This was my response two years ago. I stand by it, perhaps even more strongly than two years ago!
I’ve avoided posts about politics except by obliquely making my beliefs known. But about a year ago, someone wearing a red hat with a four-letter non-word had the gumption to accuse me of not being patriotic. While a vet, I belong to no organizations and keep my political sentiments to myself. But, I’d known for a long time that the person shared little in common politically with me. In general I care little about other peoples political beliefs as long as they leave mine in peace.
I avoid political displays because I work in a public setting doing public service. I’m not there to snatch up a partisan banner and wave it around; I’m there to serve an entire community with diverse opinions. This person couldn’t seem to leave the political stuff alone. I tried to push conversations in other directions with no success.
Finally, one afternoon, he passed a snide comment, accusing me of avoiding national service by running away to Canada. I replied that it was true; I had been in Canada for a while. But it was after my service in the Navy. I then closed the range and mentioned how proud I was to swear an oath to defend the Constitution, not just for Naval service, but again as a civilian in government service. By the way, had he ever sworn such an oath, and if he had, how did he justify that with supporting insurrection against the government he had sworn to protect?
Having delivered my broadside, I sailed off, leaving him to sputter. With people like that, conversation is a wasted effort.
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mic drop!
That was a great broadside, Lou! I think people just like to argue and to get offended these days. Nowadays over here in the UK we’re not allowed to be patriotic any more. If we do show any pride in our country, our history and our heritage we get accused of being far right. Again, everyone is at each others’ throats, and I’ve never known a situation like it. But I’m glad you put that man in his place, it’s something that needs to happen much more in this ever increasingly divided society.
Diversity of opinion is not objectionable. It’s when, if you disagree, you get automatically pilloried and declared beyond the pale that people rightly become defensive.
It is beyond belief around here with the insults and innuendo.
Sorry to hear that Lou. I fear it’s getting that way here too.
Thanks for speaking up, and yes, I agree with you that conversations with that kind of people is usually worthless. As Alli said above, they are usually just looking for a reason to get mad. You are not the kind of person to play into those games.
True. It wouldn’t be productive, and they are just looking to get angry and vent.
Political signs are starting to pop up around here. I look at them and think, ‘I have to live here too, Sweet Cheeks. Keep that shit to yourself.’ But they don’t. We’re a team oriented species, I guess
Around here most of the house signs for you know who have quietly disappeared. I wonder why?
Who knows. Here too — there weren’t that many either. BUT we’re having local elections and state rep elections soon, apparently. I’m just going deal with it when my ballot arrives.
We are on the same page, Lou. Well said. My dad did 20 years dragging us from place to place. We learned so much by that also taking the same stand as you.