Should I be concerned for my life?

[Mari333]

I live in a small town, many many republicans here...the angry white male types..
anyway, I have a Jeep with a lot of bumper stickers on it, signs in my yard, and a pic of my stepson on the Jeep...his military picture..
I was told by one of the townspeople I know today, at the Post Office,
"People ask me who you are...they really hate you.."
I said what?
He said "Ya they love Bush and they really hate you..they told me that"
I guess I didnt get enough sleep..Im paranoid, Im overtired, Ive been under a LOT of stress since my stepson left for Iraq and my sons left home (and got out of this stinking small town)
Sometimes I feel like Ive lost my marbles (add to that a whole lot of menopausal insanity)
I dont want to hide in fear from reprisals from these people..for petes sake..
But I guess Im being paranoid.
Ive had my car keyed, had stickers torn off.
I dunno. Anyone else have this problem?
Ive also been yelled at a LOT..but Ive also gotten thumbs up signs...

[jimbo fett]

1. I had an anti-bush bumper sticker and this guy, at a stoplight, starts

Yelling at me and telling me how someone was likely to kill me because of my bumper sticker.

I removed it 'cause it really freaked me out. I've since put another on my car.

Now, I don't think I would put anything outside my house though.

[Mari333]

4. Why should we have to live in fear?

I have never denied others their civil rights! I would never attack or hurt anyone who would state how they felt about the war , or Bush, on either side of the issue.
I dont understand why the right wing types are so cruel.

[Bertha Venation]

20. I think you have your answer

"Why should we have to live in fear?"

Mari, I'm sorry you get shit over your political beliefs. It sucks. But don't back down, and try not to live in fear.

If any of these folks who "really hate you" had any balls at all they would not ask around to find out who you are; they'd ask YOU. They are cowards.

I don't think bitter R-wing cowards will try to harm you. They'll just bitch about you behind your back -- idiots, because they don't realize they're harming no one but themselves.

[ProudGerman]

61. That's why you get a conceal carry permit

The next time some nut starts yelling at you at a stoplight, you simply pull out your "piece" and let him see it. (of course you don't point it at him, that's rude)

I once had my pellet gun in my car, it looks exactly like a Colt .45 the military used to use, and I mean exactly. I had written some anti Bush stuff in my rear side windows, and this knuckle dragger started with the yelling at a stop light. I simply smiled and picked up the pellet gun and raised to a level he could see it. His face went white and he shut up. He took off like a bat out of hell when the light turned green.

[maggrwaggr]

68. give me a break

Have you read Mari's posts? She's a sweet and admittedly menopausal woman. Maybe a gun would work for a Proud German Male like yourself, but for her, come on.

"JUST WAVE A GUN!" Yeah, that's real mature, pal. Why not dress in military fatigues and walk up the street shouting at nothing, either?

[ProudGerman]

69. How about just a piece of my Kit Kat bar?

:eyes:

[ornotna]

71. I agree

I own a gun, but you should never wave it around just because some fool is yelling at you.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

76. brandishing a weapon is in many places a crime

and you can easily end up in jail over it...not a good idea.

TheProdigal

[Catherine Vincent]

70. I'll bet the idiot wouldn't have said anything to you if you were

...a 275 pound black dude with sunglasses on. Freaking wuss.

[are_we_united_yet]

2. Yes this is the attitude of the proud patriotic folks

Friggin lunatics.

[gator_in_Ontario]

3. Ahhh the joys of smalltown life...

I got runn off the road twice when I had a rainbow sticker on my car...I took it off. Pride is one thing...ending up in a canal is another. Be careful. Rednecks sometimes don't think through the consequences of their actions.

[Kamika]

5. nah not at all

These guys may be idiots but even I have more balls then they do.

What I WOULD do however would be to fix some kind of security camera or something that would be hidden and aimed at the outside of your home, so if they would throw rocks at your window or mess with your car or something like that you got it on tape.

