot) In reality, he has a proven voting record in the Senate of denying adequate VA benefits, pay increases, proper body armor, and a host of other needs for our men and women in uniform. He does not deserve either my respect or my vote. His selection of Palin, clearly a woman wildly out of her element and not fit to lead the PTA let alone our country, demonstrates an appalling lack of judgment. I am embarrassed and shocked on behalf of the female Republican politicans with the proper experience who were ignored in favor of a trophy running mate. The hate speech condoned by these two at their rallies is appallingly immoral and ultimately dangerous. Quite seriously, there is just no contest. If I want my children to have a healthy planet on which to live, educational and career opportunities, healthcare that I consider to be a human right and leadership that can inspire recovery of our global economy, than there is no other choice but to vote for Obama. As much as I distrust McCain and disagree with his policies, I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be voting for someone in this election rather than voting against the other guy."

She responded, "well I guess you're entitled to your opinion" and stalked off.

Not a single parent said another word to me about politics. I suspect because my elevator speech fell on deaf ears.

Never underestimate what someone is capable of on the spot. I never would have predicted I was able to deliver that without hemming and hawing. But I did.

We're also not able to determine the tone from the OPs words. He did tell them he was glad they had the benefits. I probably would not have handled it the same way, but I can't say I'd have remained completely silent. I am fed up with the bullshit and if I overhear wildly inaccurate crap demonizing liberals, I address it. And yes, even with complete strangers.

[annabanana]

220. read too many playboy letters?. . .what ?. . . . . . n/t

[rug]

44. Now I can't wait to smackdown a pregnant Republican on public assistance and her mother.

I'll post about it too.

[Javaman]

190. To me it was less a smack down then a lecture on the reality of life...

which many of the poor right wingers on food stamps desperately need.

[proud patriot]

45. Teenage girl was right , you are Awesome

:yourock:

[tosh]

49. K&R - Great going, GTRMAN!!

[barbtries]

50. i've notiiced

that i can't tell a republican by what they look like either.

GREAT story! you really gave them something to think about. good on ya.

[guitar man]

51. thanks everybody

for all the K&Rs and replies, I'm outta here, gonna go take a ride on my bike while the weather is good :)

[lostnotforgotten]

53. Best To You - Very Worthy Smack-down! - Kudos!

eom

[femrap]

52. K and R....

I just love these kind of stories. Now maybe these willfully ignorant women will go home and actually THINK!!!

Whenever I see a McCain bumper sticker and the person who owns the vehicle...I always say: I bet you're happy there is no law against being stupid!

[dgibby]

55. What a democrat looks like:

horns, hooves:evilgrin:

BTW, :yourock:

[Laelth]

56. Indeed. What does a Democrat look like?

I admire your courage.

:dem:

-Laelth

[Lubernaut]

57. Muchos kudos!

Great story!

[ljm2002]

58. Excellent smackdown!

Thanks for speaking up. I think you did it respectfully enough too -- starting with the righteous indignation, backing it up with facts -- hopefully tonight they go home with not just food, but food for thought!

[Catshrink]

59. Nice job...

You could have really had some fun by saying that repugs are the new "welfare queens." Nah. That would be too easy.

[annunakigohome]

61. I totally agree with you, but don't you think they were sincere when they apologized?

See, I have read so many posts on here where someone apologizes for something they wrote and the "offended" person won't let them off the hook. We have to remember that ignorance happens in a vacuum. Sometimes I think people have more compassion for ignorant people of color than Whites, when the cause is the same: lack of education, lack of life experience or exposure to that which is different...I am sure that you have an awareness that comes from having been places, met people different from yourself, etc. Some people are so isolated that they just repeat what they have been told and fear difference.

[fujiyama]

107. Yep a lot of people live in an isolated world

where their thoughts and beliefs aren't challenged and they are fed propaganda from church and other outlets. Their view of Democrats may literally be that they are war-on-terror surrendering, America hating, baby killing, gay marriage loving elitists.

It's twisted but that's what it is for many.

[Zuiderelle]

137. Why add "gay-marriage loving" into that list of surrendering, America hating, baby killing?

You wrote a list of misconceptions/bad things and ended your list with a good thing? I hate that. A lot.

