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busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:14 PM Mar 2014

If yo have a work associate or a friend, who states they" hate "Obama....

Last edited Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:34 PM - Edit history (1)

How the hell can you remain friends with them under any circumstances?
When one talks about hating Obama it means..

They approve of approximately 50,000 fellow citizens dying each year because of no Insurance..

They approve of cutting safety net programs which end up putting so many people in states of perpetual distress.

They approve of sending young people abroad to fight wars witch they personally know absolutely nothing about.. And there is a huge chance that they know that no one whom they love will be involved..

The above 3 concepts are enough for me to actually hold a serious dislike for these people.
Why? Because their stupidity and complete lack of empathy for other human beings are killing other citizens who live in our country.

So the next time someone at a water cooler at work or at an informal get together states that they hate Obama.. Perhaps you should respond as though this person is partly responsible for someone who is ill and dying because of lack of Healthcare... 49,000 a year....

75 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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If yo have a work associate or a friend, who states they" hate "Obama.... (Original Post) busterbrown Mar 2014 OP
Toxic, willingly brainwashed and to be avoided for sure!! Although I will not argue lunasun Mar 2014 #1
I thnk that most people like that are clueless about consequences. Agnosticsherbet Mar 2014 #2
Not sure these issues can be conflated Cirque du So-What Mar 2014 #3
My point is that when someone says they hate Obama...Its code for hating all things relating to busterbrown Mar 2014 #16
If you are in a professional environment.. MicaelS Mar 2014 #4
Obviously my Opinion Piece deals with the response only... busterbrown Mar 2014 #33
Obama Derangement Syndrome, like racism and ... Anansi1171 Mar 2014 #5
I'm not really friends with the people at work. Iggo Mar 2014 #6
Then why do they hate him? busterbrown Mar 2014 #18
He's black and he's a democrat. Iggo Mar 2014 #38
“Black and a democrat” Correct!!! busterbrown Mar 2014 #42
My bass player hates Obama... Dr Hobbitstein Mar 2014 #7
+1... I work with many Conservatives SomethingFishy Mar 2014 #8
Agree with everything you say..except for the fact one should never forget the physical harm busterbrown Mar 2014 #20
_+1 lunasun Mar 2014 #57
I had a guidance counselor in high school NYC Liberal Mar 2014 #10
Politics shouldn't define your life or your social circle... South_Street Mar 2014 #9
When it hurts people and destroys lives it sure as hell should.... busterbrown Mar 2014 #21
My mother-in-law has your attitude, only in reverse. She cannot be friends with those kelly1mm Mar 2014 #52
Sounds like you are a real fun guy at a party... South_Street Mar 2014 #71
A lady at work was talking about how safeinOhio Mar 2014 #11
If you really wanna toy with them, talk about Obama's third term as ominously as you can. Democracyinkind Mar 2014 #27
My husband told me that the tax... 3catwoman3 Mar 2014 #12
"Hating Obama" doesn't mean any of those things. Some Democrats hate Obama too. chrisa Mar 2014 #13
The Tea Party was created because of the hatred towards the President... busterbrown Mar 2014 #22
There is a big beautiful world beyond the realm of politics. You should visit it. Throd Mar 2014 #14
Truer words have never been posted on an internet discussion board. n/t cherokeeprogressive Mar 2014 #19
I live a rich full life.. busterbrown Mar 2014 #24