Btw I have an Asian americans and pacific islanders for Dean bumpersticker on my suv and I haven't gotten any negative comments at all.. granted I'm in abit bigger place (Houston)

But I do know that if some guy would threaten me because of it I'd make sure he'd never forget me, and if a women would do it I'd beat her up honest to God.

Oh andI'm sure others will mention this but if you don't have one already get a gun

[Mari333]

34. I have a security camera

and a burglar alarm system is going to be installed..
God I hate guns, but my husband was a sheriff for 13 years so he might get one..he knows how to use one I guess..of course, its scary to think about owning one..I grew up with them in the house as a kid, but I dont like them at all..
I might, I dont know. I still have to think about it. Thanks

[Kamika]

41. I dont like guns either

It's nothing to like.. who the heck "likes" a gun.. it's a tool to be safe. I have a pistol I've never shot anyone but I feel very safe.

[CanuckAmok]

59. It makes me sick that...

you are the wife of a Law Enforcement Officer, and the Mom of someone in the Forces, and someone would dare to question your patriotism.

Pardon my language, but FUCK these cowards. If it's any comfort, most jackboots are too chicken to do anything individually--they rely on mobs and sneaky half-actions to attempt anything. That's how hate-groups work--in the safety of numbers.

If it's any consolation, even in your tiny town, statistically you're not alone. for every Bishista 'flag patriot' there's a progressive.

[neebob]

6. No, but I'd be concerned for my property

I live in a small town, too, but one with a more enlightened population. There are good ol' boys here, but I don't notice them - though I have to admit I don't have any bumper stickers because, you know, I like the paint on my car.

What you've described sounds pretty extreme. Besides the yard signs and stickers, why do they hate you?

[neebob]

26. And where does this person get off

telling you they hate you? That's either thoughtless or just plain rude, depending on your relationship with the blabbermouth.

[TrogL]

45. Probably trying to save a life

These people are capable of murder. It's good to be warned.

[Mari333]

35. Hell if I know..Im outspoken I guess

I say what I think out loud. Write letters to the paper, etc. I guess Ive lived here too long.

[La_Serpiente]

7. I don't think your life is in danger

but I hope you can handle both ordeals - supporting the Democratic nominee and thinking about your son in Iraq.

The stories of harrasment gives an example of what the future will be like. We will be up against intimidation and dittoheads. The best we can do is to continue putting the signs up in our yards, slapping the bumperstickers onto our cars, and speaking out by means of letters to the editor, campaigning door to door, and other venues of communication. We have to get the progressive voice out there.

As for your son, I hope things turn out for the best. You've always got DU to take care of you, and your family as well.

It is nice to know what you have gotten thumbs up signs as well. That is the always encouraging. We will win the elctions by winning the little battles that matter. It takes some time, but that is what it will take.

Cheers :toast:
La_Serpiente

[Kathy in Cambridge]

8. RW Types are Bullies

They are the types to do petty vandalism like you described. Most are all bluster-they would never confront you, only commit cowardly acts like ripping off your stickers. It also shows a great lack of respect for your stepson who is serving his country. That's how these armchair warriors 'support the troops': by picking on someone who has a loved one in the military.

Take care of yourself! :hug:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

9. Have you reported this to the police?

Keying a vehicle is vandalism, and is illegal. Some people post hidden cameras near their cars and catch people in the act. If you could do that, and present it to the cops, you could get a restraining order against the people doing these things. Whatever you do, stick to your guns. Don't take down your stickers. This is America, and Patriot II hasn't taken away our right to free speech -- yet.

[Pobeka]

32. Perhaps this qualifies as a hate crime

Not really different than the KKK burning a cross on a lawn. The goal is to terrorize a whole group of people, rather than a single individual.

If it does rate as a hate crime (and given a whole 60 seconds of thought about it I think it does), then the consequences can be severe for the perpetrators.

There is an organization devoted to fighting hate crimes, founded by an attorney who fought for and won criminal convictions of the neo-nazi hate group leaders. I can't think of his name, but "southern poverty center" rings a bell.