"Their view of Democrats may literally be that they are war-on-terror surrendering, America hating, baby killing, gay marriage loving elitists."

I WISH that a typical democrat was gay marriage loving. Sigh.

[IndianaJones]

198. we're not really any of those things...including "gay marriage loving" nt.

[Zuiderelle]

201. Well, no, but I hope we are "gay marriage supporting" ... My point: that's a list of BAD things...

followed by a good thing, which by its nature associates gay marriage as a bad thing. Like when people say lump gay people in with murderers and rapists and thieves. Or when religious people say that God forgives all sinners, like thieves and adulterers and gay people. Or when republicans list us in with pedophiles.

I am just sick of being thought of as a bad thing. That's "so gay" you know?

[IndianaJones]

202. I understand your point. That is a list of bad things to most people...Democrats included. nt.

[Zuiderelle]

204. Exactly. And it pisses me off.

[IndianaJones]

205. me too. we're in the minority. nt.

[Zuiderelle]

207. :(

I hate that you're right about that.

:pals:

[fujiyama]

232. Whoa.

Please don't misinterpret what I'm saying! I don't think gay marriage is any more or less wrong than a straight marriage. I don't think the state should be involved in "marriage" beyond a mere civil union - for ALL COUPLES.

Marriage as far as I'm concerned is religious and only ceremonial...and churches and other religious institutions can marry whomever they wish. I think that's where a large number of people that worry about this issue are confusing the two concepts. A lot o f people out there think that if gay marriage were "legalized" it would somehow force churches to marry gay couples. Granted, those are the people that actually may accept civil unions for gays and lesbians. The rest are so homophobic that anything even approaching equal rights is out of the question. Hopefully we can convince the former group. The latter is to chock full of hate to change anytime soon...

It's tough to say and in a country with so many with radical religious fervor it will take some convincing and not everyone will ever be completely on board. Personally I wouldn't care what you call the damn thing. The important thing is making sure same-sex couples are seen as equal in the eyes of the law.

[Zuiderelle]

243. I don't want to get into an argument about my rights to the same things as straights.

Gay marriage has nothing to do with churches, it has only to do with equality.

My point was that you are listing gay marriage at the end of a list of BAD things. Gay marriage is a good thing because it represents CIVIL EQUALITY for the only Americans who are left out of that particular set of federal benefits that are given to married couples.

Apparently, the homophobia exists on both sides, Republican and Democrat, so maybe you just proved me wrong, and "gay marriage loving" was intended to be lumped in with all those bad things. It's so discouraging to see this same argument (civil unions for all, woohoo!) over and over from straight people.

Well, it's not your rights that are being denied. It's mine. Federally recognized civil unions do not exist. Federally recognized marriages do. Why should I call my partnership something else because of others' hatred of me? Everyone else in the world gets married, but gay people have to call it something else. Fuck that.

[pleah]

62. K&R for ya Sir!

:toast: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[CrispyQ]

63. I especially liked this:

"...your family is enjoying in benefits, which by the way I'm happy you have, is the result of my Democratic, union-man Grandfather voting for FDR in the 30s, and my Democratic Teamster Father voting for Jack Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson....and God willing Barack and the Democrats will win two weeks from now..."

Union, FDR, Teamster, Kennedy/Johnson, Barack!!!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Generic Brad]

64. What is a Democrat supposed to look like?

I don't know about you, but I look like a cross between an un-American and a socialist.

[tsuki]

65. You are awesome! nt

[blue cat]

66. Where

do you live?

[Swamp Rat]

68. Keep up the good work, brother!

:patriot:



;)

[tabasco]

70. People have a right to their opinions

and they have a right to use their benefits without humiliation by snot-nosed liberals.

I was raised to treat people with respect and not belittle someone if they are poor.

The only reason you fucked with these people is because they were on assistance.

I think that's pretty fucked up, myself.

[bullwinkle428]

79. No, I'm pretty sure he laid the smack down on account of their hypocrisy!

[wakemewhenitsover]

97. It is important to speak out -- however...

...it's also important not to kick someone when they're down. Sounds to me like these people are in dire straits; it's hardly a smackdown if one's opponent is already on the ground. There is a point where correcting wrong-headed political beliefs ends, and allowing someone (even someone ignorant or weak) a shred of dignity in a public arena, begins.

