My Wife Was Just A Victim of RW Anti-Obama Road Rage

[stopbush]

My wife was driving to work about an hour ago. We exit our neighborhood by driving down a hill at the bottom of which is a main thoroughfare and a stop light.

As she waited at the light in right lane to make a turn, a guy pulled up next to her and motioned for her to roll down her window. She did - and he then let fly a string of epithets directed at "you f*cking stupid c*nt with your f*cking Obama sticker on your car. That f*ck is ruining this country!!!"

He then pulled his car up slightly in front of her and started angling over so she couldn't make the right turn. He then put it in reverse and backed up so he could come up behind her and inch up on the car like he was going to ram her. The light turned and she got out of there. He didn't follow.

This is really disturbing. It happened in broad daylight at a major intersection in our neighborhood. The guy most likely lives in our neighborhood, maybe even down the street from us, as we live in a neighborhood where no one drives in if they don't live here.

She was pretty shook up. I wanted her to file a police report, but she couldn't remember the car, although she said she could easily remember the driver who was a middle-aged to older white fuck.

We live in OC, CA, which has just turned into a county with a majority of registered Ds after decades of being a RW stronghold. I have no reason to doubt that this kind of rage is being inspired directly by Beck and all of the Obama haters/racists.

And, I imagine that incidents like this will become more common as we get closer to election day, to boil over into near anarchy when the Rs don't take back the House or Senate.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Happened to me last year

The guy tried to cut me off on a freeway. He yelled FUCK OBAMA AND FUCK YOU TOO. He had a Ron Paul sticker on his car.

I called 911. The dispatcher said "He's on a roll today. I just got a call from another motorist he accosted." Cops pulled him over and hopefully arrested his ass.

Your wife should have called the cops.

[Liberal_in_LA]

9. glad he was caught!

[Taverner]

2. That sucks

I would be seeing red too...

[alstephenson]

3. I am sad to say that I am afraid to put Democratic bumper stickers on my car.

I live in Arizona. Need I say more?

[Monique1]

10. I feel the same way and I don't wear the T shirst either

[doc03]

15. I am in Ohio I don't either, it's just an invitation to get your

car keyed or be attacked by a nut.

[Enthusiast]

84. My area is the same.

But there sure were a lot of Kerry signs in 2004. The anti-Obama propaganda certainly has been effective.

[nomorenomore08]

194. But Kerry was a white guy. So he probably didn't get them quite as hysterical.

nt

[Ysabela]

196. Kerry was also a strawman, who gets mad at controlled opposition? n/t

[Enthusiast]

219. There is little doubt in my mind

had Barack Obama been white the opposition could not have mounted such a large movement. Racism is firmly established in this country. Rooting racism out of this country would be like pulling teeth. Hell, I'm a white guy, I know Southeastern Ohio white guy sentiments enough to say.

[Grown2Hate]

16. Maybe I'm crazy, but I welcome it (fellow Arizonan here). Some gutless,

brainless piece of shit scratched out my Obama 08 bumper sticker on the back of my truck (it's on the window). They scratched a big line through it. So, I ordered an Obama 2012 sticker, put it below the 08 sticker, and affixed it to the inside of my truck (to Conserva-monkey proof it, if you will). I have my Glassman sticker to the right of it. I'm practically BEGGING for some asshole to mess with me. I'm in the mood, I suppose. :grr:

[proud patriot]

27. I am of the same mind

see my post below to see pictures of my antagonistic bumper stickers

[era veteran]

104. Me too

I have some good ones. I like pissing them off. Sort of a new hobby. Excuse my language but fuck them.

[PSzymeczek]

43. I taped up a "No Tea for Me" sign in my front window.

I live two doors up from a RW nut with an "Annoy a Liberal" bumper sticker on his spare tire cover. So far, so good. Haven't had anything thrown at the house yet. I'm considering getting a Goddard yard sign and a Giffords yard sign next.

[Lucky Luciano]

52. rub the sticker in poison ivy! nt

[Grown2Hate]

101. HA! Great idea. My original one was a bit more evil... I was thinking about placing

razor blades around the edges, facing out, underneath the sticker. Ultimately, I thought better of that, but I like the poison ivy idea! :evilgrin:

I mean, seriously, I'll argue with someone (or discuss) politics all day. I'm great at it, I enjoy it, and I can be as cordial and professional (or as nasty and mean) as the other person wants to be. But you start messing with (and, in my opinion, vandalizing) my VEHICLE?! All bets are off.

[marzipanni]

130. Poison ivy or oak may be hard to find in Arizona

HOT PEPPERS, however, are readily available. :evilgrin:

[texastoast]

164. I'll send some poison ivy

Readily available here and it doesn't matter if it's dead.

Hehe

[moonbatmax]

216. Actually, isn't it more effective when dried??? (n/t)

[texastoast]

220. It is hard on people who are allergic to it

Whether fresh, dried, or in smoke form, and for many years. Wicked, wicked little plant.

[HillbillyBob]

168. We have some Bot Jolokia (India Ghost pepper) extremely hot

Made my eyes burn just to sniff one that was broken open.
1 million Scovills a Jalapeno is about 200,000 i think.

We did not get yelled at our Obama sticker had faded and partner has clergy and gander mountain shooters club stickers.
We went to a bluegrass festival and had a wonderful time I got to see a school friend and it was a nice time.

On the way home however coming through a small city in the next county I saw a bunch of 4x4 pickups with Confederate stickers and they were putting a flag away with stars and bars and Nazi swastickas on it in one of the trucks, we stopped at the next light and they went arouond us well 2 got in front and the next intersection 4 more behind us and we are in a subcompact. Kind of chilling.
A couple of turn offs later they went down another road.

[orbitalman]

105. Just be sure & wear rubber gloves :)

[Le Taz Hot]

74. I'm with you.

That kind of aggressive action just makes me more defiant and I, too, live in a conservative area.

[Maru Kitteh]

136. Right there with ya. Ordered my Obama "12 sticker just yesterday. Screw 'em.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

76. Hell, I live in Rhode Island and don't do it

All it takes is one asshole fueled by the pricks on local talk radio around here.....

[uncommon]

80. I'll see your RI and raise you a Massachusetts - I haven't put any stickers on my new car

because I am worried some teabagger psychopath will vandalize it.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

82. Yeah, some asswipe listening to Jay Severan......

....or the two racists in the morning on the "sports station" might run you off the road.