On edit: typo

Second edit, some links:

http://splcenter.org/ -- Southern Poverty Law Center
http://tolerance.org/

[Mari333]

36. Good point!

Intimidation, etc
I think the car was keyed while I was shopping for groceries..if I ever do become confronted by anyone, Ill call the police ..get their lisence plate etc..
Another peace activist here has been getting hate mail..she took it right to the cops...no return address of course...
and shes 72

[rasputin1952]

51. So these cowards are so low...

they'll send hate mail to a 72 year old woman!

What depths will these people NOT go to.

BTW: sending hate mail is a Federal crime. The USPS should be able to handle the situation through their Postal Investigative section. No doubt these were mailed locally, and if the individual that mailed them is stupid enough to send hate mail to a 72 yo, this clown should be easy to catch. Nothing like the FBI running through a small town to make people cringe.

Local police are generally ineffective, (truth is a dog), because some of them are undoubtedly aware, and sympathize with those doing the acts.

Write down license plate #'s of those that 'flip you off', etc. Keep records of what happens that is out of the ordinary. Exposing these morons is the best way to destroy them. Without darkness and subversion, they have nothing; they are, and always will be, cowards.

O8)

[david_vincent]

10. Ah yes, again the subject of the totalitarian "mind"

It's always intriguing to hear of Americans, who supposedly love democracy, who can't tolerate the expression of ideas or viewpoints that clash with their own.
Without getting too philosophical about it (I just woke up!), I'd say you should consider moving. There have been many, many violent incidents committed against progressives, environmentalists, etc. that get no publicity and are ignored by the police. Back when I lived in "enlightened" Seattle (HA!) there was a guy who had a lot of lefty bumper stickers all over his car. A couple of dittohead apes came along and destroyed his car with baseball bats. They were never caught, of course. And think of all the assaults committed against environmentalists - including rapes - and the unsolved murders of people who came out against the first Gulf War.
The thing to bear in mind is that it's *always* the right wing people who resort to violence first - and they often do it proudly, with no sense of compunction at all. I've come to believe that we on the left must be prepared for violence and must be ready to defend ourselves at any moment, in a manner that matches or bests our assailants.
That said, I wouldn't be surprised if your car gets smashed up like the one in Seattle. Is there some overwhelming reason why you want to stay there? No? Then my advice is to leave. You'll see a better side of America somewhere else; just be careful where you choose to go.

[Mari333]

37. I would like to think theres some liberal enclave left in the US

where I wouldnt need to live in fear...seems like theres not much anymore.

[Webster Green]

40. That would be Northern California..........

There are plenty of assholes here in Sonoma County, but they are outnumbered and they know it.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

50. Plenty of assholes in Mass. but generally a tolerant place

people are rude but mind their own business.

[fishguy]

11. Find out who some of these people are

get their names, addresses, phone numbers, etc....
Call, confront them, say if anything else happens to your property/self, you are going to the state police/FBI, not local police.

Bullies tend to back down when faced with consequences.

[HereSince1628]

12. Well, if you have to ask I think you've already answered that

I live in a very republican community in the Milwaukee metro area.
When I drive everyday I see the Bradley Building...the Bradley brothers foundation funded the neocons contact on the world also known as the PNAC.

Several of my neighbors avoid looking at me, no one talks to me.

A long time friend (15 years) has stopped talking to me because his son is a cop...my former friend thinks a friendship with me violates his loyalty to his son's efforts to keep America safe.

My yard signs get stolen.

I've taken to putting my bumper stickers on the inside of my car windows, because they otherwise get torn or marked over. (I do minor remodeling so I am frequently at Home Depot among the pick-up trucks of the NASCAR dads.)

I park on the periphery of mall lots so the security cameras can get a clear view of anyone approaching my car.

[LARED]

13. Right next to your ant-bush bumpersticker

put a "This car protected by Smith & Wesson" sticker.

[HereSince1628]

16. Of course the other option is to let the idiots rage until they're tired

I have doubts about being able to stop violence with threats of violence.

On the otherhand after a while, even for bullies, picking on people who don't fight back loses its sense of sport, they get bored and they quit.

