Dreading Tomorrow, Christmas Dinner with my GF's Republican Brother

[Wiseman32218]

He is a nice guy except for politics, he will bring up the same old mantra about states and cities run buy Democrats that have high crime like Chicago, Baltimore and Detroit and that BLM does not care about black on black crime and just repeats himself. So TIRING!!!!

Anyone have some more ammo to combat his constant droning?

HELP!!!!

[Achilleaze]

1. Kansas

Kansas up the wazoo. The Great republican Kansas FAIL is now being trotted out onto the national scene. This video is from 2004 - it has only gotten worse and worse and worse. republicans have really put the screws to Kansas. Now they are doing it to all America.

[Wiseman32218]

3. I use that along with these cities are the one's that take care of the lower class and he just

rambles on and on

[pintobean]

2. Ignore it.

Keep changing the subject to non-political things.

[Wiseman32218]

5. I try, but we will be at his house, he things like other Trump voters, no others matter!!

[whathehell]

29. He sounds like a controlling jerk, to be honest..

Anyone who refuses to even acknowledge the words of another is a rude and arrogant ass.

[Irish_Dem]

21. Yes ignore him. Maybe your GF will get the courage to tell him he is being rude.

Politcal discussions are no longer polite conversation.

[VMA131Marine]

4. NYC is one of the safest places in the country

It also has some of the toughest gun control laws

[Wiseman32218]

7. I bring that up and he credits Guiliani and stop and frisk

[VMA131Marine]

11. Giuliani hasn't been mayor since 2002

There's been 3 terms of Bloomberg and 1 of DeBlasio since then

[Cha]

54. Pesky details.

[VMA131Marine]

57. NYC crime has decreased significantly since Giuliani too!

[Cha]

62. I'm so glad.. I have a

niece who lives in Connecticut and works in Manhattan.

This guy needs to keep up.

[VMA131Marine]

74. Metro North reliability hasn't improved though despite the new equipment

[Eyeball_Kid]

6. As youre going out the door,

tell him that Fox News is a target in a counterintelligence investigation, immediately thereafter wish him a Happy New Year and get the fuck out.

[Wiseman32218]

9. I don't want to upset the LOML, I plan to exit ASAP, can't wait til dessert is finished.

[whathehell]

30. Good one..

[NastyRiffraff]

8. Suddenly come down with a communicable disease

and send your abject apologies. Even a REAL communicable disease would be better than what you describe!

[Wiseman32218]

12. I can't, I would love to tho, LOML would be pissed she says it is just for the day

[whathehell]

31. Love it!

[JI7]

10. Make sarcastic comments about trump and ridicule them

[Initech]

13. I really want John Oliver to do one of his main stories on Chicago.

And debunk the claims about the violence by the Trump fans and the hardcore racists.

[Wiseman32218]

14. YES!!!!!!!!

[former9thward]

103. I live in Chicago.

I would love to know why you think the violence here can be "debunked".

[Initech]

107. I'm not saying the violence can be debunked.

But the talking points made by the Trump fans and the hardcore racists can be.

[Achilleaze]

15. Ask him for his position on pedophilia

And challenge him to defend the GOP's sending a bushel of money to Roy Moore after it became clear that he is a degenerate republican sex criminal. How moral or ethical is it for Five-Time Republican Draft-Dodger and serial Sexual Predator Trump to endorse a known pedophile. Disgustingly low, even by repube standards. If he is try to defend that evil pedophile sexual predator crap, then he is a lost cause. Tell him so as you walk out the door.

[Initech]

25. This [phone]

Pizzagate = end of discussion.

[Hoyt]

16. Sounds like the kind of crud white wing gun-strokers spew. Pop a bag or balloon and

watch him jump.

Good luck tomorrow.

[Basic LA]

17. He's telling what HE thinks, not whay YOU think.

Looked at that way, it's not a challenge, just him revealing who HE is. I had a friend at work who was a calm & friendly master at this form of listening.