a coworker or friend Niceguy1 Mar 2014 #28
By voting for hard right republicans and tea baggers..They certainly are.. busterbrown Mar 2014 #32
there is more Niceguy1 Mar 2014 #40
what Throd said Puzzledtraveller Mar 2014 #59
yep . . . that is true . . . some of it is not so beautiful, but still should be visited DrDan Mar 2014 #70
You need to get past personalities and talk to people about issues. nt LeftyMom Mar 2014 #15
Huh? Are you serious? busterbrown Mar 2014 #44
Some of us have to contend with this from members of our own families . . . markpkessinger Mar 2014 #17
My coworker is a Republican. Starry Messenger Mar 2014 #23
Why am I self righteous? Because I don’t want have friendly engagements with people who busterbrown Mar 2014 #25
"respond as though this person is physically damaging someone .....You love.... " Starry Messenger Mar 2014 #26
Unless I’m not getting it. busterbrown Mar 2014 #30
No doubt etherealtruth Mar 2014 #29
This is not politics..It comes under the guise of politics, however busterbrown Mar 2014 #31
I have got to say that the Republicans I am friends with ... etherealtruth Mar 2014 #46
Fact is, Bush was wrong and now republican’s are admitting it.. busterbrown Mar 2014 #48
One of my best friends is a republican quinnox Mar 2014 #34
Why would I be making a scene by mentioning Obamacare saved busterbrown Mar 2014 #36
Well, the statement from the OP that sticks out to me is - "Perhaps you should respond as quinnox Mar 2014 #41
I’ll fix that..Thanks.. busterbrown Mar 2014 #45
This happened to me recently babylonsister Mar 2014 #35
“some minds never change" busterbrown Mar 2014 #39
No. I think she is woefully uninformed, and proud of it. babylonsister Mar 2014 #43
When I express my support for Obama, most of my conservative associates "unfriend" me... cheezmaka Mar 2014 #37
they're brainwashed.. they're freaking useless. Fortunately I don't anyone who Cha Mar 2014 #47
My unscientific observation Kilgore Mar 2014 #49
I don't understand all the hatred for Obama but I do understand why some may be ... spin Mar 2014 #50
I believe you're right. mia Mar 2014 #51
I hope you are wrong laundry_queen Mar 2014 #66
True. If I were free to do what I desire, I'd probably beat up quite a few at my office. Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #53
Hating Obama doesn't necessarily mean they approve of those things... polichick Mar 2014 #54
and vindictive and plain out nasty.. busterbrown Mar 2014 #55
Some are vindictive and nasty - some are just frightened tools... polichick Mar 2014 #74
Thats because their racism overwhelms every part of potential rational thinking.. busterbrown Mar 2014 #75
"How the hell can you remain friends with them under any circumstances?" ZombieHorde Mar 2014 #56
Really? You don't try and wall them up like Escape from NY? Rex Mar 2014 #62
I've always favored an ZombieHorde Mar 2014 #63
You think Kenneth Starr will make a good zombie? Rex Mar 2014 #64
We don't need lawyers. ZombieHorde Mar 2014 #65
Yeah Texas is full of them. You run into them at grocery stores and picking up the mail. Rex Mar 2014 #58
Some of us on the left have our reasons for not liking him either. alarimer Mar 2014 #60
did they call him a "piece of shit car salesman" by any chance? VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #61
I am not qualified to render judgement on my friends and co-workers. nt riqster Mar 2014 #67
Are you able to see the facts which point out how your “Obama hating Friends” are .. busterbrown Mar 2014 #69
Sure, and I point them out. riqster Mar 2014 #72
I don't mind too much when my progressive colleague says that he hates Obama. Vattel Mar 2014 #68
I am blessed with very few Republicans in my life Proud Liberal Dem Mar 2014 #73