[hlthe2b]

42. Yes.. AND carry pepper spray with you at all times.....

I have a cannister in the car on the visor and carry another with me if I'm going out alone at night. I also try to take my dog with me whenever possible. Creeps tend not to want to approach a car with a dog, who might bark and expose them.

[LARED]

14. Right next to your ant-bush bumpersticker

put a "This car protected by Smith & Wesson" sticker.

[LARED]

15. Right next to your ant-bush bumpersticker

put a "This car protected by Smith & Wesson" sticker.

[laura888]

17. I don't have bumper stickers because of my job

I work at a freeper-dominated, defense contractor.

Some of my co-workers know I'm liberal, because I couldn't seem to keep my mouth shut when the topic of Bush or Iraq came up.

The response I got - ridiculous word-for-word spoutings from Faux-News, and because I got so angry, has made me stop talking about it, no matter when the subject comes up (I share room with 2 of these guys).

I'm considering leaving my job so that I can express myself freely.

Plus, I'm not too keen on working for defense contractors.

[Kamika]

19. That's cool though

Better a liberal gets the money then a repub :)

[Nlighten1]

18. Get some pepper spray

and keep in on your keychain.

[sventvkg]

21. Those types are cowards..I would get a Gun Carrying permit

And Make it known you carry..Start going to the range and browsing all the Gun shops...Just let it be known in subltle ways you will blow anyone away who tried to attack you. These Right wingers have no balls and will give you a wide Berth...

[rasputin1952]

22. I don't think you should be afraid for your life...

these people are generally cowards, that is why they key your car, they do not have the fortitude to face you.

Your stepson has been called to serve his country, and he went when called. Where are these 'fakeriots' during this? They are sitting at home, undisturbed that your stepson has been sent into harms way, to fight for something they do not have the guts to do themselves. What a pathetic show these 'armchair generals and sunshine patriots', put on.

Your stepson has more dignity and patriotism is his little toe than any of these hypocrites. Ask them if they are willing, or capable of, sending their sons and daughters into harms way to, perhaps, be sacrificed on the altar of war. Ask them if they ever served, have they ever had to lead others into combat, have they ever had to console the dying, holding them until the last spark of life fades from their eyes. Have they ever felt the rage, that a soldier feels when a comrade is killed or wounded? Do they know what it feels like to dodge fire and close with another human being with the express purpose of destroying that persons life, and preserve their own? Do they know what it feels like to actually have someone in their sights and pull the trigger; or what the stench of burning paint, metal, wood, fuel and flesh smells like?

If they are under 35, and believe in this administrations vision of the future, they should be down at the local recruiter as opposed to bothering you.

As a vet, I am appalled by those who require the sacrifice of others, while they sit at home and sacrifice little more than their souls to the bush administrations view of world domination.

I'm sorry, but I really despise those that have no concept of what they 'think' they know. Most combat vets rarely speak of the horrors of war. There is a reason for this; it is beyond description, unless you have actually experienced it.

I am proud to say, that your stepson has the fortitude and the dignity to serve where he has been sent. This is far more than what these people who are harassing you have. They are cowards, hiding behind the same flag your some stands in front of, ready to protect them from danger.

Be strong and proud Mari333. Your stepson has earned his place of honor. Those that would berate you, should realize they are digging their own graves of shame, with each swipe of their keys, or their words against you.

O8) :hug: :kick:

edited: made a minor mistake, oops.

[Mari333]

33. You made me cry

thank you for being so kind.

[silverlib]

38. Well put! (n/t)

[Turbineguy]

46. Send a nice letter to the RNC

along with a nice bill for the damage. They will probably deny any responsibility, after all, they are republicans, but if enough people send in enough bills and the word gets out they'll have to ask their idiot supporters to stop vandalizing peoples cars and other property.