[Wiseman32218]

20. I do, he just loves to hear himself rant

[pangaia]

18. Go on offense instead of defending. :))

That should be pretty easy.

people on welfare are lazy eh?

Well, most people on welfare are in red states that voted for the fucker and blue states keep them alive.

[Wiseman32218]

26. My main plan is to spend as little time as I can in the same room as him.

He thinks he is right and that there is no arguing with him, I did kind of get even with him I had my LOML buy him a non USA made Trump tie, I want to see him explain how that can be!!!

See how JOBS, JOBS, JOBS works then!

[Motley13]

19. I'm sure it will ignite the situation, but mention Doug Jones in Alabama

Good luck

[SharonClark]

22. GF? Grandfather? Good friend?

And why is it you have to go again?

[Wiseman32218]

28. Girl Friend

[SharonClark]

43. Thank you.

[realmirage]

23. This is where your girlfriend needs to speak up

He’s HER brother, she should tell him it’s rude to talk politics. Sounds like the love of your life doesn’t mind forcing you to endure a terrible time on the holiday. I wouldn’t do it under the condition that I be forced to endure insanity or fight against it, both of which guarantee a shitty experience. Go with the third option: tell her to handle her own brother. If she won’t, then you tell him you don’t talk politics at at gatherings.

[SharonClark]

41. Excellent advice.

[realmirage]

63. No one was pointing out how wrong it is

for his girlfriend’s family to treat guests like that and for his gf to allow it and expect him to go anyway

[nini]

99. I agree completely

.

[Wiseman32218]

51. I hate talking politics on holidays, I do not to add religion in, but thanks

[samnsara]

27. my sis is like this but we just pat her on the head like shes senile and smile...

[NBachers]

56. That's it- pat him on the head, pinch his cheek, and say, "You're so cute when you talk politics."

[Raine]

32. Tell him you'lll just have to agree to disagree

then ignore him, don't take the bait. Politics should be left out of holiday events, there's plenty of other things to talk about.

[Wiseman32218]

34. I do, he is a total blowhard with politics.

[gordianot]

33. Nice old man or not their views are based on propaganda based out of willful ignorance

In the last analysis even if ignorant the are as dangerous as any product of despotism in this or the last century.

[maranadem]

35. I use Vodka.

Seriously though, I sympathize. We are having xmas dinner at my house. Everyone at the table will be progressive except for my wife’s Nazi son who is flying in from Okeyhoma. We all decided in advance that is he starts in we are all going to ignore him. We will just carry on like he is not there. You can’t argue with someone who does not accept facts. Don’t waste your energy or your blood pressure. Just pretend he is not there.

[Wiseman32218]

39. LOL, I plan on it - Might have a few before we arrive!!

[chillfactor]

36. I will be spending Christmas Day with friends...

all Republicans......and FaUX NEWS watchers.....we never discuss politics....thank goodness..... I would stay home. They all know I am a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat and I can argue them all down.....they learned that long ago.

[elfin]

37. I would probably be snarky and "agree" with him

To be said in a genial tone --"I never thought about it that way! It took a few months of Trump being such an exquisite leader that I have now changed my mind! I really do like the idea of losing social security and medicare - it will bring out the entrepreneurs in all of us! And at last it is OK to be racist! And Bannon! What a charmer - do you know how I can donate to his group?" And so on and so on.

[Wiseman32218]

40. PERFECT IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!

[LeftInTX]

110. I agree

If you have decent "acting skills", this is the way to go.

[diva77]

48. Great suggestion!!!

[Blue_true]

38. Attack his claims with whole red states.

States that enacted "ideal" republican policies in the last 8 years:
Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, Wisconsin.

Hit him with Kansas is so stressed for funds that it can't maintain roads. Louisiana was in such bad trouble that it elected a Democrat governor and he is getting that state back in shape, Alabama has massive structural deficits, Mississippi is structural bankrupt and depend on blue state money to pay it's bills, Iowa and Wisconsin have the lowest growth rates in the Midwest.