lunasun

(21,646 posts)
1. Toxic, willingly brainwashed and to be avoided for sure!! Although I will not argue
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:20 PM
Mar 2014

with the haters................

Agnosticsherbet

(11,619 posts)
2. I thnk that most people like that are clueless about consequences.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:20 PM
Mar 2014

They have been told that they HATE the Kenyan-Socialist-Fascist-Muslim-Nazi-Racist-Hate Monger in the White House that is taking all of their guns and using Fast and Furious to send those guns to Mexican drug cartels and middle eastern terrorists who used them to kill Americans at "Ben Gazara." It is a matter of belief, like a religious faith.

Before you show them the door try explaining in words of no more than three syllables, and with numbers nt higher than what they can count on their fingers and toes.

Cirque du So-What

(25,783 posts)
3. Not sure these issues can be conflated
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:28 PM
Mar 2014

After all, it's possible to for people to disapprove of all the things you mention while still hating Barack Obama simply because of his race. Most who harbor racially-based hatred, however, are much more likely to support the destructive practices in the OP (IMO).

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
16. My point is that when someone says they hate Obama...Its code for hating all things relating to
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:18 PM
Mar 2014

Safety Net Programs which in their mind translates to “Inner City Mentality”..Or specifically targeting Blacks...

MicaelS

(8,747 posts)
4. If you are in a professional environment..
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:30 PM
Mar 2014

You have to deal with difficult people in a professional manner. That's part of the work environment, unless you want to quit, or get fired.

IMO, unless you're working in at a job that is specifically politically related, politics should have no place in workplace. And the person who makes trouble over their co-worker's political beliefs should be the person forced to leave.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
33. Obviously my Opinion Piece deals with the response only...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:17 PM
Mar 2014

I hope you don’t think I am advocating taking the fight back to them..

I’m just saying I will avoid them at work or wherever I come in contact with them..

Anansi1171

(793 posts)
5. Obama Derangement Syndrome, like racism and ...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:32 PM
Mar 2014

...its subordinates (white privilege and its denial, white flight, etc) are manifest because they are tolerated by the majority.

We wont fall out with friends and family who behave that way.

Thats why I sincerely appreciate those who do "censure" people close to them who are and behave as racist. Truly selfless souls who act out of conviction and love - like the many Jewish Americans and others who joined and even died persuing civil/human rights in the 60s.

Iggo

(47,470 posts)
6. I'm not really friends with the people at work.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:33 PM
Mar 2014

But "I hate Obama" doesn't mean any of those things to them.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
18. Then why do they hate him?
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:21 PM
Mar 2014

What has he done to deserve this hate?
I think its because he has destroyed the concept of White Privilege.

 

Dr Hobbitstein

(6,568 posts)
7. My bass player hates Obama...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:36 PM
Mar 2014

He's one of my best friends. So, naturally, we fuck with each other when it comes to politics (which, by the way, isn't all there is to life). The other day, my drummer came over with his laptop. I realized I had a laptop bag that would fit it in the house. Inside the bag, I found a newspaper from 2008 with the headline: "Obama Wins!". I left it on his bass amp.

Flashforward two days, bass player arrives at practice, starts setting up, reaches over to turn on his bass amp and I hear "What the fuck!??!?! Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?!!?"

Laughter ensues. Politics isn't everything.

SomethingFishy

(4,876 posts)
8. +1... I work with many Conservatives
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:51 PM
Mar 2014

and yeah most of them are ignorant when it comes to what is going on around them politically. But they aren't all bad people. Just brainwashed. Most of them are simple minded and easy to manipulate.

When I hear 10 different Faux News people use the term "Mom Pants" when talking about Obama I easily figure out that Frank Luntz has released his talking points and they all jumped on board.

When a Conservative hears it over and over, they believe Obama wears "Mom pants". They don't have the intelligence, or the wherewithal to see past the meme itself to the purpose behind it.


busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
20. Agree with everything you say..except for the fact one should never forget the physical harm
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:30 PM
Mar 2014

they are inflicting on millions of fellow citizens...
By the way these people who "jump on board” Frank Luntz’s rhetoric do so because it agrees with their sentiments..or appetite... Luntz doesn’t impose his crap on anyone...the hateful reach out to him..

NYC Liberal

(20,132 posts)
10. I had a guidance counselor in high school
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 01:11 PM
Mar 2014

who was a big Bush fan. Nice enough guy if you didn't talk politics with him. This was during the run-up to the invasion of Iraq and the few years after. He had a couch in his office and we'd hang out in there and occasionally go at it on politics.

After the 2004 selection, he pinned TIME's cover with Shrub's mug on it to the board in his office. We were sitting in there and he left to go do something for a few minutes, so I "defaced" it with a bunch of thumbtacks. When he came back he was pissed. "Who did this? Who did this?!" Don't know how he didn't figure it was me.

A few years ago I went back and visited my school and stopped by his office. I saw Palin's book on his shelf so I took it out and gave him a lot of crap for that.

 

South_Street

(19 posts)
9. Politics shouldn't define your life or your social circle...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 12:55 PM
Mar 2014

That and maybe kick up the empathy you mentioned a notch or two...