[nostamj]

23. the RW feel empowered to hate

they have been told over and over that HATE is an appropriate expression of 'patriotism'

they have been told over and over that anyone who questions Bush* administration policy is unamerican (ie. 'with' the evilduers) and that it is OK to HATE them for not supporting the glorious crusade against terra and evil

should you fear for your life? i think that's a stretch BUT i don't know the dynamics of your community. but, if the signs and stickers have not provoked an attack yet, i would hope that as the quagmire drags on and the body count rises, the risk will lessen.

keep speaking out. your visibility, in the long run, will be an asset. any time you encounter harrassment, to to the police and the media. as a 'military mom' you have a unique platform.

god bless you!

nost

[dodgerartful]

25. As an extreme left winger, I am

not opposed to violence in getting a point across or defending that point. I have tussled with many, many right wingers here in Oregon, loggers, miners and the like. Never me first but so far-always me last. Its a given, the right has bullies and do believe they can shut down dissent. I have seen many cases of this here, a few have been jailed over night, most charges are dropped, what can you do?
Stoop of course! Not you as this is my madness but I tend to take long walks in the dark and have my way with my favorite stickers, I carry a gun, I harass any winger I see. For me and my kind, the fight against chimpco is far more desperate than most, many have had it up to thier necks, we are drowning....

[Lydia Leftcoast]

24. If anybody gives you any lip about your political beliefs

ask them how many of their family members are in Iraq.

[Lars39]

27. On the other hand.....

it might have been the postal guy's own opinion; he didn't want to say it directly, so he said it like it was someone else's opinion. He might be somebody that likes to stir things up. :shrug:

[davsand]

28. I hope I never need your strength!

You are doing what you think is right and I hope I never need the kind of strength and fortitude you display every day. Small towns can be a real bitchkitty in times like this--but they can also be a real safety net in times of adversity.

We live in a very small town (120 people) in a rural area, and we've taken verbal hits for being upfront Dems. We've also had people tell us how much they respect us for being willing to be out there and be outspoken. We are already suspect for our odd lifestyle (my husband is a computer consultant and he doesn't do an office every day) but the comments have been mostly curious rather than evil.

My guess is they may mutter dark comments to the Postmaster, but I have to wonder why he felt compelled to tell you that in such a way. Is it possible he's trying to scare you into keeping quiet?

I'm not sure but what maybe I'd see if I could organize a yellow ribbon campaign for all the kids from your town that are over there--nobody has any more right to do it than you! That is a nice way to get out front about wanting them home--but it also puts you on the side of the Moms who are worried. You may want to see if you can get goodie boxes sent to the kids too...

Make them realize you are a Mom that is worried about those kids. My bet is they'll back off quickly after that.

Laura

[laura888]

29. the yellow ribbons are a nice suggestion

make your neighbors realize that there certainly is a difference between supporting the troops and supporting this administration.

[nostamj]

31. red, white and blue ribbons!

neither you nor the soldiers are 'yellow' (never liked the concept, and never liked the song)

i say make it red white & blue ribbons. and add a "bring them home" or "?" button.

if anyone asks what it's for:

i have a loved one currently serving in Iraq. i want to know WHY he/she was sent there. i want to know WHEN he/she will be home. i want to know HOW MANY of our young men and women are lying shattered, hidden away in hospitals. i want to know HOW it is possible that i'm living in a higher state of terrorist threat if i'm supposed to believe that the capture of Saddam made me safer.....

[Deja Q]

30. It's sick that your car would get keyed by these vermin...

Keep your eyes open.

There's also a website, they sell X10 mini cameras. Mount a few in your car and see WHO keys it or rips off stickers. That's malicious intent on their part and sure as hell can't be legal. Then sue their asses 'til there's no tomorrow.

[SheilaT]

39. Another sticker you need on your car

is: If You Can't Tolerate Dissent You're Living in the Wrong Country

We live in Overland Park, Kansas, which is generally rather conservative, Republican, and right-wing Christian. I've had people follow me to ask me where I get my stickers and I carry extras to share (I order from www.makestickers.com)

We've also had yard signs vandalized and stolen but simply put up new ones. Best of all, we've had homemade counter signs put up in our yard which say things like "Hippy" and "Hug a Tree" and "Go Eat a Croissant" -- that last with a French flag drawn on it. We find these highly amusing and leave them up for a few days and then retire them.