[uncommon]

95. Don't forget Ed Lambert, Howie Carr, Glenn Beck and Rush on PRO/XTK.

It's ridiculous.

[Arkana]

121. I've been proudly sporting my Obama stickers since '08

and have no intention of replacing them until 2012.

[proReality]

149. I'm in a Rand Paul stronghold

I not only don't dare put bumper stickers on my car anymore or wear anything that indicates I might like the administration, I refuse to even talk politics with anyone but the closest of friends.

My car has been keyed six times and the passenger side windows have been deeply gouged with something hard enough to do it.





Edited to correct a word.

[Bitwit1234]

175. We live in a really really Democratic area of Minnesota

you hardly ever see a republican put up a sign. But I am afraid for my son to put a bumper sticker on his car this year. You never know what maniac will take a shot at you.

[AlbertCat]

199. I am sad to say that I am afraid to put Democratic bumper stickers on my car.

Hell... I'm afraid to put a Darwin fish on my car... again. Got my tires slashed for that. I can express myself elsewhere.

[In Truth We Trust]

203. self defeating to react as a coward. Don't let them intimidate-welcome it and f'em up!

[Missy Vixen]

4. She needs to call the police

Any attempt to menace or cut off another vehicle is considered assault with a deadly weapon.

The police here take it pretty seriously; I'm sure they do in CA as well.

In the meantime, Mr. Big Man is going to try it with the wrong person one of these days, and he will get what he has coming, IMHO, namely a hot date with an arresting police officer and the inside of a jail cell.

[Darth_Kitten]

30. I second this....

file a report, if he's done it once, he'll do it again. Insane rage like that can't be contained for long.

I'm sorry your wife had to be subjected to that cowardly asshole. :hug:

[malaise]

35. Yep

I'm betting they have it on camera.

[stopbush]

191. Nope. This intersection never had cameras, and they've been dismantling

most of the cameras in OC and LA.

[stopbush]

189. She's going to call the police. Plus a local lawyer friend offered to help.

She was taken by surprise yesterday. From now on, she'll keep her cell phone handy and take a few pictures. There's every chance she or I will encounter this POS again if he lives in our neighborhood.

[Sherman A1]

5. This is why I have no stickers on my car

beyond my little Apple on the back windshield.

I spent a lot of money for my car, I choose to no damage the finish with stickers or to take a chance that some wacko will go into full Wingnut mode.

[geckosfeet]

11. Magnetic bumper 'stickers'. Won't stop the wingnut rage though.

[PSzymeczek]

44. EvolveFish sells a bumper sticker holder

that attaches to the inside of the back window by suction cups. I'm considering shelling out the $5.00 for one.

[Sherman A1]

63. Magnetic or other alternatives are nice for those who

choose to use them, however I do not really want any stickers on my car (or yard signs in front of my house). I really don't think they look all that good and would rather not have them. For those that do like them, that is their choice and I respect whatever message they choose to display.

I simply do not want to turn my car into a billboard or take a chance with the wingnuts.

[hobbit709]

68. I will NOT be made afraid.

I've driven in East TX with my bumper stickers on my truck.

[Sherman A1]

69. And that is your choice

I choose not to place sticker on my car for the "wingnut" factor as well as their appearance and what they do to the finish. As I stated I paid a lot for my car and I don't feel it necessary to use it as a billboard for politicians.

[hobbit709]

70. One summer in the Tx sun cures any finish fetish.

And the first parking lot shopping cart ding cures the rest.

My truck cost a lot for me when I bought it. It's now 19 years old.

[Dappleganger]

79. You're in east TX?

That's where my crazy dad and his family is from. You're brave!

:toast:

[hobbit709]

83. Oh gawd no. I live in Austin. My wife was from Palestine.

[BlueJazz]

100. There's a big Guy that I sometimes see in the morning traffic with a sticker on his Truck..

..that says: "Not all Republicans are stupid Mother-Fuckers...just 99.9 percent of them"

Cracks me up! :)

[Vincardog]

123. SEcond that. I have driven all over TX with DU, Van OS, Gore, Kerry and Impeach the chimp on my PU

IF anyone wants to get into a pissing match, Bring it on

[independent_voter]

119. bumper stickers are a relic of the chrome bumper era

and would never been invented if they had started out as paint

i remember as a kid of i80 in nebraska at some tourist trap, 'frontier village' or something like that, they put their bumper stick on our family car, i peeled it off and stuck it on their window, a guy came up to me and chewed me out and i said 'i dont like you sticking it on our car any more than you like me sticking it on your window'

he seemed to think 'that's different' i didnt

[Stinky The Clown]

6. 9-1-1

Even now, hours after the fact, if your wife can give a description of the car. Or go to the cop house and file a formal complaint.

[Liberal_in_LA]

7. OMG!

[MadMaddie]

8. Tell you wife to pull out her cell phone and take a picture

of the bastard next time he does it. If she doesn't have time to do that then call the police, he is a dangereous menance to all of you.

Stay safe.

[JuniperLea]

18. Very good idea!

I'm going to practice my "quick draw" cell camera maneuver.

[FredStembottom]

93. Great idea!

If you search the inch-thick instruction manual for your phone you may find that you can "elevate" the camera button up a few menus a give it an instant hot button.

[JuniperLea]

109. You're so right!

This is great! Thanks for the tip!

[lunatica]

12. You should tell your wife to take a cell phone and at least pretend to call the police

That guy would have taken off as soon as he saw her talking into the cellphone, especially if she glanced at him while talking.

[howaboutme]

13. No excuse

It would be a plus if every vehicle had a video / sound camera in front and on the side that could be used to record the actions of idiots such as this so that they could be prosecuted and You Tubed.

There is no excuse why any individual should become aggressive and threatening because of a bumper sticker. However I confess I once put an Obama bumper sticker clandestinely on a Republican colleagues' car and I think it pissed him off. He drove with it for a week.

[PSzymeczek]

45. The last time I tampered with a bumper sticker

was 1972, when I was young and misguided. I ripped a McGovern sticker off my then-fiance's mother's boyfriend's car. As I said, I was young and misguided.

[doc03]

14. We have had 5 murders in this area in the last two years in

road rage attacks. What is really disturbing these people are getting off with a slap on the wrist. One road rage nut that killed three people was found guilty of a couple minor charges and is waiting for sentencing, they say he will likely be eligible for parole in 2 years. Another women that ran over and killed her friend last year is already out of jail. None of those have anything to do with politics though, all you can do is just shut up and don't argue with them.