In the words of John Lennon, "Don't need a sword to cut through flowers... oh no... oh no."

[SammyWinstonJack]

121. What do you think these people would have said if the OP was the one using public assistance,

instead? Do you think they would have remained silent, or do you think they would have said something snotty? What if the OP had also been wearing an Obama t-shirt? I think we all know what would have been said and it would have been very nasty. I see nothing wrong with calling out hypocrites on their hypocrisy. Nothing wrong with it at all, imo.

[cui bono]

168. Nothing wrong with calling them out, but the angry method could prove to be

counterproductive. They will go home with a story about how some angry liberal accosted them instead of thinking about what he said, which they might have if he had simply explained it without the cursing and sarcasm.

I'm pretty surprised that almost all posts in here are of the "go get 'em" type rather than pointing out that a different approach would have been not only more effective in getting the point across but would have left them with a better impression of Dems.

Could have simply hurt the cause.

[wakemewhenitsover]

230. It's possible these people would have taken the low road.

In general, the Republicans, as a party, have taken the low road. Frequently, their targets have been the weak, the powerless. Should these be our targets, as well?

[fujiyama]

106. I understand what you're getting at

and I agree that maybe the second part may have been unnecessary since they did apologize.

However, more than anything this was an educational exercise. My personal guess is these poor people are just completely ignorant of what the parties even stand for. These people need to know who's on their side, and who clearly isn't. A lot of these people don't meet folks that don't think like themselves. And issues like gay marriage and abortion trump all sane thought and reason - including pocket books issues and personal wellbeing. After all, where would they learn opposing viewpoints? People making so little money don't have time to learn about party platforms and issues. Maybe they get fed steady propaganda from church, where they receive bulletins that Democrats are baby-killers.

Perhaps the tone COULD have been different, but he is trying to point out why people have the benefits they have. The simple fact is these people would not have access to WIC or any other form of *gasp* (here comes that REALLY dirty word) - WELFARE! - if republicans were to get what they wanted.

[fasttense]

109. Good point.

I've always wondered why that Republicon in TN chose a liberal church outside Knoxville to shoot up. He was about to lose his food stamps, and he blamed it on liberals. Maybe if someone had pointed out to him that food stamps are a Democratic policy and that liberals are all in favor of providing more help for the poor, he would have showed up at the church looking for assistance instead of looking to kill someone.

Or maybe he would have killed any liberal who tried to talk to him about reality? Who knows? :shrug:

[Pacifist Patriot]

196. Two primary reasons.

1) His ex attended that congregation.

2) He was steeped in ultra right-wing literature that fit his world view.

He was an injured human being with pent up rage and frustration at the circumstances within which he found himself. He didn't know how or didn't have the support to unlock the true causes of his anger and thereby cease feeling like a trapped victim. He found a convenient scape goat that he was able to justify in his own mind. Liberals as represented by that UU Congregation. Facts are irrelevant to someone in that state. I suspect his ex-wife's relationship to the congregation was not a minor part of the equation either.

This is why I think this society will never be a healthy one until psychological care and real efforts at emotional and spiritual maturity become a healthcare priority and covered by universal coverage.

But that's just my bleeding heart namby pamby liberal opinion. ;)

[cui bono]

166. What? I don't agree with the OPs use of anger towards them, but it was not *because*

they were on assistance! It's because they were clueless and had no idea the reason they were able to purchase food that day was due to Dem policies, the same Dems they were trashing. No idea how you misinterpreted that.

[newtothegame]

72. nice n/t

[Canuckistanian]

73. These stories get better all the time

Hahahaha, wonderful smackdown!

[Zhade]

74. Angry, but powerful. I like it.

Well-said!

[NoSheep]

77. There were many here that have called me rude for confronting these assholes BEFORE

they ever even dreamed of voting for McCain/Palin. Maybe if more of us had done this sooner, we'd have less assholes out there shooting their ignorant mouths off in public like they OWN the world.
Good for you!!!