Do NOT be intimidated into taking off your bumper stickers. That's exactly the kind of thing that happens in totalitarian societies, and this is supposed to be the most free country on the planet.

[Obamarama]

43. Mari, I've gotten the same sort of reaction here in Kalamazoo

You wouldn't beleive the comments I get on my anti-Shrub bumper stickers. People comment to my face, they leave notes on my car, they flip me off going down the road.

Screw em. They are the saddest and most unpatriotic of all. They would like nothing more than to silence the dissent that we are constitutionally allowed to voice.

Just ignore them.

[Mari333]

52. Geez! and I thought KZoo was wayyy more liberal

then down here (south of where you are)..I was there the other day..I know whats worse then Kalamazoo and my town...Holland and Grand Rapids...now THOSE are horrid towns.. I never go there.

[TrogL]

44. Yes. Fear for your life

Remove all your bumper stickers. They accomplish nothing except to piss people off.

These people are irrational and they've got guns.

[watercolors]

47. notify police of any incident

We had a very scary one, have bush lied, thousands died. impeach, a guy started laying on his horn and stayed on our bumper for awhile, then pulled along side and said " I ought to put a bullet thru your fucking head. He pulled in front of us and drove at a snail pace, long enough for me to get his license number. We drove right to police station and turned him in! Police said it was a threat and did look into it, guy denied it, but maybe he won't try it again. Other wise we've had some great positive feedback. We are in central Fl. My husband has added more bumper stickers, old car, heck its probably holding it together!!We will be a rolling highway sign, any neg. response we just give them the peace sign. Heck, we're in our 70's, its our entertainment.

[Mari333]

48. I dont feel quite so alone now

thats why I hang out at DU...where the people are good.

[absyntheNsugar]

49. You may not agree with this but...

I say carry a gun in your house, provided you have no children living with you.

Gun rights is pretty much the only thing I agree with Freepers with, basically because I'm afraid of Freepers.

[rasputin1952]

54. I've alway believed in the 2nd Amendment as well...

but, and this is a BUT, you have to be willing to use that gun if you take it out. 95% of the time, it will scare people into reality, but that other 5%, you will need to be able to squeeze off round or two. If you cannot do that, there is little sense to having a gun.

If, however, one deems a gun necessary in a conflict; it is also advisable to be a good shot, One does not need to KILL an individual to make a point. Disabling the threat until authorities arrive is just fine. Thigh and butt shots usually do the trick.

It still comes down to whether you can pull the trigger in a situation. Personally, I would go with non-lethal ways of protection.
Pepper-spray and 'stun devices' come to mind.

O8)

[proud patriot]

53. Truthfully ...Yes

You are on the front lines , like me .

It's part of being vocal and it's been this way
throughout history . It is why most people choose
to stay invisible and silent .

I'm not saying take your stickers off , cause I know
I'm not going to take them off my car .

But you have to understand , the path you've chosen
is not the safest way to go .

Here's to bravery and strength :toast: cause you
are both brave and strong .

[Faygo Kid]

55. We will all face this in 2004 - they are Brownshirts

Never in our history have we seen the kind of raw intimidation and threats of physical violence that await us in 2004 for failure to worship Bush as the Second Coming. God told Pat Robertson that Bush will win in a landslide. Are you against God? Those who question the Iraq war are practicing treason. Do you hate your country? Rush, Coulter, Hannity, Savage, et al are gearing up to feed the red meat to the Brownshirts, with Rove's blessing (Goebbels?).

[101 Proof]

56. This is sick..

You should not have to live in fear because of your political views. In this country, you're allowed to have different views. Too bad this isn't the case from where you're from.

Here's what I would do: I would not be afraid one bit. Don't let fear turn you down from your political beliefs. If you give in, they win. That's it. Besides, they're doing what Dubya's doing to the rest of the country: making you live in fear so they think they can control you.