[JuniperLea]

17. I live within spitting distance of the OC...

And I hear you, loud and clear. That they are so vile, so filled with hatred, is disturbing. On the other hand, that kind of stress will kill a person. They do themselves no favor.

I blame Rush, Glenn, Bill, et al. They are keeping the haters whipped to a froth... all dressed up and no place to go.

[stopbush]

190. Orly Taitz lives in our town. The nut quotion is extremely high here.

[TheCowsCameHome]

19. Too many nuts out there. It's a shame, but it's true.

I've sworn off bumper stickers and the like. There's too much raw hate running loose in recent years.

I do get my chance to stuff it to those morans Nov. 2nd, however.

edit: sp

[stubtoe]

99. Same here. And I can't wait for my mail-in ballot to arrive.

[Just One Woman]

20. get the phone out and start video or take a pic

Especially get a pic of the tag. I have found this to be a very good deterrent. But then again, I have little fear. I am one bitch of a woman that has had enough of disrespect and bigotry. I have no problem telling the right wingers they are not acting like Jesus. When they call me a fucking bitch, I get out of the car. They usually take off quick. I guess, here in the south, they probably think I have a gun. I don't care. My motto is "stand up". If we all stand up, the teabaggers cannot be seen. Will it get me in trouble? Maybe. But it is time we stand up for our constitutional rights. In this country, we all have a say. In this country, we vote and elect who we want. Fucking get over it!

This is just one more form of bullying and criminal harassment.

[joe black]

124. I like your style!

I absolutely love women like you.

[awoke_in_2003]

157. "I am one bitch of a woman"...

you sound like my wife- 5 feet tall and 120 pounds of pure Latina fury if you piss her off (which I try very hard not to do). Welcome to DU

[mstinamotorcity]

162. I feel you on that sister

Sometimes they just happen to pick the right ones to f--k with. I like you are not the one to be playing close. The tea baggers have gotta a little bolder as the days go by. I know they are pissed off at some things but what are they going to do when they figure out they have been hoodwinked with these astro turf funded groups. That will probably be the show. As for those clowns I wish a so and so would try and intimidate me with their little scare tactic. They might find out I don't scare so easily. Me or my american express card.Welcome to DU :hi: :hi: :hi:

[socialist_n_TN]

180. BINGO! You get it..............

It's a form of bullying and I have a SERIOUS problem with bullies of ANY stripe. Political bullies are no better. I'm in TN. (obviously :)) and I've got your back sister if I see it.

[Ineeda]

21. Because it happened in your neighborhood, it's likely to happen again.

Your wife should call the cops!! Depending upon your local laws and state statutes, such intimidating behavior could be considered assault (assault is threatening someone or trying to hit them and missing; battery is hitting someone).

Right to free speech has limits. When speech violates another person's rights, such as the right to feel safe or by threatening someone, the line has been crossed.

[proud patriot]

22. It's happened to me before too (pictures of my bumper stickers)

each incident usually makes me put another stick on my truck

[FirstLight]

28. +1000!

I love the one about "thou shalt not kill..." awesome...!

[FirstLight]

29. +1000!

I love the one about "thou shalt not kill..." awesome...!

[ellie]

33. Those are awesome!

[marmar]

37. "Freedom Isn't Free...So Stop Whining and Pay Your Taxes"

Priceless. :thumbsup:

[awoke_in_2003]

158. that was my favorite, too. nt

[Grown2Hate]

39. Awesome. Same reason I wear my Obama shirts walking around North Scottsdale here.

I love seeing the distorted looks on the ugly, twisted faces of the Teabagging snobs living around here. Even better are the thumbs up and high fives I get from my brothers and sisters. :)

[Coventina]

42. Wow! You rock! Openly supporting Obama in N. Scottsdale?

I'm surprised no one has beaten you with their golfclubs yet.

My hat's off to you buddy! You have bigger ovaries than me!

(I live in S. Scottsdale & when I put up a Mitchell sign, my neighbor across the street immediately put up a Schwiekert sign). :-)

:yourock:

on edit: fixed the Rebum's name

[Grown2Hate]

46. Yeah, Schweikert signs have been disappearing in my neck of the woods...

oddly enough right around the time that my sticker got ripped... hmmmm... :evilgrin:

[proud patriot]

55. I've met some really awesome people

who like my stickers

[marions ghost]

40. you rock, Proud Patriot

:thumbsup:

I like 'Annoy a Liberal: Lie, cheat, steal, hate and kill"

If I saw you coming I'd honk

[donheld]

51. "Freedom Isn't Free...So Stop Whining and Pay Your Taxes"

Where did you get that one, I want one.

[proud patriot]

57. I believe I got that one here (I'm looking now)

http://theliberalstore.com/bumperstickermagnet/peacevinylobamademocrat/TLS-stickers.html

edit yep it's there on page 2 :hi:

[whathehell]

92. Great site. Low prices, too, n/t

[Manifestor_of_Light]

58. Woah. Awesome.

Any one of those would get me firebombed in Texas.

[reggie the dog]

66. right on!

what state are you in??? how do you keep your paint from being keyed or the windows busted out?

[proud patriot]

204. California , SF Bay Area

[Enthusiast]

86. Wow! Very good! nt

[d_b]

97. nice

[semillama]

98. "Bush deserves a fair trial"

almost choked on my lunch for that one...

[BootinUp]

110. Great stickers. nt

[lumberjack_jeff]

113. +1 n/t

[CBR]

116. I want the "I don't brake for right-wing nut jobs!" Great stickers. nt

[proud patriot]

205. Here's my favorite Bumper sticker store's link

http://theliberalstore.com/bumperstickermagnet/peacevinylobamademocrat/TLS-stickers.html

[ocd liberal]

146. Nice stickers!!!

My kids and I approve wholeheartedly!!

[marew]

152. I am afraid for you. Please be careful.

They're getting crazier and crazier out there. :scared:

[proud patriot]

172. I live in the SF Bay Area ,while there are some nut jobs

they are out numbered here.

[socialist_n_TN]

181. I like the one about Somolia.............

Hey, RWers there's your libertarian Paradise right there. Go for it!