Just attack his premise about how bad rule by Democrats is, point out that the state's that have total Democratic leadership ALL have large budget surpluses. Also point out that voters in Okkahoma just elected a Lesbian to a state senate seat that has historically elected a republican - that should smack that Neanderthal in the face.

[Wiseman32218]

45. Awesome Idea

I will research the declining incomes for the RTW states, I had not thought if that!!!

[Mariana]

69. " ... a Democrat governor ..."

[democratisphere]

42. Come down with a sudden case of the flu.

Problem solved. Enjoy your day of peace and quiet.

[OldHippieChick]

44. At Thanksgiving we had an opening prayer where it was requested that we not discuss religion or

politics. Everyone stayed true to the prayer and the dinner went well. It's the only way to go if you know there are disparate sentiments.

[diva77]

46. Very telling that it is difficult to find a go-to source for Democratic talking points

I've been googling around -- and sure, there are lots of articles about everything that's wrong with rethugs and Dump, but there is no "digest" of talking points for Dems -- at least that's easy to google...

Here's an article with lots of important points about the environment:

A Running List of How Trump Is Changing the Environment
The Trump administration has promised vast changes to U.S. science and environmental policy—and we’re tracking them here as they happen.
By Michael Greshko, Laura Parker, and Brian Clark Howard
PUBLISHED December 18, 2017
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/03/how-trump-is-changing-science-environment/

=================================
My sympathies regarding your upcoming Christmas dinner -- maybe you can "plant a seed" of logical thought about 1 item -- that's better than nothing!!

[CatWoman]

47. about Chicago

most of those guns come from states with little or lax gun laws (primarily Atlanta):

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xdmzwk/gun-running-black-market-cyberwar-spyware-tonight-on-viceland

https://www.viceland.com/en_us/show/black-market-with-michael-k-williams

[Wiseman32218]

49. THANK YOU CATWOMAN!!!!!!!!!!

I forgot about the guns coming from other states!!

[CatWoman]

52. you're very welcome

I watched those episodes the other day.

I live in Atlanta, and it broke my heart.

[pandr32]

102. Chicago is just a few minutes from those States

...and industry left people stranded in Chicago. Tax dollar investment isn't evenly distributed either.

[Laffy Kat]

50. Ply yourself with alcohol?

Is that a correct usage of "ply"? Did I just make that up?

[teach1st]

59. Can one ply oneself?

Wait! Don't answer. I'm going to give a a try. I like science. DIY ply.

[Laffy Kat]

64. Let me know how it turns out, K?

[Leith]

53. Ask Him to Explain the States on This List

The 10 States with the Worst Gun Violence

Most are run by rethugs and have very few black people in them.

The 10 States with the Least Gun Violence

Most are run by Democrats and liberals.

In any case, good luck!

[Wiseman32218]

58. This is Great!!!!!

I hope he swallows his tongue!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ferrets are Cool]

55. I would tell him NO politics or I leave. If he continues, I would

make good on my promise. I will NOT let my ears listen to that bullshit. Just that easy for ME. Might not be for others.

[Wiseman32218]

60. The sane people have started arriving for Christmas Eve

Thanks for your help, I will check back in when I can, should have started the thread earlier.

I knew I could count on you, you are all so AWESOME and WONDERFUL.

I LOVE DU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mac56]

61. tell him

On the birthday of the baby Jesus, you don't think it's appropriate to discuss the pedophile party.

[sinkingfeeling]

65. Hand him this:

https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/death-by-gun-top-20-states-with-highest-rates/

One will note the only states on the list with a large cities are Missouri and Georgia. Top 5 are Alaska, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.

[marble falls]

66. No matter what he says, reply, "How about them Mets, eh? I think they're a shoo in for the Series!"

[Skittles]

67. uh huh

[CatWoman]

71. *snarf*

[Skittles]

78. Merry Christmas my sweet!

[CatWoman]

86. same to you Hon

[Niagara]

68. I'm in the same boat as you

I dread going to the in-laws for any family event. Absolutely dread it.