Please don't give in. Please stick up for your political beliefs. I see very little of that these days off the Internet. And if things do get way out of hand, such as threats to you or your family, then I would consider moving. I don't see any alternative to that. :(

I hope everything works out well for you. Remember, we're here for you in case you need anything. :)

[Piperay]

57. I wouldn't dare have a bumpersticker

on my car and I live CA! I live in the Los Angeles area but in a very repuke burb. Years ago I had liberal stickers on my car but the car got not only literally spit on but keyed also. I see repukes driving around with stickers supporting chimp, it's a hell of thing when they don't have to fear expressing their opinion but we do. Anyway it is not worth risking vandalism to my car or myself taking abuse, I would rather live to cast a vote against the chimp than risk it all for a bumpersticker. :shrug: :-(

[grasswire]

64. this reminds me of that story...

....of the Jewish family whose house was damaged when they lit their menorah, and then neighbors (who weren't Jewish) put menorahs in their windows too, in solidarity.

Maybe there just aren't enough of us making that public statement. If thousands of bumper stickers show up in a town, thousands of window signs, perhaps the wingnuts would back off.

Perhaps this is something to take to your local union leaders/liberal churches/peace activists, etc. Get something started. Buttons, bumper stickers, yard signs, window signs, etc.

Solidarity.

[rasputin1952]

74. I had heard of that, but never got a link to the story...

The civility and decency of Americans never ceases to amaze me.

Solidarity always sends the roaches of the world scurrying back into the darkness, where they feel comfortable.

O8)

[ironflange]

58. This is a good example of

how polarized the US has become in only a few short years.

[CWebster]

60. You must live in the same small town I do.

Ignore them.

[rasputin1952]

62. I'm in NE, this is GOP Nirvana...

but they are like mosquitoes, they buzz around just enough to piss you off. I get repellent for the goomers; I listen to NPR on my front porch during the Summer,I voice my opinion every chance I get, and just generally stir the pot wherever I can!

If you really want to piss them off, ask them WHY the are repigs! I have yet to get a solid answer from all but one, and I laughed so hard, nearly peed my pants. He told me, "Republicans are fiscally responsible". Unfortunately, he told me this at the Unemployment Office where we were both applying for benefits! Seems these fiscally responsible repigs, made sure he will earn a living in different vocation. The cuts to the State, left him out of a job!

:bounce:

O8)

[liberalhistorian]

63. I had four anti-war, anti-Bush stickers on my

car earlier this year (or, I should say, last year), and was surprised at the amount of positive reaction I got, especially from people who thought they were the only ones who felt that way and who were afraid to say their true feelings. But the negative reaction was much stronger, including threatening notes on my car. When I was robbed in my workplace parking lot in August, my mom thought it would be best to remove them, and I agreed.

[rasputin1952]

65. For some reason...

this reminds me of the terror tactics used on the Jews just before WWII. It sarts slowly, then escalates into beatings. When no one calls them on the brutality, it just snowballs.

What the hell are we turning into?

O8)

[maggrwaggr]

66. wow. You make a great point.

that's certainly food for thought.

All the more reason to get the hell out.

I'm in Santa Monica, an actual liberal enclave, so I don't see this shit here.

I think we just have to fight back. These people do NOT outnumber us. They are bullies, and when bullies are confronted by anything remotely resembling strength, they back down.

[rasputin1952]

72. I firmly believe, that if the German people would have...

stood up, from the beginning, against the brutality against the Jews and other "undesirables". Hitler and his minions would never have consolidated their power to the levels they did. He was hanging on by a thread, right up until the Reichstag fire and "Kristolnacht".

It is important to realize that Hitlers power was consolidated in increments. With the technology of today, those increments would not be as long, but there is no way, he would make for 24 hour takeover.
\
The bush admin has been doing everything in increments as well, that is why we have yet to see the full impact of these horrid decisions. While I do not believe we will become a fascist totalitarian state, the possibility certainly exist. What keeps me optimistic, is that the diversity of the American people is it's saving grace in situations like this. The common bond is that most of us are from, or descendants from immigrants from somewhere else. No other nation has ever been this varied, and that may be what protects us from ourselves.