[abelenkpe]

184. Great bumper stickers! nt

[PADemD]

197. Love the "Freedom isn't free" sticker.

Where did you get them?

[B Calm]

210. If I ever see you out there on the interstate, I'll toot my air horns in support!

[Just One Woman]

214. Yeah!

Absolutely Fabulous!

[phasma ex machina]

218. Sloganeering sublimes into existential art.

:fistbump:

[TBF]

23. I didn't feel so uncomfortable when I lived in downtown Houston,

but when I moved to the suburbs I took the Kerry sticker off my car. They are crazy and they carry guns down here ...

[texastoast]

173. You just never know

I prejudged a guy and I was wrong.

I was in Old Town Spring and had a Kerry sticker on my car. A big pickup pulled up and parked behind me and the guy got out of the truck and walked up to my window. I rolled it down and asked if I could help him. He said, "You are pretty brave to have that sticker on your car." I said something like, "I guess," but the old adrenalin kicked in and the heart was starting to pump it up a little.

He took a step back and started talking to me. He was a fireman (quite the hunk, if an old lady may notice such a thing) and talked about how Bush had ended up treating the first responders during 9/11. And he asked me if I knew where he could get a Kerry sticker for his truck.

Never give up. Never back down. Be armed with good sound bites such as "Pavement is socialist."

And for any trolls reading this, never forget, liberals in Texas carry guns too.

[Dappleganger]

24. Call the non-emergency number and report it anyway.

They should want any details especially if he acted in a threatening manner.

[WingDinger]

25. Several years ago, a bigrig was up two girls asses and they were freaking

So, I pulled up to them, and told them to slow down slightly, and then gun it. I slipped in behind them, and slowed that truck down to very slow. And he had no choice if he didnt want to ram me. The girls were cheering and ecstatic. If that truck would have hit me, he would go down hard, and lose his license. If more people went badass on punks, they would learn fast.

[Bitwit1234]

176. Same thing happened to me back on the Washington Beltway

I was going with the flow of traffic about 65 and occasional 70. But the whole group was moving like that. A big old truck cut off a car in back of me and came barreling down. He then started to blow that big horn and yell for me to get out of his way. I would have but if anybody has ever been on the Beltway at rush hour you know you have no way to go. I kid you not traffic at times gets almost bumper to bumper. I then gave him the finger and he backed up a little, I wrote down the tag number. The next morning when I got to work I gave it to the State Police. They turned it in, and said the guys would keep an eye out for him.

I wasn't scared, but I sure as heck was shook up. He thought since at that time, I was a middle aged woman, I would be scared of him and pull out of his way.

[Papagoose]

26. I am really torn up about putting stickers on my car

In the past year, someone twice removed and another time attempted to remove Obama logo stickers from the back of my van parked outside of my office. I was told by the police that I should consider not putting Obama stickers on my car, since that is just "asking for trouble", living in rural Georgia.

I have since bought a new car and have not yet put any stickers on it. I have several ready - they're in the glove box - I'm just afraid of having my new car vandalized or worse. I know of several acts of violence against Democrats by the Rednecks I am surrounded by every day.

[Liquorice]

31. It's just not safe to have political bumper stickers. There are too many lunatics out there. nt

[barbtries]

174. somehow i doubt

that the people driving around with their right wing hate stickers feel the same way.

i put what i want on my car, and so far, no problems. in CA previously and NC for the last 3 years

[stuntcat]

32. another example.

This is their people.

If that had happened to me I'd just explode inside. A man started shyt with me at Goodwill one day (over my environmental buttons, I was on the way home from a DC rally :eyes:) and I fought him off but soon as I got home I broke down, it wasn't a sad cry but a nervous cry!
Anyway, it shook me so bad, I'll never forget it.

Tell her she rocks!

[Raine]

34. That's why I will never put a bumpersticker

on my car. :-(

[Beartracks]

36. RW talk heads have made rage "acceptable" behavior.

They demonstrate that ranting and calling names makes you feel powerful. They show that there are no consequences to hateful, derogatory attitudes and speech, or even lies. They adopt and espouse extreme emotional positions whose only practical outlet is to a) get a talk radio show and blow it out the airhole, or b) act out.

So, yeah -- you whip up the fear and hatred, call names, and claim the moral high ground, and lemmings who follow you will need some kind of "release." Same as in grade school when bullies had entourages and suck-ups who wanted nothing more than to be found worthy.

They also learn that releasing those pent up emotions is okay if directed at "enemy" targets, because that's what their media heroes do and it seems to work for them.

Oh -- and the talking heads defensively claim they are only "entertainers." So were gladiators. So when will the collective American crowd give these clowns a thumbs down?

-------------------------------------

[Enthusiast]

88. Plus fucking one! nt

[Kaleva]

38. How do you know he was a right winger?

[WinkyDink]

75. Right, Uh-huh. Sure.

[awoke_in_2003]

160. because the militant left...

is too busy planning this years war on christmas. :sarcasm: Seriously, you're kidding right?

[Kaleva]

207. Well, what is the evidence that the guy is a right winger?

[awoke_in_2003]

211. because they are the only ones...

going apeshit crazy about a black man in the oval office.

[Kaleva]

215. Where is the evidence the man went apeshit crazy about a black man in the Oval Office?

I qoute from the OP:

"you f*cking stupid c*nt with your f*cking Obama sticker on your car. That f*ck is ruining this country!!!"

He's not of a fan of President Obama but he doesn't make any comment about his race.

[political_Dem]

41. I am sorry that happened. I hope you and your wife are doing well under the circumstances.

It is disgusting that the are folks who don't respect freedom of speech, not to mention a core sense of decency. It seems that America is infested with these mouth-breathing losers who have nothing better to do except carry out the orders of their nutjob talk show hosts. Their behavior not only reflects domestic terrorism, but also sadistic tendencies in the name of the RW.

I hope that things get better. Please take care. :hug:

[dddem]

47. Hindsight is 20-20. She probably should have called (or pretended to call) 911

That being said, I hope your wife is ok. It's really upsetting that after this shithead drove away, he probably never gave his behavior another thought, and meantime, your poor wife probably can't shake it. Nobody wants to feel attacked when they are in the privacy of their vehicle, minding their business. I have had this happen, and to a degree, I felt violated. How dare this jerk invade her private space and spew his venomous crap.

If it helps, maybe your wife can try to appreciate that this idiot has to live with all of this blackness inside him, like a worm, and she has you!