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
21. When it hurts people and destroys lives it sure as hell should....
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:32 PM
Mar 2014

Empathy for people who destroy lives?
Where did you come from..

kelly1mm

(4,713 posts)
52. My mother-in-law has your attitude, only in reverse. She cannot be friends with those
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 10:16 PM
Mar 2014

who she considers liberal because they (her words) "support killing babies". We have often talked about it and she says since they are harming people and destroying lives she will not keep quiet about it.

I am not conflating the two arguments logically. I am trying however to make a point about how 'outrage' based on your own way of seeing things can make one less than fun to be around.

safeinOhio

(32,461 posts)
11. A lady at work was talking about how
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 01:35 PM
Mar 2014

Obama has messed up the country. I told her not to worry because Hillary will straighten it all out. Hung her head and almost started to cry.

Democracyinkind

(4,015 posts)
27. If you really wanna toy with them, talk about Obama's third term as ominously as you can.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:02 PM
Mar 2014

It really creeps the hell out of my republican family members.

I bet that invoking Hillary would do the trick too. I might try it next time.

3catwoman3

(23,748 posts)
12. My husband told me that the tax...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 03:12 PM
Mar 2014

...guy he has been using for several years has a picture of President Obama on desk, with a Hitler moustache added. I told him he needs to find another tax guy.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
22. The Tea Party was created because of the hatred towards the President...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:36 PM
Mar 2014

Tell me about the Democrats who hate Obama ....Who are they?

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
24. I live a rich full life..
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:40 PM
Mar 2014

But as long as people in the country I live in inflict pain and suffering on those who are less fortunate
you can bet your ass that I’m gonna push back on them as hard as hell..

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
32. By voting for hard right republicans and tea baggers..They certainly are..
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:13 PM
Mar 2014

And if you state that you" hate Obama” do you think they will vote for Hillary in the next election/
Good Luck!!

Niceguy1

(2,467 posts)
40. there is more
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:25 PM
Mar 2014

to life than politics. Life is fuller with a diverse group of friends. .I would never dump a friend over politics unless they were obsessed with it 24 /7 and being jerks about it.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
44. Huh? Are you serious?
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:29 PM
Mar 2014

Exactly what I stated in my original post..

The issues of inflicting pain and suffering on others.. Those are issues aren’t they..

markpkessinger

(8,366 posts)
17. Some of us have to contend with this from members of our own families . . .
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:20 PM
Mar 2014

. . . and let me tell you, it isn't easy!

Starry Messenger

(32,342 posts)
23. My coworker is a Republican.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:40 PM
Mar 2014

We get along great, since we have almost identical views on how to run our workspace.

We almost never talk about politics, but work issues, and he's interested more now in the union, since I'm an officer in it.

Shared experiences and solidarity around day to day issues can help persuade people, not acting like a self-righteous person.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
25. Why am I self righteous? Because I don’t want have friendly engagements with people who
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:44 PM
Mar 2014

are intent on hurting people?

Starry Messenger

(32,342 posts)
26. "respond as though this person is physically damaging someone .....You love.... "
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 07:48 PM
Mar 2014

How does this scenario play out at work, in your head:

Coworker: Obama, can't stand him. Hate that guy.

SRD: OH MY GOD, WHAT ARE DOING AND SAYING??? THAT IS EXACTLY LIKE SHOVING MY DOG UNDER A MOVING CAR111!!!!

Coworker: *edges away slowly*

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
30. Unless I’m not getting it.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:06 PM
Mar 2014

I sense a bit of sarcasm...How about denying someone Cancer Treatment, because they can not afford Healthcare Insurance... Not that pets under the car isn’t effective especially to people such as me who loves animals....

etherealtruth

(22,165 posts)
29. No doubt
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:05 PM
Mar 2014

I take politics seriously ... but, I am not going to ruin relationships with folk over politics. Yes i would object to someone attempting to ram their political beliefs down my throat at work ... but that is not politics .... that is overbearing boorish behavior!

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
31. This is not politics..It comes under the guise of politics, however
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:09 PM
Mar 2014

what I am pointing out in my Op is that it comes under the heading of Life or Death..

etherealtruth

(22,165 posts)
46. I have got to say that the Republicans I am friends with ...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 09:13 PM
Mar 2014

... honestly believe they have a better way of meeting the needs of people. I am not talking about the right wing, nut job, religiously insane, evolution denying, scientifically illiterate (racist, homophobic, sexist) types (I have a low tolerance for the stupid or deranged) ... I am talking about "average folk" that believe that there must be a better way.