O8)

[DrWeird]

67. Here's what you do if you meet this people.

Get right up in their face, look them straight in the eye, and in a really slow but angry voice ask them, "why do you hate america?"

[rasputin1952]

73. LOL...I did that to my next door neighbor!...

I was putting out a flag on Veterans Day, and he decided to come over and discuss the "patriotism of America".

I listened politely till he got to the "bush is the best president we ever had". Calmly, (and this was not an 'easy' calm, but a forced one), I explained that, IMO, this was the WORST administration this nation ever had. I went through the usual points progressives make about bush, and then added; "I am displaying this flag in honor of all those that served this nation in times of both war and peace. I am putting this out, because I still believe in what it stands for, Justice, Equality and Freedom. I hate bush, I hate his policies, and I will fight him with every inch of my being. I fight for you, as well as the rest of the nation. I want OUR country back".

He left, flabbergasted. But not before he said, "I thought you were a Patriot".

To which I answered, "I am".

O8)

[Karenina]

75. There is something

SERIOUSLY AMISS in America when the parents of servicemen must FEAR FOR THEIR PHYSICAL SAFETY IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITY.

[Kanary]

77. One more thought

Mari, questions like these are very sticky, because there are so many sides, and so much to consider intellectually.

However, what it boils down to is that these are things that nobody can tell you what to do, or how to do it. It involves boundaries and personal limits. There is no right or wrong answer, or way to do it. I guess it would be easier if there was someway to know for sure what the right "way" is.

In the end, it's not a matter of "shoulds", but a matter of what we, personally, can safely handle and remain healthy. That's going to vary from person to person because we all have varying limits of what we can take, and varying amounts of strength at a particular time. While we'd all like to think that we are so strong we can handle anything, the fact is that we are all vulnerable to some degree, and that's a *good* thing. It's our vulnerability that makes us able to understand the limits and hurts of others, which makes us care about the welfare of others, which makes us Democrats. :)

Given all of that, it's important to be in touch with where you are at a particular time, and to be honest with yourself about your own energy level and breaking point. What we'd *like* to be able to do, and what we *can* do are sometimes quite different things. There's nothing wrong with that....it's what makes us human, and it's important to recognize that difference.

What I tend to do with that kind of decision-making is to consider the consequences that I'm afraid of. Then, I think honestly about whether I could handle it if that happened, or what I'd need from others in order to deal with it OK. Does it take an emotional toll on you when someone confronts you and gives you a hard time about your bumperstickers? If so, is it an overload with all the other things you are dealing with, or is it minor? If someone were to go further and damage your car, would you have someone who you can call on if you need help with a disabled car? If someone were to become enraged, would you be able to handle that safely? If any of these things were to drag you down do you have people you can call on? Do you know what would be helpful to you in those circumstances?

I've read some of the responses here about the importance of standing your ground and maintaining our freedom of speech. I really do understand the importance of that, and agree that it's the loss of little things after little things that add up to the intolerable larger losses. At the same time, we all have to pick our battles, and if something is costing us more in emotional terms than we can afford, we're not likely to gain much from persuing it. There are so many different ways to be involved in this struggle. All the different ways are contributing to the same goal, but some ways make more sense for some of us than for others.

You are obviously a courageous person who is dealing with a whole lot right now. It's clear you're in this for the long haul. Given that, it's important to take good care of yourself, and do what you honestly feel comfortable with, so that you don't burn out before you've accomplished what you'd like to accomplish. Only you can know what those limits and boundaries are.

I appreciate that you posted this. It has really made me think through a lot of things that I need to consider, also.

Kanary

[Cooley Hurd]

78. Mari, as the "huge" FreeRepublic rallies have shown...

...repugs are ALL TALK and no action. I wouldn't worry. They're all like AZ Joe (of Boulderang fame). They're real tough guys behind the anonymity of a computer keyboard, but are wimps when it comes down to brass tacks.

Typical chickenhawks!