Also, she should be proud of her Obama sticker. And you should be proud of her for having it.

[rufus dog]

48. Have noticed a lot of anti Obama stickers in the OC

over the past few months. Usually woman or men in the late 50's.

As with others, I think they listen to the hate talk all day long and then think it is acceptable behavior to harass others.

[flamingdem]

49. I'm so sorry that happened, what a dick, stay strong - we all have to now! nt

[krabigirl]

50. I live in oc, too, and i do the opposite. While i don't flip off people with nobama stickers,

I shake my head and laugh at them.

[Initech]

53. What part of OC? I know this county still has a shit-ton of RW nut jobs.

I live in the Anaheim/Fullerton/Yorba Linda area and there was a tea party rally today. Unfortunately I stopped by to have a look-see but didn't see anything worth photographing (they must have been told to leave their signs at home) - but the weird thing is - I didn't see any counter-protest whatsoever, which I was expecting to find across the street. But yeah definitely watch your back for those types.

[shanti]

122. the poster's profile

says they live in laguna niguel - south county. most right wing part of OC! i'm an OC native myself, 3rd generation back to 1900, but central OC. TG, i don't live there anymore, but still have lots of RW relatives living there though. it hasn't changed that much. i remember dad ranting about the john birchers back in the 60's.

[Initech]

139. Ah Laguna Niguel - right next to Saddleback, home of insane homophobic mega pastor Rick Warren.

I definitely know that area - it's the Bible Belt of the West Coast.

[jmowreader]

170. Isn't Laguna Niguel where Orly Taitz lives?

[stopbush]

192. Saddleback College is in Mission Viejo which is across the 5 from Laguna Niguel.

Saddleback Church is in Lake Forest which is 10 miles north of us. We've got a few towns between us and those fundie assholes, though I do see a lot of Saddleback Church window decals on SUVs in our town.

[glinda]

54. Please report this now. He will do it again most likely or worse things possibly maybe to

your home or something. Hopefully there was a camera somewhere at the lights or something.
I drive a subaru. I have no bumper stickers.

List of the last 8 months:

Twice had cars riding my bumper
1 broken smashed tail-light
a dozen keying marks
a noticeable dent with a sharp object like keying and slamming a fist
a person purposefully walking into the back end of my car while I was coming out of a parking space and them slamming their fist on my back hood

[raccoon]

71. Where do you live? nt

[glinda]

90. Middle of MN. Not Bachmann's area but just north of.

[glinda]

91. It doesn't matter totally because my little cousin who just moved here from

HI, had her Subaru keyed there. Jerk keyed the whole width of the front hood, from side to the other, on her mint car. She has no bumper stickers either.

[AC_Mem]

56. A coworker advised me

that it might be unwise to have my "I stand with the President" bumper sticker on my car. I'm in Memphis TN. I told him and I will say now, I will not be fearful of supporting my President! I'm a proud democrat and I love my country and have the right to put whatever the hell I want on my car that I bought and paid for.

Let some GOP conservative Glenn Beck lovin redneck try to run this grandma off the road. I'll memorize their tags and call 911 and sue their ass off.

Annette <feisty liberal>

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

78. Isn't it amazing....

....that two years ago, "Standing with the President" was all American and patriotic and if you didn't you're a terrorist.

These scum make me sick.

[Bheleu]

140. Sad nobody hears the message...

"Isn't it amazing
....that two years ago, "Standing with the President" was all American and patriotic and if you didn't you're a terrorist.

These scum make me sick."

Two years ago he was not tripping over his own two feet.


You mentioned standing with the president and terrorist in the same sentence and that dreadful image popped into my head. The Saudi King did not return the bow, but if he had the right would have claimed they were the best of friends. These kinds of mistakes have happened enough times (and publicised so much by the right) that nobody that wants to get elected can afford to be seen with him. It is sad that people focus so much on the mistakes that they do not hear the message.

[Kalyke]

129. I wouldn't worry about that in Memphis.

I'm on the Eastern side of the state - Knoxville - over here, is where you'd worry about it.

[Mimosa]

198. Cool, AC_Mem.

Welcome to D.U. :)

[jdp349]

59. It's nasty out there these days

I work in a congressional district office you wouldn't believe the phone calls and messages that we get. Nasty nasty people out there.

[Unrepentant Fenian]

60. I'd file a report anyway.

[Greyhound]

61. So quit being fucking sheep. All this "political discourse" may be a game to those of you

that have allowed yourselves to be lulled into your false "security" behind the Orange Curtain (and similar enclaves across the nation), but the war is happening, has been happening, and will escalate before it is over. Do you get that now?

She was assaulted in broad daylight and didn't even note a license plate or vehicle model. That is the reaction of a victim.

Worse, this criminal is now further emboldened to repeat or even escalate his assaults, knowing that there will be no consequences.

I'm sorry this happened to your wife and I'm sure you're pissed as hell, but this is not a game. Feeling that you have no part in this beyond commuting to and from your job and voting every two years doesn't cut it any more. We've ignored the escalating class war for decades, and even today, after the worst financial collapse in history that has left millions destitute and desperate, we pretend this is "just another bump in the road" and go on our merry way. After all, "it doesn't have anything to do with me."

Wake. Up.

[Born_A_Truman]

62. I wear my Obama shirt ...

If they want to hassle a grandmother I hope they bring backup.

[barbtries]

178. me too

wear it all the time. i've never been hassled. the closest i ever came to it was while wearing my IVAW sweatshirt in the hotel in DC. the PVA was having a convention in the hotel, and one woman gave me a really dirty look. that's it. i got many more compliments on it during the time i was there, and plan to wear it again on the 30th of this month, when i'll be in DC again.

[HipChick]

64. Call the cops..file a report..someone tried something like this the other day

Almost caused me to have a nasty accident. Fortunately he had personalized plates, which made them easy to remember

[reggie the dog]

65. get your wife a gun, have her learn how to shoot

and have her carry it with her in the car, then she wont be scared.

[jtuck004]

117. I would second this if she will go to the range and get some training.

She will still be scared, and rightly so, but training will help her keep her head. Having thought through some of the ways of reacting beforehand could be invaluable.

This is assuming she is the type that could keep it out of sight and stay in the car, only pulling it if they try to get through the doors, and then only if she will use it. Otherwise she probably has a better weapon using the car to get to a fire or police station.