I do like elfin's suggestion!

[LenaBaby61]

70. Firstly, I'm SO happy ....

That all of my family members and their significant others are intelligent and KNOW what they're talking about and aren't thuglicans I couldn't bear to be around a loud mouth, ignorant and in many cases racist tRumpanzee who doesn't know that unless they're millionaires, their lunch is about to be eaten thanks to that for the rich tax bill which fatso very low-key signed the other day. You know, it's funny that when this pig does sign something, he's usually crowing, has folks standing around him and shows what he signed--just like a 5 year old who went to potty all by his or herself There was NO ceremony, NO parade? NO going on and on about how wonderful he IS while he was signing it. Something's up with him playing down the signing. Don't know what, but something's up 🤔

Secondly, I have to honestly admit that I have friends who have tRumpanzee relatives/their friends/significant others, and my friends have told me that many of the tRumpanzees they know are starting to experience buyers remorse about voting for him Yeah, I'm shocked, but I have to be honest and admit this. These folks ARE capable of listening, reading and possess some level of comprehension, and they DO get that the deductions that they file on this year's taxes will be gone the next time around. A friend's sister is a teacher who voted for fatso (Here in California no less), and she's livid because she see's that our deep blue state will be gone after by twittler in a big way, because wildfire money is left out of White House's disaster aid request (Only $44 million in total), and the friend's sister lives in Northern Ca. and all around her is ash, devastation and Hiroshima-looking landscape. We're now experiencing the 2nd worst fire in history which is still only contained to the tune of about 55%. My friend LOVES telling her sister she told her so. She does it quite often. Straight, with no chaser.

Finally, I do think that it would be nice if your girlfriend would be aware enough to tell her brother that he's being rude with the way he acts. But it doesn't seem as if that'll happen, so

Anyway, good luck tomorrow with your dinner

[riverwalker]

72. Minnesota best run state in nation. Democratic Governor

http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-named-the-best-run-state-in-the-nation/463440813/

[crazycatlady]

73. Alcohol. Lots of it.

[still_one]

75. yeah, when he starts to talk politics, walk away. Don't engage. If he pushes it, tell him in no

uncertain terms you don't want to talk politics

[Cosmocat]

76. My in-laws are all republicans

They know my politics and we respect each other by not talking politics.

If you are serious about your girlfriend no choice but to mostly ignor it. It's his home. Leave the room if you can, bite your tongue, deftly change the topic if you can if it turns political.

Don't engage it and risk it getting contentious. If push comes to shove, simply say, "We have very different views on things, this is your house, I want to respect that, enjoy your hospitality, and being with "Mary's" family for the holiday," then deflect with humor, (It's bad enough I'm a pats fan, if they are gets fans ...)

Your girlfriend, and probably others in the family will appreciate it if you avoid a drug out partisan debate, and unless they are D's, it won't be good for you to drill him.

[GreenEyedLefty]

77. Feel free to use Detroit as a prime example of a city run by Democrats

that is making a spectacular comeback.

[Onyrleft]

79. Don't go.

Tell your GF you just don't want to go and listen to a bunch of AM radio stupidity.

[blueinredohio]

80. If your girlfriend agrees with your politics she should tell her brother

If he starts talking politics you and she will leave. Trying to stay civil.

[tiptonic]

81. Ask him

Ask him about Comrade Benedict donald. Or his 5 deferments to get out go Vietnam. Or his phony Tump University. Or his phony charity. Or what drugs is he on.

[elmac]

82. I'm spending the Holidays with my new progressive friends

I don't celebrate Christmas due to its commercialization and living in a fascist country. I also disowned 95% of family who are fascist. They mean nothing to me now.

[jmbar2]

83. Here's an idea...

Ask him to describe an ideal society with the highest quality of life - what makes a high quality of life?