I believe the ACA is a great start ... is it what I have dreamed of .... absolutely not


They are wrong .... but, they didn't ditch me because I despised Bush

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
48. Fact is, Bush was wrong and now republican’s are admitting it..
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 09:26 PM
Mar 2014

Bush is personally responsible for killing or maiming hundreds of thousand Iraqi Civilians and killing over 4000 American kids and you would actually care about them ditching you?

People like that ditching me would be just fine...

By the way doesn’t it piss you off that the Republicans have absolutely no better way what so ever..to solve the healthcare problem but to repeal the ACA... Close to 6 million will probably be signed up by next week..WTF..

 

quinnox

(20,600 posts)
34. One of my best friends is a republican
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:18 PM
Mar 2014

and he is no fan of Obama. I wouldn't say he "hates him", but the point is I think seeing Obama as some sort of personalized figure is strange, he is just another politician, after all, and will be gone in a couple years. And to suggest to make some sort of scene at a workplace over politics? Whoa. I don't think so.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
36. Why would I be making a scene by mentioning Obamacare saved
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:21 PM
Mar 2014

my niece’s life.. Is that a scene... No, its a response..

 

quinnox

(20,600 posts)
41. Well, the statement from the OP that sticks out to me is - "Perhaps you should respond as
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:25 PM
Mar 2014

as though this person is physically damaging someone .....You love...."

That sounds like you are advocating a violent response. Because if someone was physically attacking someone I love, of course I wouldn't just stand there, I would jump in, and start fighting. That is an emergency type situation.

babylonsister

(170,928 posts)
35. This happened to me recently
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:21 PM
Mar 2014

at a party. Someone was appalled I voted for Obama, and never wanted to talk to me again (we had been talking for about 5 hours, on and off, a new 'friend'). Her intolerance makes me more intolerant, and I wasn't even trying to change any minds. Minding my own business...except maybe when I saw the huge confederate flag with some kind of KKK logo on the bottom. I think I asked what that was about, and then the trouble started. Nah, I left. Some minds you will never change, so I don't bother.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
39. “some minds never change"
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:24 PM
Mar 2014

And those minds continue to inflict pain and suffering on others..You think this KKK gal gives a crap about kids going to bed hungry?

babylonsister

(170,928 posts)
43. No. I think she is woefully uninformed, and proud of it.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:28 PM
Mar 2014

It made me realize how brainwashed she was; she wasn't dumb. Granted, this was a biker party, with a really great karaoke system! I went for fun, didn't expect conflict, even with the flag. I live in GA; goes with some of the territory.

cheezmaka

(737 posts)
37. When I express my support for Obama, most of my conservative associates "unfriend" me...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 08:22 PM
Mar 2014

and I absolutely have NO PROBLEM with it....lol

Cha

(295,519 posts)
47. they're brainwashed.. they're freaking useless. Fortunately I don't anyone who
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 09:16 PM
Mar 2014

"hates" Pres Obama except in DU cyberspace.

Kilgore

(1,733 posts)
49. My unscientific observation
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 10:00 PM
Mar 2014

I posted this observation in another thread recently, but it also speaks to this one also.

My neighborhood of 37 homes gets together each March to plan our road maintenance and pick a date for our neighborhood picnic. When business is done, the event becomes an early spring social complete with BYOB adult beverages. A few drinks in and political discussions usually erupt. It's interesting to watch since the residents are a mix of retired folks, blue collar union and non-union families, and some management folks. All are homeowners and have known most for years. Being a people watcher, I enjoy monitoring the sometimes heated discussions.

In 08 I can say there was a general disgust of Bush and lots of enthusiasm for Obama, quite a bit less enthusiasm for him in 12, and zero this year. In general, there was a vocal dislike him and the federal government this year. The ACA was a big negative as was privacy (NSA), IRS, Putin, and Bengazi. In general, it was a huge bitch session.

Tough and scary to watch.

Kilgore


spin

(17,493 posts)
50. I don't understand all the hatred for Obama but I do understand why some may be ...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 10:02 PM
Mar 2014

disappointed.