Get a google map of all the fire departments, city or state offices, police departments, that sort of thing in the vicinity, and drive by them so she knows where they are at. Public places are better than nothing, but a lot of people just stand around and watch because of the liabilities these days.

Pepper spray might be a good alternative if they try to get through the door or window, long enough to get to some safety.

But do make sure she has a cell phone and make sure it is charged.

Because since this guy has done it once, and nothing happened to him, he may well do it again.

[hfojvt]

67. what exactly is a "white fuck"?

[earth mom]

103. Yeah, I was wondering the same thing.

:wtf:

[lumberjack_jeff]

112. I agree.

I'm a "middle aged or older white fuck".

It undermines the rest of a good post.

[Dave From Canada]

114. Great observation. I wonder if he would've said black fuck, or hispanic fuck.

[CBR]

118. I am guessing the person was white. Just a guess though. nt

[Le Taz Hot]

72. After putting on the following three bumper stickers

on my truck: "Coexist," "Walk softly on Mother Earth," and "Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History" I've noticed a lot more people driving aggressively, sort of, "at me." Like quickly merging into my lane on the freeway and, if I don't brake, they'll tear off my front quarter panel kind of stuff. A few weeks ago, my husband was in a shopping center in the ritzy part of town (it's our only William & Sonoma store) and was ripped up one side and down the other about being a "dirty hippy" and was informed that he supported terrorism (which is kinda hard when you're on unemployment). Not sure how Sparky came to all those conclusions based on the above 3 bumper stickers but there you go.

The point is these assbites are empowered by the likes of Rush & Beck & Hannity AND THEIR FUCKING CHURCHES!

[Luciferous]

73. That's why I don't have bumper stickers on my car. I live in a

pretty conservative area and figure it's not worth the potential problems.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

77. Drive around and try to find the car if you think it's in your area

Get the plate and the make. I'd call the police sooner rather than later just to let them know there is a dangerous asshole loose.

[Scruffy1]

81. Get the license number.

[LaydeeBug]

85. Shew, she should have told him to fuck off back, they can dish it, but they CAN'T take it. Trust. nt

[Dash87]

134. I wouldn't fight with people on the road.

A year ago I was going to college, and I had my windows down. Some guy thought I was going too slow (I go the speed limit on the highway), and got in my back seat. I didn't think anything of it. Then, he gunned it around me and clearly called me an F'n C-word, and stuck his middle finger out the window. He was driving a ratty old truck.

I know it's nothing compared to everyone else here. But I was kind of shaken up. lol! I think there's alot of nuts out there, and I wouldn't get into it with them if they get riled up so easily. :)

♥

[ThatsMyBarack]

87. I don't have political stickers on my car anymore....

Cuz I was cut off and flipped off by some guy in a Mercedes convertible when I had 'em in the Dumbya era.

[a la izquierda]

Yikes!

I got run into oncoming traffic by a moron with some conservative bullshit sticker on his car. I'd been parked next to him at Walgreens. He was a real Oklahoma looker (read: a methhead with no teeth). I don't have any Obama or Democrat stickers on my car. But I do have a few political ones: What Would Buddha Do, Like a Rock only Dumber (With Bush's face) and a ginormous BOYCOTT VEAL (my professor is convinced that's going to get me a brick thrown through the window here in Oklahoma). Well, cutie pie conservative and I left the parking lot at the same time, and he decided to mess with the liberal punk girl. I literally almost got plowed by a truck. And then the cop saw what happened. Oh sweet justice in a moderate Oklahoma town.

I feel bad for your wife, how scary! My brother-in-law lives in Orange County, and though he's a conservative, he's one of the more sensible ones (if that's possible). He's also a sheriff, and I know if he ever heard that story, he'd have a lot of sympathy for your wife--because again, even though he's a conservative, he loves his liberal sister-in-law and brother.

[a la izquierda]

89. Yikes!

I got run into oncoming traffic by a moron with some conservative bullshit sticker on his car. I'd been parked next to him at Walgreens. He was a real Oklahoma looker (read: a methhead with no teeth). I don't have any Obama or Democrat stickers on my car. But I do have a few political ones: What Would Buddha Do, Like a Rock only Dumber (With Bush's face) and a ginormous BOYCOTT VEAL (my professor is convinced that's going to get me a brick thrown through the window here in Oklahoma). Well, cutie pie conservative and I left the parking lot at the same time, and he decided to mess with the liberal punk girl. I literally almost got plowed by a truck. And then the cop saw what happened. Oh sweet justice in a moderate Oklahoma town.

I feel bad for your wife, how scary! My brother-in-law lives in Orange County, and though he's a conservative, he's one of the more sensible ones (if that's possible). He's also a sheriff, and I know if he ever heard that story, he'd have a lot of sympathy for your wife--because again, even though he's a conservative, he loves his liberal sister-in-law and brother.

[meow mix]

94. she shoulda called 911 right away.

if someones gettin crazy like that, they want to check it out. theyd pull him over within minutes.

[The Uncola]

96. In that situation...

.. the best idea that comes to mind is to call 911 immediately (assuming your wife had a cell, which almost everyone does these days) and they could have gotten the description and perhaps the license plate number from her while it was there in front of her. Of course, that easy for me to say from a distance and in hindsight. You are correct though, the Beckerhead and his ilk sre directly responsible for a huge loss of civility in our society and a large portion of the violence, some of which, I'm embarrassed to say, I would enjoy seeing visited on him and those like him.

[stubtoe]

102. Reading the posts in this thread, I know now why there are so many

Repub yard signs up and almost no Democrat yard signs.

The repubs feel safe doing it, but the Dems don't.

[Kajsa]

106. Damn! You don't live that far from me!

I'm here in Costa Mesa, where our idiot mayor is trying to turn our city
into another Arizona!

Yes, we do have over 500,000 registered Democrats in OC, but loud
crazy groups of die hard OC uber Republicans have no intention of letting
any Dems in without a vicious fight.

One week after the election, a hysterical woman in a Lexus screamed at
me because the water from my windshield washer sprayed a few drops
on new car.
" and you drive around town with your Obama sticker acting like you
know everything!!!" What?!?
I didn't take it down for another 8 months.

I'm so sorry this happened to her.
This crap should be reported to the police.