And everyone else, GET A CLUE.

[lonestarnot]

80. Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!

[Gemini Cat]

81. Thank-you, that was wonderful!

Best thing I've read in a long time. These right winged assholes need to be called out on their ridiculous hypocracy as often as possible.
Getting help from the government while whinging about Democrats and liberals who have helped them!
What a contradiction in their thinking.

Maybe it will give them something to think about in the voting booth instead of voting against their best interest.

[bkkyosemite]

82. That was great wish I was there...

[ejbr]

84. "call you out on your bullshit..."!!!!

:rofl:

What's really sad is that their gut instinct will be to STILL pull the lever for those who are not in their best interest. Pathetic.

[elleng]

85. You look like a Democrat to ME!!!

.

[frankowen7]

86. More people should speak up.

[frankowen7]

87. Oh, and good going!

[Triana]

88. You are awesome..

...even if you don't "look like a Democrat" - whatever that is. Heh.

[nikto]

89. How much you wanna' bet...

...The woman drives a Cadillac-SUV!!
:hippie:

[BrklynLiberal]

90. What is the icon for a standing ovation????

[ElboRuum]

200. This one does quite nicely for me.

:applause:

[Ken in SF]

91. A True American Hero

What an amazing story and what courage!

We DUers can match the Freepers ugly slur for ugly slur, but this won't get us anywhere. Your kind of direct action might actually change some minds.

[frankowen7]

92. Kick

[ExPatLeftist]

93. Damn well done.

We all have to speak up. You are a great example.

I just love those Okie Democrats - tough bunch that take a lot of shit and know how to give it right back. I've got an uncle in OKC that used to get in the occasional bar fight defending the honor of one William Jefferson Clinton. :D And my grandfather still speaks up (even in church) to defend great old liberal Democratic values.

Keep it up, brother!

[RainDog]

95. BEST story I've heard all day

thank you. you spoke for millions of us.

[minnesota_liberal]

96. Bravo!

You got the point across and were maybe even civil enough to make them think a little bit.

Well done.

[fortyfeetunder]

98. POW! BAM! WHOOSH!

You carried out a Grade AAA comeback!!!!

:applause: :yourock:

[jeff30997]

240. Er...

I know who POW and George Whoosh are but who's Bam ? :)

[upi402]

100. beauty and balls

thanks for your ervice
:patriot:

[beac]

101. Well done!

:applause:

[orleans]

102. people who speak in broad brush generalizations (like they were doing)

in public are inviting commentary--only i suspect the commentary they got was far from what they were expecting.

it would be nice if they actually went home and thought it over, actually considered what you said.

maybe they will.

at any rate, i'm sure it was an encounter they won't soon forget.

thanks for standing up for us.

[JohnnyRingo]

103. A Democrat looks like you

...and thank you for being a liberal.

Thanx to you. the unfortunate suffer a little less
Thanx to you, the least among us have reason to go on one more day
Thanx to you, the world is a bit more hopeful than it was yesterday.

I'd be proud to stand with you and be called a liberal democrat.

[ClayZ]

104. Good on you!

I hope your words registered and gave them food for thought for the rest of their lives!

Each one Teach one!

Way to go, teacher!

[fujiyama]

105. Damn. That was impressive

You pretty much laid it out in one shot.

[Sherman A1]

108. Well Done! n/t

[DeeDeeNY]

110. Brings to mind the "Joe Conservative" piece

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1973484

[WillyT]

111. Big K & R !!!

:yourock:

[SammyWinstonJack]

112. Most Excellent!

:yourock:

[daggahead]

118. Maybe they thought a liberal would look like this ...

[Hubert Flottz]

119. Nothing is more fun than to cloud up and rain on their little pity parade!

I do it to them every chance I get...Everybody should.

[Ganja Ninja]

120. Just like that other idiot, Joe the plumber.

They may not know much (in fact they know nothing) but they're sure of one thing, Democrats bad.

[Mad_Dem_X]

123. You are my hero!

Good for you for speaking up! :applause:

[a kennedy]

124. OMG!!! Just an outstanding comment.....

good for you!! :hug: :applause: :patriot:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

125. Beautiful!

Glad you had the chutzpah to talk to them and point out their hypocrisy!