There is no doubt in my mind that Obama has a lot of great ideas and has the ability to raise a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for these ideas in many voters. He is undoubtedly the best campaigner I have seen in my 67 years.

Unfortunately I fear his leadership abilities do not match his skills on the stump. Admittedly in today's political environment compromise is an endangered word. Still I will argue that what makes a great leader is his ability to overcome opposition.

Perhaps the ACA will be viewed by historians as Obama's greatest accomplishment but even many liberals are disappointed with ObamaCare. Many point out that they wished for a world class healthcare plan and not merely a plan that allows insurance companies to continue to profit.

It appears to me that Obama largely delegated setting up the ACA to Congress and avoided using his "bully pulpit" to push for a single payer healthcare system which many here on DU hoped for. There is no doubt in my mind that the roll out of the ACA was a world class disaster. It may even cause the loss of many Democratic seats in the Senate as well as further Republican gains in the House. Fortunately the Republican Party wishes to totally repeal the ACA while most citizens wish to modify it to make it work.

I maybe putting on a tin foil hat but I am beginning to wonder if it makes any difference who we vote for as noting seems to change. The rich get richer and the middle class is rapidly disappearing. Those we elect often make promises and fail to follow through.

I am beginning to wonder if all the surveillance we are subjected to by certain agencies of our government isn't being misused. J.Edgar Hoover lacked the abilities that the NSA has but still he was considered for years to be the most powerful man in Washington D.C. Some say that Congress and even Presidents feared him because he had files on everybody of importance and was more than willing to destroy anyone who dared oppose him.

Is it possible that those we elect are merely puppets under control of a select ruling few who pulls their strings? If so, we do not and have not lived in a representative democracy for years. Maybe that's why we live in the mess we do.

I see not reason to hate Obama but I have to admit that I am beginning to wonder why an individual with his potential can't deliver on his promises. I don't feel he is lazy or incompetent. Perhaps the simple explanation is that he can't deliver because he isn't really in charge.

I hope and pray that I am wrong.



mia

(8,356 posts)
51. I believe you're right.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 10:09 PM
Mar 2014

I wonder how long it's been since any president of the U.S. was really in charge.

laundry_queen

(8,646 posts)
66. I hope you are wrong
Fri Mar 21, 2014, 02:17 AM
Mar 2014

but I have the sneaking suspicion you are right.

I'm in Canada, so open political discussion regarding the US is usually a topic of conversation when you don't want to discus Canadian politics with friends. Every. single. person. I have had this discussion with thinks what you do. I haven't talked politics with a Canadian yet that doesn't suspect something nefarious. Of course, it could be because us Canadians have a tendency to view the US as severely corrupt and our own system as much less compromised so we always think corruption/cia/spying first. At any rate, there is a lot of disappointment in Obama, and a lot of people I've discussed this with that know a lot less than me always ask me, "what happened?" I have no answers. I get there is a lot of obstructionism, but there is definitely more to it than just that.

Sarah Ibarruri

(21,043 posts)
53. True. If I were free to do what I desire, I'd probably beat up quite a few at my office.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 10:16 PM
Mar 2014

DUMB doesn't begin to describe how stupid some people are, but one simply can't go around beating people black and blue simply because they have they lack brains.

And of course, there's also the issue of having to work with them. So what can one do?

Well, one can make comebacks that, while not insulting them personally, can make them feel rather stupid. But always smile when you do that.

I think what's worse than hearing a half-brained Repuke criticize President Obama, is hearing LIBS criticize President Obama. I don't give a shit what their problem is, if they are lib, and they're criticizing Obama, they're behaving like Republican assholes, using the same wording as Republican assholes, employing the same techniques as Republican assholes, and THEREFORE I will see them as I see Republican assholes.

polichick

(37,152 posts)
54. Hating Obama doesn't necessarily mean they approve of those things...
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 10:21 PM
Mar 2014

It might mean they are afraid, ignorant and brainwashed.