:(

[Arugula Latte]

107. I take a certain satisfaction in picturing these older white pieces of crap dying off in O.C.

[bongbong]

108. Brainless idiots

With the ubiquity of cell phone video cameras these right wing Nazis are just begging to go to jail or get sued. As for keying or other damage to stationary cars, cheap surveillance cameras are almost as easy to buy & set up (easiest for your driveway, but with a little skill you can set one up to monitor your car at parking lots, etc)

As for us, we just got a new car so I'm a bit of a chicken about displaying my Liberal Leanings on it. However, the last car was a beater and I kept my Obama sticker on it.

OT, but related - for a while I was keeping an album of photographs of ancient rustbucket cars with repig stickers on them - the album was entitled "repig unintentional irony, type 337".

[The Backlash Cometh]

111. This should be actionable. Trying to get someone upset when they're

behind the wheel of a car is like yelling, "Fire," in a crowded theater.

[joe black]

115. Fucking coward.

Attacking a woman. Wish your wife would reconsider and file that report. The guy could really go lunitic and shoot somebody.

[elleng]

120. Lets have them 'do' anarchy so we can imprison them.

:mad:

[howaboutme]

125. I would definitely report it.

He may have gotten her license number and could find your address. It would be prudent to go on record with LE. BTW I keep one of these stickers "INSURED BY GLOCK" on my car because it does deter idiots. It confuses those who think libs are pussy targets and coincidentally I've never ever been a road rage target.

[deaniac21]

126. Never get tired of the bumper sticker threads...

[Deep13]

127. File a police report anyway. nt

[pansypoo53219]

128. personally.

i'd savor his crazy pants. cause how long did georgee make us insane for a reason. i'd give him a peace sign. and hope he blows a gasket.

[Patiod]

166. I've found that a smile and/or peace sign enrages them more

Seriously - a smirk and a wave, and you're on the way to causing an an aneurysm.

[Dash87]

131. File a police report anyways, imo.

Just because it could have happened to somebody else. There's way too many nuts on the road.

♥

[southernyankeebelle]

132. I had an Obama sticker on my car. I'm old and I left it on until I heard about a rage in TN were

I live. I mean I live in a little rural town about 2 hrs out of Nashville. I went to take it off because I don't want any trouble. I stopped many years ago putting stickers on my car but am proud I voted for Obama and will again. We went and voted yesterday (early). Even though I don't like Lincoln Davis because he isn't more to the left I held my nose and voted for him.

[NeedleCast]

133. They sure are brave, aren't they?

I guarantee that this guy doesn't do this except to women driving alone.

[M_A]

135. They are getting bolder

I've been harassed over my FFRF stickers, Democracy not theocracy, Beware of dogma, that sort of thing. I whip out the cellphone and start snapping pictures, always asking the abusive cretin to "smile for the camera" this usually causes them to peel out of there fast. This old bat can't be intimidated any more.

[NeedleCast]

138. Good on You M_A

And welcome to DU.

They're really only bold when they have numbers or can threaten women alone in their cars.

[pasto76]

137. Road rage and reckless driving will be pursued by police

hopefully you have the plate number. Drive around the hood and look for his car. You must report this.

[Swamp Rat]

141. Report it to the police. eom

[h9socialist]

142. Getting even . . .

Yesterday, I had the joy of flipping off some redneck goober in an oversize pick-up truck with an anti-Obama stickeer on his bumper. You should try it!

[trayfoot]

143. Same thing Happened to me the day after Obama Elected!

And, it happened to my friend the following week.

[damonm]

144. I may have to go down there...

had somebody try that shit w/ me not long ago - stopped QUICKLY when I got out of the car. I go 6'1", 285 and am built like an offensive lineman gone a bit to seed...fucking coward. Would have LOVED to drive-block him into his own car.

[ocd liberal]

145. That happens to me too

on a very regular basis. I have a "Turn off FOX" sticker and lots of folks pull up next to me and make faces or yell stuff about how they love FOX. I usually have my 6 & 10 year old with me so we just roll down our windows and wave like we are the friendliest people in the world. Don't these assholes realize that their behavior in front of children is just turning my kids into Blue Dog Dems just like me?

[Piwi2009]

147. I know how it is, I live in one of them thar red states

I saw a guy with atheist, prochoice Obama stickers on his car - it had dents in it, it was scratched up
and showed signs of a fire put out on it.

[Piwi2009]

148. My dream sticker, if I only had the guts

""PALIN / ODONNELL 2012 -- Because America could use a good laugh"

[marew]

150. There is a whole new hatred out there.

I posted on Huff Po a need for civility and was attacked for that suggestion. I was told this is 'civil war' and incivility is all part of it. Thanks to the Becks and Limbaughs the US is becoming a dangerous place.

[NJmaverick]

151. Kick

[DesertFlower]

153. that's why i don't put bumper stickers on my car

or signs in my yard.

[byronius]

154. Axiomatically, they're all total cowards.

Sometimes I get tailgated -- I've got several bumper stickers that identify me clearly. They usually pull even to say something at some point, and as they do, they see I'm a large male with big arms and an angry look on his face. And they always look away, and flee. Every. Goddamned. Time.

I'm mad. I could probably get involved in a little road rage myself. It's good that they run away, though. Violence is bad for the soul.

[NeedleCast]

155. I feel (and look) about the same

Cowards, one and all. They'll pick on old ladies. They'll prey on single women driving by themselves. They see a guy who looks like a college football linebacker, they're quick to hit the gas or the breaks and flee.

[femrap]

156. When white dudes do this to me....

I get out of the car yelling every f*cking cuss word in the book. I'm an old woman. I get their plates and tell them they'll find themselves in jail tonight....my husband/son is a cop. And he knows exactly what cage he'll put you in.

It's all a lie....but I enjoy scaring white dudes. It's all the fun that I have left.

Someone will probably shoot me someday...just hope I'm walking back to the car so I don't see it coming. I'll die having fun.

I quit w/ bumper stickers....I attract enough assholes even without them.

If your wife gets scared easily, she better take the bumper stickers off....this country is filled with mean, stupid idiots. I enjoy ridiculing them. Not for the faint of heart.

[texastoast]

165. I think you are my kind of girl

It would be fun to go on a rampage with you!

:toast:

[Hepburn]

159. Orange County....

...John Birch Central...or it used to be.

There are some real Neanderthals in that County. Sorry that happened to your wife, glad she is OK.

