As I noted, some ignorant knob stole our Obama sign the other night.
Saw a neighbor down the street and said the same thing happened to him a few weeks ago. Evidently, some people think that is reasonable discourse. I recall wanting to jump on a few W signs in 04, but of course, I did not. That isn't how democracy is supposed to function.
But when the Republicans get their models from Karl Rove and now John McCain, there is no wonder. The same neighbor noted that one of his relatives had read the new Corsi hatchet book on Obama and thought it was good. My friend told his relative that it was based on documented lies. His relative said, "everyone has their opinion on Hussein Obama."
How do you talk to that kind of ignorance?
14 comments:
How do you talk to that kind of ignorance?
I don't think you can. I tire of having to explain that he isn't a Muslim, he is a Christian, he is patriotic, he does love America, he is qualified...blah, blah, blah, and on and on.
To even mention Obama gets shudders, wide eyes, and slack-jawed incredulity. I wonder if folks of my ilk can really think about something besides goose-stepping the Republican line?
(And, if you want that sign back, I take PayPal.) :)
I agree with Tony. Even if you can get someone like that to not argue (or roll their eyes) you cannot change their minds.
The only way is to get Chuck Norris to do it, but I think he's a Republican--because we all know that Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make him drink!
Our neighborhood has an association with governing board (which I was on until my schedule prevented my attening meetings). During the last election there was a big "controversy" over political yard signs with numerous complaints. From what I can tell, the makeup of the neighborhood leans to the left, as the complaints were all directed at signs that supported Republican candidates. Their was a meeting to address this issue and several suggested a ban on political yard signs. I pointed out that any kind of total ban would be unenforcable and could probably be ignored. Eventually, the complainers dropped the issue. FWIW, I know several people that serve in office from both parties. Sign theft is pretty common and isn't just Rovian hotheads doing the stealin'.
I realize that elections can sometimes bring out the worst in people, but I don't see why people get all that worked up about signs in someone else's yard.
How do you talk to that kind of ignorance?
I refuse to. If someone calls him B. Hussein Obama or similar, I figure they are only interested in some middle-school level exchange, so I just don't bother. I have also heard some references to McCain, as McSame. While the latter is not as offensive, it still suggests a certain level of pettiness.
I have also heard some references to McCain, as McSame. While the latter is not as offensive, it still suggests a certain level of pettiness.
Great point Steve. This election cycle has really reeked of pettiness and dwelling on the trivial and superficial. One of the things that has really gotten my attention about Obama is his ability to stay above this fray. Yeah, he has made a few foibles, but for the most part he hasn't degenerated into this junior level of discourse.
Yeah, I am not sure the McSame is close to the "Hussein" but the pettyness is pretty clear.
Howie, thanks for dropping by. Great blog, btw.
Steve, I agree about the sign theft. I certainly don't assume this is just the tactic of the right, and know far too many crazies on the left. Well, not as many as I know on the right, but that might be just where I live.
But I will continue to say that the Republicans have jumped the shark with the Swiftboating and challenges to people's patriotism. Their level of insanity on this kind of stuff is out of balance right now.
Tony, good point about Obama. While he may have policy issues (IMO), he has run a pretty clean campaign.
I am not sure the McSame is close to the "Hussein" but the pettyness is pretty clear.
I agree, which I mentioned.
This election cycle has really reeked of pettiness and dwelling on the trivial and superficial.
True, but this ad from the 1800 election was pretty bad, too. Nasty Federalists.
No doubt that elections have always been bad. The ads comparing Lincoln to a primate, or the attacks on Cleveland (Ma, Ma, where's my Pa? Gone to the White House, Ha, Ha, Ha) are all examples of a pretty vicious political cycle that we have witnessed over the years.
None of that, btw, (not that you are suggesting this) excuses the Rove, McCain bunch from playing this kind of game.
You know I find this post extremely funny because in 04 I found myself in a similar position as Streak.
I was pretty outspoken in my critism of Kerry. I remember one night in particular where I was discussing why I felt that Kerry would of been a horrible thing for our country with a couple of democrats. I remember that night only because the next morning I woke up to literally 100's of Kerry/Edwards signs in my yard. They also littered my place of business with the signs and stickers.
I thought it was funny then. As I look back at it in light of this I think it was outrageously funny.
Tony, this is for another section but I have some genuine questions after watching Obama last night. Streak do you think you could set up another post so I could ask those questions in light of the discussion last night.
Use an electrical fence charge for horses and wrap the sign in thin aluminum wire. My culprit was on the ground in pain and was completely busted. Trust me... it works
It happened to me in 2004 ... and here's what I did.
When someone stole the first one, I put up two.
When they stole two, I put up four.
When they stole four, I put up eight. And so on and so on.
Ultimately, the culprit stopped stealing my signs (too exhausting, maybe?) and I made my point ... to them and the rest of the neighborhood.
our Obama sign was stolen last night, and I can't afford to buy more. now I'm just angry and stewing ...
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