[LanternWaste]

126. Which is why I never speak of politics or religion in public....

Which is why I never speak of politics or religion in public-- as it seems (more often than not) to give carte-blanche to someone to force their politics and religion down my throat...

[NikolaC]

127. Awesome :D

:kick: Great response to those poor deluded women. Sometimes the hypocrisy and ignorance of the RW "base" astounds me.

[silex]

129. Great job not holding back

Enough. This time it's too important to let stuff like that go.

[formercia]

130. The republican free market:

Pull you self up by your bootstraps and go peddle that booty of yours. It's worth money. Sell it while it's still worth something.

[volstork]

131. SN-AP!

Great post!
(Love your sig line, BTW)

[SpiralHawk]

132. Thank you for speaking truth to these victims of republicon-corporate propaganda

No doubt they sit before the TV hour after hour sucking up Fox Propaganda 'news'

[raccoon]

133. You rock. This one's a keeper.

:yourock:

I'm going to keep it and paraphrase it for similar occasions.

[DeadManInc]

134. That was excellent!

[sellitman]

135. I've been told I don't look Jewish.

I wonder if I look Liberal?

Things that make you go ummmmmm?

[Mira]

136. Other than applauding you - what I mostly felt reading it is:

WE MUST stop acting like underdogs, and like we are the suppressed minority. We are neither. And it is time to accept the helm and lead the idiots out of their stubborn mulish ignorance.
No more shaking our heads and keeping quiet.

[stoge18]

139. Thank you.

Thanks for standing up and speaking out. Being called awesome by a teenager is the modern day eqivalent of receiving the key to the city. You can damn well bet that the teenager and the checkout person told several friends who also told several friends.

:kick: :patriot:

[Zambero]

140. Hopefully it was an "Epiphany" moment for those two

But I kind of doubt it

[YOY]

142. We're supposed to be pachuli smelling, unorganized, mealy mouthed weaklings.

That's what they paint us as.

Basically Alan Colmes...or whoever Hannity's sidekick is.

[sonias]

143. You are awesome GTRMAN

What a beautiful rant! I loves me some damn liberals and awful Democrats that stand up for themselves!

:yourock:


Sonia

[lligrd]

145. Glad You Took The Opportunity And Gave Them Something

to think about.

[MagicKenny]

146. Your Frustration's Justified - But Maybe a Lighter Touch Would've Worked, Too...

...in other words - no, I wouldn't want you to be another "wimpy Democrat," but maybe explaining things to these people in a reasonable way would've worked, too. We are the party of compassion. :-)

[NOLALady]

169. He sounded pretty reasonable to me.

[cui bono]

170. I agree. We want to bring them over to our side, not alienate them with anger.

[janet118]

147. An in-store encounter of another kind . . .

I went into a local convenience store, which is run by a Pakistani family, to get a soda. I was standing at the counter waiting to pay, not thinking about anything in particular. The middle-aged man at the cash register (I think he owns the store with his brother) suddenly reached out to shake my hand. I was confused, but took his hand. He pointed to my Obama/Biden button and said, "I hope they win." I smiled and asked if he were registered to vote. He said yes and gave me a thumbs up.

Let your Obama flags fly.

[TomClash]

148. Fuckin' A

You're the hero of the day! Good on ya!

:thumbsup:

[ElboRuum]

149. Apparently you weren't drinking a chai...

...and wearing a tie-dyed shirt or something.

[ElboRuum]

150. On another note...

...things like this bother me.

How obtuse does one have to be to avoid understanding that the very social programs that allow them these bits of assistance are championed by the very people they claim to loathe, and that we AREN'T their enemies, in fact, we're better friends to them than the people they claim to respect?

[AlbertCat]

158. How obtuse does one have to be

Obtuse enough to think your food stamps just appear out of nowhere and were initialized by the Founding Fathers....maybe President Franklin. Besides, it's only a "government program" if you're black or some other minority, doncha know. It's not a handout if you're fat and white.... like Exxon/Mobil.