But still, I can't be friends with people like that - polite acquaintances but not friends.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
55. and vindictive and plain out nasty..
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 10:33 PM
Mar 2014

These people “Afraid, Ignorant and Brainwashed” become that only because they feel comfortable with whats pushed into their minds by the Hate Radio and Fox!!

polichick

(37,152 posts)
74. Some are vindictive and nasty - some are just frightened tools...
Fri Mar 21, 2014, 01:13 PM
Mar 2014

but most don't actually know what policies they are voting for because they either don't bother to or can't connect the dots.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
75. Thats because their racism overwhelms every part of potential rational thinking..
Fri Mar 21, 2014, 04:03 PM
Mar 2014

This is all about Blacks spending their days on their front steps living the life.. Booze. , Designer clothes, Flat Screen T.V. and enough left over for the tavern...All brought to them by our Black President for the intentions of securing their votes.. Just ask Congressman Ryan.

ZombieHorde

(29,047 posts)
56. "How the hell can you remain friends with them under any circumstances?"
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 11:00 PM
Mar 2014

Because I am capable of critical thinking.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
62. Really? You don't try and wall them up like Escape from NY?
Fri Mar 21, 2014, 12:04 AM
Mar 2014

Escape from LA for the younger crowd.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
58. Yeah Texas is full of them. You run into them at grocery stores and picking up the mail.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 11:06 PM
Mar 2014

I got to deal with it at work. Otherwise not much dealing daily with preppers.

alarimer

(16,245 posts)
60. Some of us on the left have our reasons for not liking him either.
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 11:18 PM
Mar 2014

Drones, Trans-Pacific Partnership being negotiated in secret that will GUT environmental, health safety and labor laws. The ACA being a giveaway to health insurance companies, etc., etc. Maybe it's the best we could do, maybe not. People will still die from lack of health care. They won't be able to afford the premiums, or, more likely, the deductible or copays. Or the medication, upon which there could be price controls but profit above all, I guess.

We'd be better off if he really was a socialist.

When I hear people (on the right) say they can't stand Obama, I can't really defend him. They are wrong as to their reasons, but there is not much to defend from the other side either.

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
69. Are you able to see the facts which point out how your “Obama hating Friends” are ..
Fri Mar 21, 2014, 07:44 AM
Mar 2014

destroying lives in our country..

 

Vattel

(9,289 posts)
68. I don't mind too much when my progressive colleague says that he hates Obama.
Fri Mar 21, 2014, 06:54 AM
Mar 2014

He has some good reasons for hating him. I don't hate Obama, and I think Obama has improved during his time in office, but he has been a disappointment on many issues. I have seen improvement especially on military issues, although I think it was dumb luck that prevented him from doing something stupid in Syria. He has also improved on border enforcement issues, but still wants to punish undocumented workers for trying to feed their families. His 180 degree shift on whether the president has the right to place the nation in a state of war has been a huge disappointment. His failure to seriously address prison reform or to propose amendments to the war crimes act so that it unambiguously criminalizes harsh interrogation techniques are further disappointments. I won't continue with the long list of disappointments, or add in his many accomplishments, but I guess I don't see much of a reason for loving or hating Obama.

Proud Liberal Dem

(24,338 posts)
73. I am blessed with very few Republicans in my life
Fri Mar 21, 2014, 08:34 AM
Mar 2014

strangely though a lot of my female relatives (mom, stepmom, sister-in-law) are Republican though we rarely talk politics and none of them seem to be of the really rabid and "in-your-face" variety, which makes things a bit easier.
I've tried to work on my mom a little bit and the past two elections I thought I might finally convince her to vote Democratic because she seems disenchanted with the Republicans but, in the end, she couldn't bring herself to do it.
As for my sister-in-law, sometimes she'll spout off about Hillary or something and I'll sort of toy around with her and talk like a "Colbert-conservative". I don't know if I fool her or not but it's sort of fun to speak like I imagine Republicans speak to one another. :
My stepmom doesn't really talk politics. None of them are what I would refer to as cruel and/or malicious people, just misinformed/ignorant. I would not seriously consider cutting any of them off unless they started attacking my beliefs or supporting something really odious. I used to have a teabagger friend on my FB until I finally unfriended him after he started attacking me after sparring back and forth over guns for awhile. Life is too short for a lot of unnecessary drama IMHO.

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