Don't argue the points - just get him brainstorming - compliment him on his good ideas. Write them down. Then ask, which nation(s), other than the US are closest to his ideal. In all likelihood, he will name one of the most socialist nations:

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/07/these-countries-have-the-highest-quality-of-life

Then quickly change the subject, and avoid all political discussions from that point on.

I've tried this tactic on hardcores, and it generally gets them to thinking. Once you get them on territory where there are no established talking points, their arguments start to lose steam. They can only argue established talking points.

Any hypothetical case outside of established talking points will probably do.

Another idea: Suppose an evil international cabal were to plot to peacefully take over the US to coopt all of its assets. What would be their first move? (Take over media, engage in propaganda). How would you know if your favorite media had been taken over for propaganda purposes?

[ms liberty]

93. This is an interesting suggestion. I like it. n/t

[mehrrh]

84. don't engage

If you are serious about the GF -- don't let him goad you into an argument. Try to walk away or pointedly change the subject.
If you have an opportunity you might try to tell him you disagree so you'd rather not debate it, but your GF should be the one to speak up. If she doesn't -- you are in a tough place -- you will have to be quiet and avoid his jabs at you and your politics.
He sounds like a jerk -- typical Trumpeteer.

[rpannier]

85. I feel for you, but it perplexes me a bit

Why people bring up anything political at family gatherings
My Aunt hosts most family get togethers and if you mention politics she puts you outside
Illinois in December is no fun
It's very effective as well

[eleny]

87. Sounds like he needs to stop trying to ruin Jesus's birthday party

[Tavarious Jackson]

88. White on white crime is higher

especially when you count mass shooting

[former9thward]

104. Why aren't you providing a link?

[Tavarious Jackson]

109. Here is your link but if you use google there are many examples.

https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2017/10/23/white-supremacists-favorite-myths-about-black-crime-rates-take-another-hit-bjs-study

[former9thward]

112. The chart you show is the number of crimes not the rate.

Whites vastly outnumber blacks in the U.S. It would not be surprising the number would be more. What is the rate?

[SeaDoo77]

89. Ask him if he remembers when republicans opposed Russia

Instead of helping them attack our democracy like now.

[jmbar2]

90. Here are some more excellent suggestions ....

Diary on Daily Kos from a former right winger who converted, then did a lot of great research on how to break through:

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/24/1702920/-Cults-Cons-and-how-to-talk-to-someone-in-the-conservative-bubble

[jimmycck9]

91. Why be subtle?

You'll never change his mind. Slowly separate him from from the family and punch him in the face! When he's down on the ground, help him up, and then explain that his republican friends would never ,ever, helped him up.

[BaronChocula]

92. Here's a simple-minded solution for a simple-minded GOPer...

If Democrats "own" crime-ridden cities, Republicans own the opioid crisis sweeping through suburban and rural America, along with the corresponding crime and rising AIDS rates.

[Clarity2]

94. I cover

My brothers mouth as soon as he utters the words “you liberals ________”....this is the usual “go to” method for thanksgiving.

He snorts up every piece of chocolate in the house on christmas, so he usually ends up in a sugar stupor. My husband bought 5 lbs of chocolate this yr. That’ll shut him up.

I suppose this wont work for you.

[SeaDoo77]

95. Say We Are Alike In So Many Ways We Just

Have a different opinion of what TRUE EVIL is. Say I don't like evil and you help it.

[trixie2]

96. Why would you even go?

I wouldn't!

[GeorgeHayduke]

97. One of the first things I

tell people when I meet them is that I have a personal policy of never discussing either religion or politics.

Most people are relived, kinda like when you're driving behind the slow guy on the highway so all the people backed-up behind you are pissed at him.

For the rest, I reserve the god-given ability to decide on my terms with whom I surround myself. About five years ago when I started summarily cutting toxic people out of my life my blood pressure returned to normal, I lost 30 extra pounds and I stopped taking Zoloft for anxiety.

I dont tolerate crazy and I cant cure stupid. When my aunt asked why I always go out for dinner when she visits I told her about Sisyphus.

I may be a dick, but I'm finally a happy dick.