[jayfish]

153. That's The Best "Smack-down" Story I've Read At DU.

...maybe the best period. I dream of having the opportunity to educate people in such a manner. Kudos for having the courage to put your ideology where your mouth is. Now, for all those that think this was harsh; the sting will quickly fade but hopefully the idea conveyed will last a lifetime. ...or three.

Jay

[alison]

154. Fantastic! That made my day!

Now I just have to send this to a friend of mine who is the only democrat working in an office full of RW idiots. She actually heard them talking about how Obama plans on changing the flag and the national anthem - WTF? :eyes:

[NOLALady]

167. Heavens.

"Obama plans on changing the flag and the national anthem"

Anyone that stupid should be locked up.

[Danieljay]

155. What is a Democrat supposed to look like? Well, here in Portland, I wear a shirt and tie, although

it is apparently 'cool' to look poor here.

My wife and I own a small integrative medical clinic in inner SE. I happen to enjoy looking sharp day to day, but am often confused as being conservative.

[ProfessorGAC]

156. Same Here

We have a snappy little house, drive nice cars, and have a pretty extensive set of gardens. Because of that, folks are usually surprised to hear we're liberals.

Apparently one either has to look like a dirty hippie, destitute, black or have a limo to be a liberal. There must not be any middle class dems other than you and me!
The Professor

[morillon]

164. Same happens with us.

We live in an expensive neighborhood and drive new-ish cars. We don't dress the part, though. :-) A couple months ago, we had a landscape consultant out to do an estimate on cleaning up some obnoxious pampas grass and muscadine vines in the pool area out back, and he said something to the effect that we must've bought the house as a foreclosure! LOL! We don't look mature enough or rich enough to be in this house, I guess.

Last month, the owner of the cleaning service we use sent out a racist, crazy-ass, anti-Democrat newsletter to her entire client list. She must've assumed we were rabid right-wingers like she is. I replied with a link to the Snopes article debunking the "facts" in her email, and I called her out on how wrong and un-Christian racism is. She has these "fish" symbols all over her ads and brochures, so I deliberately brought Christianity into my response. The overall tone of my email was of disappointment and disapproval, not rage. (But of course I was SEETHING.)

[GCP]

172. Woe, I'd tell that landscape guy what he could do with his pruners!

What a classless thing to say!

[morillon]

175. I actually laughed out loud.

My husband and I exchanged a glance, and I said, "Ummmm, no." And I just grinned at the guy.

We hired his company for the job because he offered a reasonable price. Paid him exactly on time, and the check didn't even bounce! :eyes:

[ProfessorGAC]

186. No Rage?!?!?!?!?

I would have killed her!

Your comportment is superior to mine!
GAC

[morillon]

194. Well, you shoulda seen the FIRST version of it. :-P

It was a thing o' beauty, took some vicious swipes that I knew would get her right where it hurts. I have this unfortunate knack of homing in on what will hurt someone in a really awful way, but 99.99% of the time I know better than to use it.

My goal in sending the reply was not to get my rocks off, metaphorically speaking, but to chide her and make her THINK. She wants to impress rich people and come off like this über-Christian Lady of the Manor. By phrasing things the way I did (with my husband's excellent editorial advice), I hope I was able to make her reconsider her views on what people are and how she should conduct herself.

I don't want these people to go away. I want them to CHANGE and be happy.

[lpbk2713]

157. Have you noticed how many views this thread is getting?

The freeper types are no doubt showing a lot of interest in
this thread. Their paranoia is geting the best of them. :rofl:


:hi: Hi Shittoheads. How's that Operation Chaos going? Too bad the rethuglican party is headed for extinction, and the conservative movement along with it. Just keep listening to your favorite RW Radio Hatemonger and you'll never see the end of all you hold near and dear come when it gets here. Maybe you can do the right thing by taking your own advice .... "America, love it or leave it" ... bye-bye assholes.

:rofl: :rofl:

[dana_b]

161. that was BEAUTIFUL!!

Brava! I would have paid to have heard that. It's about time that they realize that the Repubs couldn't give a damn about them.

[cui bono]

162. I think you would have been more effective if you had simply explained it to them

without all that anger.