[Telalim]

161. OC is still majority Rethug and still racist

I had the misfortune of having to live in Orange County for three years. I lived in Aliso Viejo. Orange County has to be the most racist place in America still. While there are many hispanics and asians that live there, you won't find ANY black people. Ask them why. They'll tell you, everybody there is racist.

Also, Orange County is far from majority Democratic. Rethugs outnumber Democrats by a big margin, I think last year it was 43%-33%. There are more "independent" voters, but I suspect those are just the "less" racist rethugs in waiting. Aside from Santa Ana and mid north cities, the OC is the same as it ever was. The worst place was Hungtingon Beach. I wouldn't even go there at night with coworkers knowing how bad of a place it was.

[DirtyDawg]

163. Seems to me that...

...we have two choices, or maybe three. First, don't display Obama and/or any Democratic stickers...or two, make sure your local ordinances have severe penalties for such actions - and have the presence of mind to get the tag number..or three, arm yourself as I do and blast away at the ass-hole. Obviously, that last one isn't a desirable option, but it's exactly what will happen if these people are allowed to do what they do and to go unpunished - and I mean punished - jailed...car impounded and sold at auction...fined...made to register as a 'political road-rage offender' and have their insurance rates doubled...or tripled, for life.

[DirtyDawg]

167. Oh yeah....

...I just thought of another option. Have some Obama stickers made with a little extra. For example:

My 357 Magnum says...OBAMA in 2012, or My 12-gauge Says, OBAMA in '12

[HillbillyBob]

193. Gee how'd ya gettem to talk!? ours only go boom

That 12g sounds like a friggin cannon. I don't carry with mostly I rely on my wits and a sharp tongue. I use a cane now and where I live is pretty peaceful or our county is. There are a few Rs in this county, but mostly they moved out long ago to the counties S W and E , North is Danville Va. I posted earlier about the line of kkk/nazis we got stuck in on our way home from a Bluegrass festival..I have been in Very dangerous situations where I managed to bluff my way through actually quite a few times. Back in the 80s running into drug offloads in the glades, also back in the 70s sneaking up to where the kkkers were meeting I got shot at that time. I could have been killed doing that sort of thing. I just had to know. I have had several incidents when I had rainbow stickers on my car or truck. In Atlanta on I 85 bypass we had some asshole yelling faggots and throwing beer bottles at our Z car(we just dropped and moved over a couple lanes than passed him like he was sitting still and a gratuitous single finger salute.
I would shake like crazy after the incident was over, but managed to keep my head at the time..or I would not be here.

[bobburgster]

169. That is sad......

and frustrating that people like that, who have literally been brainwashed by the media, are to the point of violence.

[sulphurdunn]

171. Heat seeking road rockets.

I recommend them. They mount without too much difficulty beneath the front bumper. I like to paint little FOX News logos that say "fair and balanced" on the drivers side door to record victories. :nuke:

[BlueIris]

177. EW. Scary. I'm sorry she had to deal with that circus animal. nt

[Capitalocracy]

179. Let me just say, he did that to your wife, but he probably wouldn't have done it to you.

Coward.

[abelenkpe]

185. You are right.

I live above a bully who likes to yell at me about my politics and kids whenever my husband isn't around. He knows he scares me. But he never says or does a thing if my hubby is around...

[HillbillyBob]

195. You might consider a hidden camera with sound recording.

Northern Tool sells some, so does Tiger direct. I know it might not be in your budget but if he starts making threats or do property damage to your car.

[Capitalocracy]

208. Any recording device could theoretically be hidden

Maybe she could use one she already has around. Not a bad idea. I personally am starting to think we all need to record every conversation we're in these days, unfortunately.

[stormpilot]

182. You should report this

What if they run into each other again on the street? What is he liable to do next time?? I wouldn't take any chances!

[abelenkpe]

183. So sorry to hear that!

She must be seriously shook up. I hope she never has to see that guy again and he isn't in the neighborhood. Maybe he was visiting someone on the block?

We live above a Ron Paul supporter who has also made his opinion of our President very clear. We share a doorstep where his Ron Paul mail and our Obama mail sometimes mingle on the ground before we arrive home since that's where our postman leaves such things. He hates my two kids and has yelled at me and them several times when my husband isn't around. (He thinks their barefoot footsteps are so loud cause I'm an evil Liberal mommy who doesn't discipline them for waking up before 8am on the weekends. They are 3 and 5.) Honestly he scares the crap out of me. So I certainly hope you and your wife don't live near the lunatic who accosted her. I agree, the rage is being whipped up by irresponsible TV and radio hosts. You'd think there would be a fine for such antics on TV, but the FCC is more concerned with wardrobe malfunctions.

Glad to hear OC is turning blue. I'm just north of you. :)

[kestrel91316]

186. The now-outnumbered RWers down in OC really aren't taking things well.

They are a pretty rabid bunch, and it's been all downhill for them since B-1 Bob got tossed.

[bagimin]

187. This happened to me before

the primaries in 2008 and I still haven't gotten over it.My best to your wife.

[bbinacan]

188. "white fuck"? WTF

I wonder what the reaction would be if one said "black fuck", or "asian fuck", or "hispanic fuck". Jeesh.

[Capitalocracy]

209. As a fellow white man

I am boiling with lack of outrage. Could not care less.

[CBR]

213. The outrage has escaped me. nt

[Shining Jack]

200. K&R

Some people are nuts!

[ourbluenation]

201. I'm so sorry. But ..glad to hear there are more D's in the OC...that is some good news right there.

grew up there and got the hell out as soon as I could. :hug:

[SocialistLez]

202. I won't put a rainbow or pro-choice sticker on my car

Some of it is because I still live with my parents and my mom won't allow me. (She's paying for my car...)

The other BIG reason is because I know people for the most part in AR, unfortunately, are anti-gay and anti-choice.

[Devil_Fish]

206. I hate to say it, but that is why I don't have any stickers at all on my car.

I won't say that you shouldn't, it's your right to freedom of speach and all. I won't say that ass hole was in the right to harrass your wife either. Am I repressed? possibly. I just feel like this country has gotten so fucked up that blending in is the best thing to do.

[Aviation Pro]

212. Your wife is not a victim....

...and us Dems should never use that word to describe us.

[David Zephyr]

217. This is what Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News and Glen Beck have unleashed.

I'm very sorry to hear this, stopbush.

Still, OC is going bluer and bluer all the time and I've witnessed that amazing change first hand.

Please be careful.