[nini]

98. Tell him to stfu

Then change the subject. If he does it again...leave.

These people do not deserve anything more than that and i simply do not understand why so many continue to try and keep the peace with them. They are the same types that allowed nazi Germany to happen whether we care to admit it or not.

[JHB]

100. Why should BLM highlight black on black crime?

It’s focus is on excessive force and quick trigger fingers by police officers when dealing with black people. Particularly when white people are treated in a more measured fashion under similar circumstances.

People in my Facebook feed used to post outrage-inducers that followed a predictable formula: give details of a terrible crime with a white victim, then something along the likes of “WHERE IS AL SHARPTON? IF HE CARES SO MUCH, WHY NO MARCH FOR THIS?”

Naturally, upon reading the details of any of these cases, all signs point to the police doing their work quickly, efficiently, and professionally.

[dawg day]

101. You could talk about New York City:

Democratically run, and a murder rate the lowest in 50 years... "as low as Wyoming."

Or do what I do-- turn the talk to college football. "So really, should Alabama have gotten into the BCS?"

That won't be a lot less contentious, but at least you won't have to hear Trump's name.

[lunasun]

105. Chicago has millions of people

W palm beach near mar Lago has the same or a little higher murder rate than Chicago
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-always-calls-out-chicago-city-closest-mar-lago-has-n722056

BTW, St.Louis, Baltimore, Detroit, and New Orleans are the only U.S. cities among the top 50 in the world in murder per capita. Most of the rest are in Central/South America, where impoverished people live in the streets by the tens of millions. Not Chicago

Murder per capita is the statistic used by law enforcement the world over to express the incidence of murder, and always has been. So why is it that Trump is so concerned about murder in Chicago? Yes it's high but we have a very large city too. He always comments people in chicago are living in hell and we are on fire. Any tourist to this town care to add thier experience?
I can only defend Chicago
Why not tell him you are tired of politics it's becoming very divisive plus he already told you about that last time.
So how is work, kids etc?

[apcalc]

106. Talk about Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Austin,Portland

Great Cities run by Democrats

[sharedvalues]

108. Isnt it bad to have US right wing controlled by a foreigner

“Isn’t it bad that Rupert Murdoch tells conservatives what to think?” He’s an Australian.

“Hey did you hear that time Limbaugh said a hurricane was somehow a liberal fantasy about climate change and then the next day he admitted his lie by evacuating?”

“Did you see that time Hannity tweeted a link to NBC telling NBC to correct itself?”

“Did you see that Fox didn’t cover the Benghazi trial for killing Americans AT ALL over the past few months? It’s almost like the whole Benghazi thing was a total lie created to attack democracy.” (Read the wa po story on this to prepare)

“Did you see the whole IRS and Lois Lerner thing was a total lie created by the right? Why do conservatives listen to media that lies to them? That thinks they are suckers?”

Then drop the real bomb

“It’s hard for me to watch Fox because I know billionaires need votes to destroy the government to cut their own taxes, and Murdoch and fox lie to Americans to get those votes. And then the billionaires and the GOP pass this tax bill which hurts the middle class. Fox News viewers are suckers.”



Go after Fox and Limbaugh and the NY Post. Don’t talk politics - talk propaganda. Break the propaganda hold and the politics comes along for the ride.

[Orange Free State]

111. Dont try to make logical arguments....

....because there is no logic there to appeal to. If you really REALLY want to piss him off, don’t take the bait. When he says something inflammatory of stupid, start another conversation with another person. He probably just enjoys the verbal combat anyway. I have dealt with the same situation before and if you ignore them they just end up looking more ridiculous and rude, and maybe the rest of the family will ban him in the future.
Alternately, 1) you can spike his egg nog with a mild sedative and suggest that too much turkey made him nod off (some of these provocateurs can be much more pleasant if their brain is working at half speed, as they can’t work up a good rant), or 2) you can arrange to have someone else call you with some family emergency, leave to attend to it, and come back when things are finishing up.