They were probably LIVs and repeating what they've heard that they assumed was the truth. You could have taken the opportunity to open their eyes with a calm explanation, but I fear that now the story for them will be how they were accosted by some angry liberal.

[happygoluckytoyou]

163. LOOK LIKE.... most of us look like angry americans....some a bit pissed off....others trickled on...

[PatSeg]

173. That is so sad

that they had no idea where their food was coming up, just like some people collecting social security or unemployment who bitch and complain about "them liberals".

[GCP]

174. You made excellent points

But I hope you showed a little compassion to them as they were obviously hopelessly ignorant. My younger son is politically naive, he's just not that interested, and he's likely to vote McCain even though he's probably against everything McCain stands for (apart from anything to do with guns).

[JawJaw]

177. Great Job, GTRMAN

What's a typical Dem look like? Take your pick!



;) :evilgrin: :hippie:

[southpaw]

180. Nope! Mike was a Tory.

Rick was an outright anarchist. Seems like Vyv would have been right there with him.

Neil was probably a Lib Dem. He seems to fit the stereotype pretty well.

[daggahead]

184. The Young Ones! I love it! n/t

[netgui68]

178. Democrats are suppose to look like

The republicans you were speaking too...Welfare, food stamp, pregnant WIC using folks. Notice how they always say we want government handouts...if we all were such jobless handout recipients we could not have afforded to fund Obama as we have. The image of Democrats being non working lazy moochers needs to be reformed. We just happen to believe in giving hand ups to those that need it, primarily because we have compassion and empathy.

[graywarrior]

182. Beautiful!

[mamameow]

183. my story

i do not remember which election was coming up, 2002 or 2004, but my husband and i were standing in line to get our SUBSIDIZED flu shot. there was a young man, probably in his forties, getting his shot. he was spouting off things with an attitude that he wanted an argument. no one would talk to him so he just started talking to himself. "yes siree, the republicans are going to win. people need to learn to stand up for themselves, no government handouts, everyone had to pull themselves up by their boot straps." someone asked him what work did he do, he said"oh, he was on disability due to diabetes, so was his wife." everyone around him who heard this started laughing, could not stop the big belly laughs. he did not have a clue. this is the mentality of too many repubic followers, they are basically followers. who was our last great repubic leader who did great things?????

[damonm]

187. You weren't wearing your Mao suit...

That's why she couldn't tell...
WONDERFUL bit of pwnage! :toast:

[specimenfred1984]

189. Darn, I had just offered them redemption an hour earlier

Then you come along with a big dose of reality to ruin it all. I guess you're just another hater who's full of resentment, revenge and EVIL!

[mckara]

192. Democrats Should Have Halos Over Their Heads!

Good Job!

[lynettebro440]

197. You are my new hero

behind Obama of course, but you are a close second....LOL

[Suprk]

199. Nicely done

[guitar man]

210. Holy shit!

I just logged back in and expected this thread would have just faded quietly away, what did I do? :hide:

Seriously, thanks everybody for all the replies, even those who disagree with me, I suppose I could use a little moderation in my spit-fire temperment sometimes.

Looking back 24 hours later, I suppose I could have been a bit more moderate in what I had to say. My comments were directed more at the mom than they were the daughter since she was the one with the loudest mouth and should be old enough to know better to boot. All I can say is that, around here in red state hell, this election cycle has brought out the worst in our opponents. They know they are losing and they are not taking it well at all.

I guess I just got fed up with hearing it day in and day out, having our core values attacked by people that are dead wrong and too arrogant, stupid or both to admit it. I could probably stomach that, but in adition to attacking our beliefs, they have chosen to attack us personally.

Should the opportunity to school somebody arise again, I am going to try and be a bit more diplomatic about it. My mom says I'm just like my late father, he was a man that when he had something on his mind, he'd just come right on out with it and I guess I'm no different. You sure did not want to bad mouth unions within earshot of him, he would give you a piece of his mind.

Anyway, thanks again for all the support and the scolding too. :)

[shaniqua6392]

216. I think what you did was awesome!!

I think you handled it perfectly too. Sometimes people just can't handle the truth and maybe you made a difference. I know a family right now who has lost their jobs, have four children and are about to lose their house. The wife has had a prolapsed uterus, which literally falls out, for over one and a half years. When I mentioned how wonderful it would be to have universal health care, they exclaimed with horror that they do not want anything to do with that!! WTF??? They do have health care on the youngest of the children through the Michigan My Child program. Of course, I had to point out that that is a form of socialized health care that they are benefiting from!! They still did not get it and are voting for McCain. We can only try to point things out to people, but some are just so brainwashed they will never listen. I hope those we encounter will think about things a little more and, when they are alone in the voting booth, they will vote for Obama. Anything is possible!!!

[theFrankFactor]

212. Right on man!

I make videos for change:

Privatize Profits and Socialize Failure - REPUBLICANISM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWxTQbfsEA8


Obama the Baby Killer -or- When Morons Attack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1SrQiHHPAk


Barack Obama - Never In a Beauty Pageant! Can He Lead?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHGu33jtXtc


Frank Weighs in on the Biden v. Palin VP Debate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n754FjvGKGQ


Republicans Blame Clinton, N*ggers for Wall Street Failures
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAvhWKp0N4M


It Appears Obama is a Terrorist... If You're a Moron!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CunxzR5_8FU

[JEB]

214. Thank You

For standing up to this kind of mindless repeating of right wing propaganda. If we would all call bullshit every time we hear it, the world would be a better place.

[TX_DemoCatLady]

215. I loved it, just the way it is!

As an Okie transplanted to Texas, I know what you are up against. Even some (most?) educated people in these two states are stupid rethuglicans.

Is is okay with you if I copy your post and send it to my Democratic relatives and friends still in OK and some in TX, too? I know they will love it!


I almost always wear my buttons or t-shirts when I go out in public, so the bozos here in Texas will know I don't agree with them. My anti-war buttons usually have a very positive response. And if they don't, I ask them how many years they served in this war, because my husband was called back after 13 years out of the Army and has been gone almost three years now. Shuts them up just fine!

Remember everyone, silence implies agreement, so when you hear Democrat/Obama bashing, it is your right and obligation to say "NO, That's not right!" in whatever way you can.

By the way -- Go Andrew Rice, beat Inhofe!

[ckimmy57]

218. God bless your for having the balls to speak up

That was great! If it wasn't for "those damn liberals" she wouldn't have the benefit of those programs.

[BobTheSubgenius]

221. Yeah you did!

I THINK they expect a Democrat to look like a cross between Garrison Keillor and Jerry Rubin.

Just a guess.

[RoccoR5955]

222. WTG GTRMAN!!!! Give 'em hell! K&R

They deserve it. I hear this sort of stuff myself, and, depending on my mood, I either shut up, or lay it on them THICK. I thought I was the only one. Keep fighting the good fight.

And the answer to your question of what a Democrat is supposed to look like, it would be, any regular person, a compassionate human being.

[HughMoran]

223. You did good,

Very impressive job.

[Liberalatus]

224. Daaaaaaaaaannngggg...

They just got knocked the FREEP out!!
Awesome job. Hopefully they will vote before they bury themselves back down into some Fixed News, or Rush, and their brainwashing seeps back in after the jolt you gave them.

[sendero]

226. Excellent..

... I hope they think about what you said.

This state of affairs is where the media, and right-wing hate radio in particular, have put us.

As Dems, we have become mere caricatures of people. We are evil, we are bad, we are the devil. Yet, if you sat down and had a long conversation with MOST of these people, both would find themselves agreeing 80% of the time.

I don't know how we're going to turn this around. It's time for "conservative" to be a dirty word, not "liberal".

[PolyD]

233. Somebody had to say it

Good for you. Liberal is NOT a dirty word.

[paulkienitz]

234. what is a democrat supposed to look like?

a smelly hippie, what else.

[Indepatriot]

239. A Democrat looks just like you,

Beautiful, baby, Beautiful!

[jeff30997]

241. "what the hell is a Democrat supposed to look like ?"

Well in their (small) minds they picture Democrats with horns and fangs of course. :evilgrin:

[fryguy]

244. ever consider running for office?

nice job

:bounce:

[lpbk2713]

246. WTG

:kick: