Had an aggressive Freeper confront me today while driving in my car

[Pachamama]

Here I was at a stoplight in my station wagon with my pachababy in her car seat and a man next to my car smiles real nice and asks me to roll down my window. I oblige, thinking he has a quick question for me (directions etc) and when I roll it down he says "Hey, from all your bumper stickers on your car, you must be a Marin County Socialist who is unpatriotic and is trying to destroy our country and jeopardize our troops!"

He said this with a glaring smile on his face as he basically dared a response. I was stunned. My car, a BMW station wagon with the bumper stickers saying "Mainstreet Moms Oppose Bush -theMMOB" and "Out of Iraq" along with an American Flag and I'm labeled a Socialist, who is unpatriotic and jeopardizing our troops? WTF?

I responded politely by saying that actually, I grew up in a Republican family, am not a socialist but rather a patriotic American who loves my country, believes in the Constitution and upholding it and that I want to protect our troops and that I'm actually a registered Independent, not a registered Socialist. He insteaded responded to me by cursing me and telling me that if our country went to hell it would be me and all the damn liberals in this country who don't believe in Jesus and God.

I told him that he needed help and that if he harrassed me anymore I'd call the liberal police. He then drove away....

I was shaking....I have never had a confrontation like that before. I'd never think of driving up to a big Ford Extinction with big "W" stickers on it (hey, I even occassionally see Melanie Morgan, a neighbor here locally who drives her SUV with her big patriotic flag stickers and God Bless W all over it) and shout out anything to them, even if I feel sick when I see them and especially Melanie Morgan.

Anyone else had any weird aggressive confrontations like this lately? What's even more shocking is this happening here in Marin of all places, a very liberal part of California. Is this a sign of what that "Uniter Mr. Bush" is doing to this country?

Very sad indeed...but I'm not going to let this stop me from expressing my opinion publicly or removing my stickers on my car. But it is frightening to me that someone like that would be aggressive and angry like that to a mom with her baby and label me and call me names. What's next? People getting violent on their fellow neighbors and citizens?

[hobbit709]

1. The idiots are feeling the heat

and they have to take it out on someone. You were the target for the day.

[Pachamama]

18. Me thinks your right....they are feeling the heat, *'s dropping poll #'s,

the bad economy, the failing war in Iraq etc. etc.

Yes, I was the target for the day...my concern is how often is this going to start happening to me and fellow citizens, especially those courageous ones who are speaking out in the Red States?

[Rufus T. Firefly]

2. They know that they're losing.

*'s at 36% and dropping and they can't handle it.

[Deja Q]

72. But they are in power. Martial law is nigh.

[B3Nut]

119. And they'll enforce martial law with what?

Everything's in Iraqnam! They can't even deal with NOLA...locking the whole country down is totally out of the question. They *have* to do it with the Faux/Limpballs/MannCoulter propaganda Matrix, and that's crumbling. In a way, it's darkly funny, in a gallows-humor sort of way.

Todd in Beerbratistan

[wtmusic]

92. And worse

they are starting to realize they might have to admit they were wrong. Stand clear.

[Hobarticus]

3. I'd bet dollars to donuts it never would have happened to you

if you were a man.

What does that tell you about this thug?

Hang tough. History is on your side.

[Pachamama]

27. I bet your right that he wouldn't have done that to a man....

Like Randi Rhodes said yesterday....these kind of men are so, so....little...

[Hobarticus]

44. Men like that are to pitied...

As frightened as you were at that moment, he's even more terrified of YOU and the power and potential you have, as both a woman and a democrat. He wakes up every day scared to death of you, and millions more like you.

THAT should keep you warm at night.

;)

[FreedomAngel82]

164. As the Spice Girls would say.....

Girl power!

[Touchdown]

47. Good point. It never happened to me.

...and I've had worse Bumper Stickers on my previous car...and especially my desk at work (Vote Republican-God kills a Kitten, etc.). I'm also a big guy, but I get flustered and brain cramps when caught off guard with their lies, just like everybody else, which is the only way they can feel like they win. But strangers confronting a 225lb man? Nah!

[TheCowsCameHome]

4. You should have invited him to drive in front of a speeding freight train

People like that deserve what they get.

[maxsolomon]

5. get used to it

they're feeling desparate as self-righteous confidence deserts them & their fearless leader. sounds like you handled yourself well.

[txaslftist]

6. That's a long traffic light.

I'm just sayin...

[Pachamama]

12. Too long, that's for sure....

Yeah, it was one of those little side streets that feeds into a 4 lane one way road headed towards the 101 freeway in San Rafael, CA. You can sit there sometimes for about 2-3 minutes (feels like longer often) especially when traffic is busy.

This man confronting me made it feel like 10 minutes....

Was not pleasant at all....

[txaslftist]

21. He sees his ship of hypocracy and hate is sinking...

...and like a rat, he lashes out.

You'll be seeing more of this. Hate is an addiction, and purposeless meanness it's daily fix.

[MissMarple]

7. He is afraid and lashing out at a woman and baby made him feel better.

We may be seeing more of this kind of behavior from the ditto heads and freep rats.

:hug: I'm sorry you were the target of such hatred and mindless vitriol.

[Pachamama]

25. Yeah, I bet he feels real good about the Iraqi Constitution & would prefer

the "Sharia laws" here in the USA against "uppity socialist and outspoken, free-thinking women" like me....

Scary....

Yeah, I'm sorry I was the target too....I felt vulnerable primarily because I was taken so off-guard and had the baby with me. The scary thing was the eerie smile on his face the whole time. Kinda like what you would think a sadistic rapist would have on his face while torturing his victim and getting serious pleasure from it.

I'm not going to roll my window down anymore....I just don't know what is coming my way anymore....and definitely not at night.

[RobertSeattle]

8. Tell the Socialist to get off the socialist road (!)

Unless the road was privately owned, the road that idiot was on was a "socialist" road.

When a Freeper-type uses the old Socialist/Communist name call I know they have a weak position.

Our Presidency of WORSTS...
- Worst Terrorists Attack . . . ever
- Worst National Disaster . . . ever
- Worst Federal Response to a local disaster . . . ever
- Worst War of Choice . . . ever
- Worst Tax Policies for the Average American . . . ever
- Worst Record for Protecting the Environment . . . ever
- Worst Concensus builder of any President . . . ever
- Worst Economic Policies for the nation . . . ever
- Worst President Ever

[SeattleGirl]

9. The violence is already happening.

I've read stories of people getting shot, getting into physical fights, getting their property vandalized, all because of the political stand they take. The people perpetrating this violence are doing it because their Dear Leader lets them know it's okay. "Yer wit' us or again' us". I'm sure these types of people have been around for a long time, but they are crawling out from under their rocks because they now have permission to do so, and are cheered on by * and his minions.

I will say that your response was a good one. You could have answered in kind (and I know I would have been tempted to do that if I had been the recipient of this crap by this guy, but hopefully would restrain myself). I'm sorry you had to go through this. It must have been so frightening, but I'm glad to see you aren't going to let this scare you into staying quiet.

[tom_paine]

13. The "Stormtrooper Effect"

It was inevitable, and it is only going to get worse.

[SeattleGirl]

31. That's a good term for it. n/t

[Zhade]

65. I'm pretty sure my driver's side mirror was smashed by a freeper.

My hood also has a series of odd scratches, like from a wire brush or something similar that I would obviously never use on my car.

I've been stopped twice by police who found it necessary to treat me as a threat - in both cases, very hostile partners whose body language made it abundantly clear that they were quite angry with what they saw on the back of my car (about 15 or so bumper stickers).

Haven't been threatened by a civilian yet, but it'll happen, I'm sure. And when it does, I'll probably start carrying some sort of weapon. How's THAT for making America safer, b*s*?

[tom_paine]

10. God Damn their cowardly souls!

There is only one reason this POS did that to you. Because you were someone he figured wouldn't maybe get out of the car and flatten him.

Why is it they so LOVE to pick on those they consider weaker than them?

Goddamned cowards!

[Pachamama]

33. Actually, the funny thing is, that I have a black belt in Martial Arts

and had up until 2 years ago been learning about sword work...

One thing the martial arts have taught me is to be patient and to not allow the aggression of an attacker intimidate me. But if this guy had put me in a position where I had to take him on somewhere, I probably would have kicked his you know what....

But yes, he is a coward and he thought that he was picking on a weaker and vulnerable person that he could intimidate.

The Brownshirts have started....

[jokerman93]

55. Your shaking wasn't fear

If you're trained like you say, then it's likely your shaking wasn't fear. It was adrenaline -- natural fight or flight reaction. How would you know that if you haven't experienced violence before.

And make no mistake, what you experienced was the violence of a coward.

You done good, Lady.

J

[Pachamama]

58. Adrenaline rush...wow, so that's what it feels like in a confrontation!

You know, your right...that's precisely what it was because I still felt calm but felt my blood pressure rising and a surge in my heart rate.

I think that especially since my baby was right behind me, that I felt the need to be calm and yet protective.

So now I know...

Thank you for the praise....My teacher would be proud too....

But this confrontation makes me think I better start practicing again in the martial arts...I may need it, unfortunately down the road and more practice at when it will be needed.

[jokerman93]

62. Just remember

Just remember to keep your head attached to yer neck.

;-)

[tom_paine]

71. Sadly, Pachamama, extra practice is warranted

Best to be prepared for the next Brownshirt might not be so restrained.

I can't believe, nor would I believed 6 years ago, that brushing up on self-defense was a necessity...but that quite a few things I didn't believe were possible have happened in that time.

And the Brownshirts ARE coming...can you feel it?

[Pachamama]

73. I do feel it...So does my whole family including my Repub Dad!!!

Yep, that's right, my Repub Dad even sees it....

My husband and I have beenwatching in disbelief for the last 4 years, but finally last year and of course confirmed after the election in November, we decided it was time to move money out of the country. We just sold several investment properties over the last 6 months, sold our primary home and "downsized" to a smaller house on a level lot within walking distance to the schools, stores etc. because we saw the "oil crisis" coming and we knew the Real Estate Bubble/Crash was coming too. We have already moved a bunch of cash out of country in investments and as soon as our former primary residence closes escrow this month, we are buying a house up in British Columbia.

My Grandparents escaped Nazi Germany in 1939...it was my "Omi" that told me to ALWAYS have money outside of the country....

I've got to have a Plan B for what I see coming...I have to protect the Pachababies...And yes, brushing up on the self defense....

Guess what too? The 2nd Amendment never looked more important to me....Actually, the whole constitution and its Amendments.... :patriot:

[PittLib]

126. Funny ... that is what I was thinking.

I am a relatively small woman (5'5", 110 lbs) who had the pleasure of being punched in the face, pinned and choked by a 200lb+ male stranger as I intervened in an attempted gay bash. Not ever wanting to feel that helpless again - I began studying Kung Fu. I was trying to imagine my response to your situation ... and all I could think of was calmly getting out of the car and kicking the living shit out of this guy. Not something I would EVER do (especially if I had a child), but the latent need for vengence intermingled with my political ire leads this fantasy. I seriously need to buy a punching bag. I'm sorry you had to deal with this cowardly whack-job (or as we Pittsburghers would call him - jag-off). You handled it well ... you just shouldn't feel that you have to justify or explain your views to that asshole.

[corkhead]

11. cornered animals are the most dangerous

Payback from the karma gods will take care of him. Must be grumpy after donating $100 to the BFEE at the gas station to fill that decadent pig he drives.

[musette_sf]

14. Carry some recruitment forms

And hand one to anyone who pulls this sh!t.

In Marin yet!!! Unbelievable. My H wore his "FVCK BUSH" t-shirt all around Mill Valley a few weeks ago and got several thumbs-up.

[Touchdown]

50. Or a packet of Kool-Aide.

"Here. Your shaking. You need to drink some more. Go ahead. The liberals will go away as soon as you drink. You want Cherry or Grape?"

[Pachamama]

144. Great idea! We should all carry recruitment forms w/ us to hand out to

these people and put on any car that says "I support the troops" and "Freedom doesn't come free"...

Where can I get them? I guess I'll have to walk into a recruitment office, eh? Well, that will be fun....I'll walk into the local Army recruitment office, tell them I love my country and want to support them and am going to help them start recruiting the Bush lovin', War Lovin people out there...Wonder if they will be supportive or angered....

In all seriousness though...that's who they should be going after....

[musette_sf]

146. here you go...

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/pdf/enlistment.pdf

well worth the paper and ink to print these out and carry them.

[Pachamama]

149. Hey, thanks Musette!

:hi:

[davidinalameda]

158. fantastic!

thanks

I'm going to print some out

[LiviaOlivia]

15. I've had two run-ins similar to yours.

I have a bad temper so I usually just start screaming obscenities at those types. Mean, bad and real nasty words. It usually scares them off. I could meet a nut with a gun someday. I don't recommend my way I'm just telling you the way it is.

I hate being made to hate.

[tom_paine]

38. Well said, LiviaOlivia "I hate being made to hate"

But when the Nazis come to your door, either literally or figuratvely, such things stand between fighting and giving-in.

I also have been known to say "I don't hate them so much as I hate what they have made me become in order to fight them."

[formerrepuke]

16. You had an encounter with a psycho.. most people who disagree

with your sentiments (or mine; my bumper is also unkind to W) will just grumble and point. Trying to initiate political debate at a stoplight is dangerous. I might have simply raised my fist at him and said something snarky like "Long live the proletariat!- workers of the world unite!" ..and I've been practicing that line in anticipation of just such an encounter.

[MissB]

41. Now that is a funny response.

:D

[bvar22]

121. A Peace Sign and a Smile is the BEST way....

...to deal with a Psycho in traffic.
You are NOT going to win an argument with these assholes.
You are NOT going to convert them at a traffic light.
Deescalation is the best approach.

[One_of_8]

137. Love it!

"Long live the proletariat!- workers of the world unite!"

Thank you for my first laugh of the day :)

To Pachamama,
Howdy neighbor to my south. I'm in Sonoma County. I'm sorry about your unpleasant encounter, but I thought you handled it very well. Unfortunately, most Freepers are unable to use reason or logic, and prefer intimidation. I've found that the best way to deal with a bully is often to stare him down, without saying a word. It apparently is very unnerving to have a 5'4" woman just stare at you.

But I may have to use formerrepuke's comments - it's irresistible.

[Pachamama]

148. Howdy neighbor in the county to the North!

I laughed at the comment "Long live the Proletariat!" too....

Actually, when I think of socialism in action, I think of Sweden....Anyone whose been there knows its a pretty nice place actually...

I'm actually 5'4" like you....guess that guy felt pretty big, looking down at me in my wagon from his big SUV while he said that....ugh...

And since your in Sonoma and are familiar with Marin, you probably realize that this confrontation is an unusual thing to have happening here...

[One_of_8]

154. Thankfully, unusual

I see a few W stickers around, mostly on SUV's and other larger vehicles. One of my neighbors has a big truck, with a bumper sticker that reads "I Support President Bush." Has a flag flying at all times outside. But since he lives about 5 houses down, I can basically ignore him.

The majority of people I deal with in this area seem to be generally progressive and independent thinkers.

[leftofthedial]

17. a small cadre of fascists are getting more and more assertive

and obnoxious

they are completely irrational

[AnnInLa]

19. I always throw them a great big, fat, juicy kiss

they honestly don't know what to do then, but most laugh.

[Touchdown]

51. I do too. But it pisses them off when a guy does it.

:rofl:

[paineinthearse]

98. That's probably more than they're getting

Freepers I've met are generally undersexed or sexually frustrated.

[hatrack]

20. All purpose answer:

"Funny thing, I don't recall asking for your opinion at ANY point in this very short conversation."

[Hobarticus]

22. Or: "If I want any shit outta you, I'd squeeze your head." n/t

[Lex]

24. Even better:

"Why don't you get YOUR chickenhawk ass over to Iraq if you love George Bush and his illegal war so much?!"

[Pachamama]

39. I'll remember that one....n/t

[jody]

23. I hope you wrote down his license number.

:hi:

[Pachamama]

52. Didn't have the chance...he drove off to quickly and I was sitting there

just stunned about the confrontation that he initiated....

Posting here on the DU atleast lets me vent and share with other people who care and might have had similar experiences and also to warn people that these kind of confrontations may be happening more and more across our country and in a neighborhood near you.

But next time (which hopefully there won't be) I'll be sure to take a license plate #.

[callous taoboy]

26. I live in the reddest red-neck town, and didn't want to be a target-

But the other night I finally affixed my W-with-red-slash-through-it sticker on my back windshield. I've had one guy tailgate me, but otherwise no prob. My suggestion: Roll up the window and don't look. Silence, and cutting someone's speech OFF, is often the most effective way to handle maniacs. I don't want to get punched or shot.
If I was a large man I'd snarl back.

[dchill]

28. IMO, it's now the perfect time...

for the RAPTURE! Please, lord, come for them NOW!

[lectrobyte]

29. I had something similar happen a week or two back. It definitely

creeped me out. The guy was screaming and yelling, and I had no idea if he was going to try to run me out of the road or what.

[theHandpuppet]

30. I'll bet Jesus taught him all those curse words, too

Probably the Warrior Jesus with promoters like this one:
http://art4god.com/html/?go=originals

[NoAmericanTaliban]

32. Typical Chicken Hawk thug

The desperation is showing...They can dish is out, but cannot take it without crying like babies. Don't fall for the lumping everyone who disagrees with them as unpatriotic or socialist argument. You could be mean & tell them you would rather be a socialist than a Nazi. That always gets them. Lump them like they do you. I have a little american flag in my car & when I get confronted I just wave it at them and smile. Remember the Christian Right is neither.

[gratuitous]

34. He'd like you to feel as miserable as he does

His tiny little world is crumbling, his faith in the national myth of redemptive violence shattered -- Who knew that when you hit people, they might hit back, the little cheaters? -- and his Dear Leader is losing support daily. How else should he feel?

Except of course, as the national treasure who lives in your area Anne Lamott says, "when you compromise, that means you get to join the winning side." Unfortunately, Mr. Fascist can't do that, and is doomed to spend his days gnawing on the ragged, bitter ends of his dreams of world domination.

You, however, have a much better future ahead of you. So smile.

[zanne]

35. I just smile widely and say...

"And you have a nice day, too."

[librechik]

46. hes' on leave from Iraq, right? Or about to ship out? That's why he has

such a potty mouth.

[AmyDeLune]

68. Ha! That's what I say too!

Nothing is more galling to someone who is trying to insult you than being polite. :D

[MsTryska]

36. good lord these people are horrible.

why are they so angry all the time?


it's like every last one of them is a snap away from snapping and going postal on everyone else.


like those freaks who brough violence to crawford.

so ugly and so bizarrely unstable.


maybe they need to be put down like rabid dogs.

[wildeyed]

37. That must have been scary, especially with your child in the car.

I drive a minivan with similar sentiments expressed in much more conservative Charlotte, but I have never been harassed. Maybe cut off a few times, but it is hard to tell if that is a result of politically fueled aggression or just poor driving skills.

[Pepperbelly]

40. There is only one appropriate response to this ...

[Pachamama]

48. Believe me, the middle finger was itching, but I'm convinced that's what

these aggressive a-holes want to be inciting....just more anger, hatred and violence.

That is why I kept my cool and responded very cooly and calmly....I even thought of blowing a kiss like one poster suggested above...

The reality is that the only way to combat hate and anger is with love, but I will be the first to admit if I actually had this guy confront me beyond that, that I might not have been able to respond with such love beyond the middle finger.

[Pepperbelly]

59. That's what they get from me ...

shit, my daughter (24 yrs old) hangs one up for them when we pass a vehicle with W stickers on them. Of course, I look like a biker and we generally don't get much shit from them.

[Cassandra]

127. Blow him a kiss WITH your middle finger.

It's looks so much more elegant. ;-)

[callous taoboy]

42. Question for you all:

At what point does the rager cross the legal threshold into "road rage"? When is it o.k. to call cops on cell phone and report what is happening? I've heard that screaming profanities at someone is considered harassment.

[GretchenRed]

56. For me...

I think if, as a female, I feel threatened physically, that gives me every right to call for help. I don't know that I would scream at someone...being alone. Now, if I had a male there, I might raise a little heck...

You know what, I have a speed addiction....so I might just stomp the pedal, and get away from the person I felt was a heaqrtless bast@rd.

[GretchenRed]

43. Oh my goodness

I just can't believe the nerve of these people sometimes. What is the world coming to?

Yesterday, I was checking out at the store, and overheard a couple of men discussing the war. They were so supportive of it, and Bush. Hearing them just sickened me. I wanted to confront them, but, being a lady alone, was afraid their bite would probably be worse than a gator's. So, I just walked away.

[tech3149]

45. You done a good job

They're running scared and trying to deny reality. The best response is to be calm and respectful. It's painful to realize that you have deluded yourself and will have to pay the price.
I'm pretty sure that you were female indicates his insecurity about his manhood.

[jokerman93]

49. What's unsettling about this to me

What's unsettling about this to me is this confrontation takes the specific form of scapegoating. That, coupled with the knowledge that your confrontation didn't take place in a vacuum. His rage represents an increasingly radical and aggressive theocratic right-wing undercurrent. (Pat Robertson anyone?)

Is this country becoming ripe for overt fascism? Sadly, I think so.

[anarchy1999]

53. Dearest, I've spent the last month with the VETS FOR PEACE and

I was there when Cindy decided to go to Crawford.

On Saturday the level and degree of hate being directed at us (the "PeaceNiks"), absolutely blew me away. My husband and I have been part of the Greens, The Dallas Peace Center, and North Texas for Justice and Peace since October of 2001. We've worked with and supported so many good candidates that could truly make a difference and we've been in involved in so many rallies and events, I've seriously lost count. We just don't have a 4th estate anymore/ and really everyone, pay attention! What does it mean to you, to be an "American"? We the people, for the people and by the people.

You were all wonderful and please let this momentum not stop! Cheers and Salud to you all.

Peace
S

[yardwork]

54. What's wrong with being a Socialist?

I'm a Socialist. Would anybody like to accuse me of hating my country? Maybe they'd like to step outside for a few minutes....

[Straight Shooter]

60. I second that.

Step outside with me for a few minutes and let's have a beer. :toast:

[TankLV]

85. I couldn't tell you. I'd take it as a compliment.

[Nobody]

57. And I suppose he had one that said

"There are Americans and then there are liberals" like the one I saw when I went to see a play last year.

I think I'd like to have said something like "and your point is...."

Especially since he has no idea what Socialism is, he doesn't know that patriotism isn't only for Republicans, the country is already being destroyed by Republicans, and if he really was all that much concerned for the troops he'd be in Iraq, so.... Why isn't he there?

[Go_Nukyuler_On_GOP]

61. Now that's just ridiculous...

Forgive me, but you cannot be serious. People do not talk like that in front of each other, even neocons. Please tell me this is a really horrible attempt at satire.

[Tsiyu]

78. pachamama doesn't make shit up

She is serious

[Pachamama]

80. This is absolutely serious....why do you find this posting of mine satire

as you so put it....:eyes:

Ridiculous that this happened and that its unbelievable that people like this gentlemen exist - couldn't agree more....but forgive me, I find it strange that given what is going on in this country and the rhetoric coming from the hateful right, that makes you think that this exchange could not have taken place...Why would I make such a thing up? :shrug:

Sadly, this did happen and yes, this is literally verbatim the exchange that took place right down to the eerie smile on his face from the moment he tried to get my attention....

Sounds like you know a few Neocons...what do they sound like? I have a neighbor named Melanie Morgan who is a neo-con....listen to her radio show and you'll see what kind of crap can come out of their mouths...ridiculous and hard to be taken serious, but defintely real.

[TankLV]

86. Oh trust me - it does - happened to us a bit before the last election

in a supermarket parking lot - only I didn't back down and turned up the "heat" and kept on giving it back to the "moran" until he got into his car and drove off.

I made quite sure he saw I was DEADLY serious.

I don't fight to "win" - I fight to "kill".

[melody]

131. I've had that happen also

I live in a stagnant GOPond (rare though it is thankfully) in Southern California and I've had similar exchanges. The people who do this are submental and, thus, tend to be...well...violent and vile are two of the nicer words that come to mind.

[darkism]

63. There's no shame in being a socialist.

It's a shame the RW has spent the last 50 years giving the word a negative connotation.

[Pachamama]

82. Definitely no shame in being a socialist! Have you ever been to Sweden?

Nice place...filled with happy socialists...

Only person who would disagree is that whacko Rev. Fred Phelps.... :rofl:

[kbm8795]

64. This is the result of their nonstop drumbeating

violent and hate-inspired talk radio propaganda crap. . .and that man is no more a patriotic American than a member of the Taliban. I'm just sorry it wasn't ME he didn't stop - he would most certainly never open his mouth again.

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

141. Nail - Hammer - Perfect Strike!!!

Brainwashed fools who are convinced they're right.

[Patiod]

142. I blame the radio, too

There's a guy at our gym who is very confrontational. I laughed at him, and said "what, I'm wrong because I don't agree with what you've heard on your precious Fox News?"

He became apoplectic - I thought he was going to have a seizure - and he yelled "I don't watch TV! I get all my news from the radio!!!!"

Well, that explains the hate.

[raysr]

66. That's right motherfucker

I don't support bush, the war,or the troops and I am a socialist, care to step out of your car so I can mace you??

[VOX]

67. The term "aggressive Freeper" constitutes a redundancy.

They're **all** aggressive. In spite of the fact that the right wing currently controls all three branches of the U.S. government, and most of the MS media, freepers still seem to think that they're cornered by all the Godless, unwashed, Volvo-driving, tree-hugging, latte-sipping, effete snob liberals. Their hate-radio and Faux "commentary" keeps them lathered up.

Pachamama, you did just great under the circumstances. :thumbsup:

But sadly, yes, I fear that there will be violence among American citizens. Don't be shocked when it finally does occur. The right wing is getting more frenzied with each passing day, and they no longer respect the right of anyone to think differently than they.

[raysr]

70. It is well past the time

to put down the peace signs and start playing the game the way they do. "Fuckin aggressive Liberals", let's get the other side saying that. Fight back people, the freepers are playing for keeps.
http://www.citizensoldier.org/norquist.html

[Warren DeMontague]

69. Short, two word answer: "Yep. Asshole."

Now drive off quickly, because you're severely outnumbered in this part of California, shit-for-brains.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

74. Pachababy was in the car! Of course you couldn't take it

any further.

I'm afraid it's only going to get worse. My stickers are staying
put- In fact after visiting Camp Casey I've added three or
four more.

But traveling with a baby- I wouldn't fault you
if you decided to remove them.

[Tsiyu]

75. Sorry this happened

Most freeps are too afraid to confront anyone. This guy probably just had a beer with his preacher or he just finished listening to his Fred Phelp's Self-Improvement cassette.

Next time, I wouldn't roll down the window. Let him sit there and stew.

:hug:

[Fire Walk With Me]

76. "Bumper stickers destroy nation, details at 11pm!"

Haha. Careful with your opinion, you slayer of worlds :-)

[lonestarnot]

77. Some freeper freak at the bushitler protest yesterday tried to start up

his shit with me also. I attracted much attention in that it was I who was leading 300 people in chanting... (I have some vocal chords that are ideal for protesting ask those who know me) LOL at any rate he tucked his tail like the yellow bastard he was and whimped away... They don't know what the fuck to do when you fight them back and overcome them with intelligence. They just basically freak thinking they ran into a buzz saw. LOL

[davsand]

79. "What? WHAT? You have a big sore on your WHAT?"

Yell it as LOUD as you can. Gets them every time.

Assholes like that thrive on being a bully. I find it emotionally satisfying to mess with them and unnerve them in public.

Somehow they don't expect it from a woman. :evilgrin:



Laura

[raccoon]

124. I love it! you made my day! nt

[Douglas Carpenter]

81. The extreme right waited so long to gain so much power,,,now they

see their empire crumbling like a deck of cards

[LiviaOlivia]

83. kick

[opiate69]

84. You put bumper stickers on a Beemer?? For shame!

[Mr_Spock]

87. The posts saying the Bushies are feeling the heat are right on...

I would be proud that they can no longer face the truth and they are now in denial. Be proud - America was founded on protest - if Republicans were here back then, we'd still be bowing to the Queen and paying taxes to our overseers...

[Milspec]

88. Wow

Thats a really long encounter with a stranger

[NMMNG]

89. Typical ReTHUGlican M.O.

They don't like something, they will make a law to force others to comply or browbeat/bully people into submission if they can. It doesn't matter if the other person is a man their own size, an elderly woman, a prepubescent boy or a mother with an infant, they are going to get their way!!! Scream, yell, curse and threaten--do whatever it takes to make themselves feel like the hero.

What slime.

[howmad1]

90. Now just imagine.......

....if 62% of the merkin public who think Bushit is a moron and puts that on a bumper sticker, the freeper idiots would have to spend their entire waking lives flipping us off. I strongly recommend we all put bumper stickers on our cars and start a trend. I've got mine. How about it DUers? BTW, saw a great one today; "My dog is smarter than your president."

[BQueen]

138. "My dog is smarter than your president."

I love that! I need to get me one of those -- of course, an amoeba is smarter than shrub, and my two dogs combined have it over the whole cabinent...

I actually see the idiotic international "male + female = marriage" stickers 'round here, and one guy with a HUGE confederate flag waving proudly from a staff poking out of the bed of his pick-em-up truck (yeah, he got the finger, I couldn't help it)

when asked why I was campaigning for a "communist" (Kerry) on election day -- I told the guy he needed to obtain a dictionary and a more reliable news source.

[flvegan]

91. Cripes. Compare the statements.

You, full of tact and fact.
Him. cursing, using the typical fear-mongering, traitor-esque "you hate 'Murika" bullshit. THEY HAVE NOTHING. I'm just thankful that these fucks aren't lawyers defending the indigent.

[Kipepeo]

93. This has been happening to me

for a while - ever since I started using bumper stickers. None are especially outrageous - yet every few months some asshole thinks it's ok to yell at me at a red light about my "anti-american" bumper stickers or some such nonsense.

I'm like you - I would never pull up next to a W plastered car and try to start something. To each her own. But some people can't stand that you might have an opinion different than them...and be proud of it.

[TexasThoughtCriminal]

94. I had a run-in with a bushbot on Election Eve

shrub held his last rally in Dallas on his way to his faux "ranch" where he's registered to vote. Local Kerry/Edwards supporters were out in full force, taking over the intersection through which most rally attendees (pre-approved, of course) had to pass. One short, stocky twerp walked past me and struck me, shoulder-to-shoulder. He twirled around, feigned surprise and said, "Why did you hit me?" Not having had experience with freeper logic, I replied with the facts: "You're the one who hit me!" He started to threaten me, at which point he must have realized he was vastly outnumbered and I held a stick in my hand. :rofl:

Only later did it dawn on me that he was the perfect embodiment of rethuglican mentality: turn the truth around and upside down, and always play the victim.

[Swamp Rat]

95. peace

[Pachamama]

97. Oi Swamp Rodent!

Are you okay? Any news from New Orleans on your Mom's well-being?

My thoughts are with you and your family and all the other folks of New Orleans and the South that were hit by Katrina....

:hug:

[Swamp Rat]

99. .

:hug: :cry:

[kodi]

96. don't even presume to use logic or love with these people.

get a gun and learn how to use it, because you just might have to protect yourself from them.

you are not going to change their minds. they're animals who want us dead.

[symbolman]

100. Pull a Wayne's World on them

Speak very low and quietly, "..and an asshole says what?"

Automatic reply is "What?" by them.. then you drive off..

It's pretty funny, they probably get what they said later..

[TWiley]

101. Putting a soldier in a WAR does NOT jepordize him?

Who is actually "jepordizing" the troops here anyway?

These people are soooo completely stupid. You know the type. They love "Deer" so they go kill them. They "love" ducks, so they go kill them. Now, they "love" all the troops by, you guessed it, getting them killed.

[mixedview]

102. Have to disagree with the general consensus here.

This is America.

In America, when people make provocative political statements (such as a bumpersticker) they have to be willing to take shit for it, IMO. Speech is a two way street.

Debate with fellow citizens - even when heated - is better than no debate at all. Debate is what makes for a strong and healthy democracy.

And I disagree with the idea that he had to act differently because you are a woman ? Why - are women fragile ? If a man would engage another man in heated debate - why should it be any different with a woman ? So, most women would call the cops over this ? Is that what we're coming to as a society ?


I really think we are heading down the road to a .. hate to use this term.. a nanny state: a place where everything is heavily and unreasonably regulated... where citizens don't understand the concept of personal responsibility or common sense.. where nobody tries to handle things between themselves.. where everyone is afraid to look at anyone else, for fear of prosecution/arrest. Which of course then leads to the prison state.

:rant:

[stevietheman]

122. I don't agree this was "debate".

It was harassment. It's not a "debate" to do what this man did. It's showing disrepect and using threatening gestures to coerce others into changing or hiding their views. And that would be the same if she were a 'he'.

There are proper places for discussion or debate. "While driving" isn't one of them.

[zoids]

140. I gotta agree with Steve

- ths was an ambush (no pun intended) I like debate but I won't stupe to these antics!

[Pachamama]

153. Oh, I get your angle - the old "blame the victim" and if the girl had on a

short skirt she was asking for it excuse? So you think that because I have those bumperstickers on my car that I am "asking for it" and should be willing to take shit for it?

And um, where did you get the impression that anyone thought that I was "fragile" because I was a woman? Actually, I think the consensus here is that guys like this freeper are clearly cowards because they wouldn't dare do this to a 200lb male and that it was a pretty aggressive move to say such a thing and "pick a fight" with a woman with a child.

If I read your post correctly, you think that I should have gotten into a heated debate and that had I chosen to result in calling the cops that I am somehow someone who wants "unreasonable regulation" and that I'm unwilling to accept personal responsibility? Actually, if we all followed your logic, we'd become an anarchic chaotic state of affairs that would require us to become as you put it a "prison state".

I believe that I handled it correctly. I believe this man was way out of line and what he did was no different than if he had walked up to a person who was of a different race or female and made angry remarks and insults clearly trying to pick up a fight. Just because someone uses their freedom and rights of free speech to state what they feel (as I clearly am about the War and W, and this applys equally to someone with an opposite viewpoint) this does not give someone the right to then pick a fight and be aggressive.

[mixedview]

155. So, if someone goes around with Neo-Nazi bumper stickers,

do you think other citizens don't have the right and the duty to give the Neo-Nazi shit for it ?

C'mon now.

This is the way democracy is supposed to work. People say things. Other people say things back. Sometimes loudly and angrily.

[Pachamama]

159. Brush up on 1st amendment rights....freedom of speech does not include

statements that are blatantly racist. Big difference between someone saying "Get the troops home" and "Kill all N--gers"...

I don't recall saying I thought that racist statements would be included....but the same applies....would it be any more correct or wise for a citizen to start a fight with someone with a racist sticker on their car? In fact, based on what I know of Neo-nazi groups, I think that could be a death wish to go up to a person like that and confront them.

And I disagree about your definition of how a democracy works. I don't see my freedom of speech or "democracy" as meaning that I can pull up to a "W" supporter, ask them to roll down their window and curse them out and call them fascists. I might think they are fascists, know they are fascists, but its not mine or anyone's "right" in a "democracy" to say things to someone. That's called verbal harrassment in case your wondering....

[mixedview]

162. WTF ? " Freedom of speech.. does not incl.. blatantly racist "

OF COURSE IT DOES.

Do you even realize what you just said ?

You see, I had a feeling this is what your thought process was: because you felt your speech was so mainstream (and perhaps it is), you were not expecting any speech in return.

Freedom of speech is a two way street ! With all due respect, it is you who needs to read up on the first amendment !

:banghead:

No one is allowed to say whatever they like and not expect to have something said back to them in return - especially when it comes to politics - especially when that speech is loud and clear (bumper sticker is screaming out your viewpoint to all the other motorists).

[Pachamama]

165. The 1st Amendment does NOT protect Racist speech!

I don't need to read up on the 1st Amendment....I have several family members including an in-law who are constitutional attorneys. They have unequvically stated cases that have been upheld in our highest courts that hate speech and racism is NOT protected by the 1st amendment.

Harassment is not protected either. I am allowed to put a bumper sticker on my car that speaks my mind and is not racist or illegal (like suggesting violence against a sitting president) just as someone who feels different from my viewpoint can do the same, but it does NOT give them or me the right to go up to anyone and verbally harass them.

This man who verbally attacked me was not trying to engage in a discussion or even a debate. He wanted to harass me, insult me, provoke me and possibly even be violent to me. The 1st amendment doesn't give those rights to anyone and even someone (as you put it) of my "thought process" or mindset...

You seem to have a problem with my "thought process"...your profile says your a male, a newbie on the DU too....Does this mean you would also drive up next to me and any other female with an infant that you disagree with and curse, insult and glare at me because you disagree with my opinion that I openly state? :shrug:

[mixedview]

169. Yes it does ! This is America !

April 10, 2003

Monday, the Supreme Court partly upheld and partly rejected a Virginia ban on cross-burning. It's tempting to see this case as a victory for those who want to restrict "hate speech" — tempting but incorrect. In fact, the Court reaffirmed that there's no "hate speech" exception to the Free Speech Clause, though there is an exception for threats of violence, whether bigoted or not.

There were two important issues before the Supreme Court, corresponding to the two incidents that were consolidated in this case. In the first incident, Barry Black burned a cross at a Ku Klux Klan rally held on private property, with the owner's consent. Black was prosecuted for violating a Virginia law that bans cross-burning with the intent "to intimidate any person or group of persons," but it wasn't clear that he had this intention: He may have been primarily trying to send a message of racist solidarity to his fellow Klansmen. The judge, however, instructed the jury — pursuant to Virginia law — that any cross-burning is "by itself … sufficient evidence from which you may infer the required intent." Black was thus essentially prosecuted for the cross-burning itself.

This, the Supreme Court held, was unconstitutional, and in terms that strongly reaffirm that even hateful, bigoted speech is constitutionally protected. Burning a cross is considered "speech" for First Amendment purposes, just like displaying a cross, burning a flag, or flying a flag. These forms of expression are very different morally, but they are all statements in a well-established language of symbols — for over 70 years, the Supreme Court has said that symbolic expression is covered by the free speech guarantee. And burning a cross as a statement of racist ideology and solidarity, Justice O'Connor's opinion said (and at least seven Justices either explicitly or implicitly endorsed this), was "lawful political speech at the core of what the First Amendment is designed to protect." It is evil speech; but the First Amendment protects even evil ideas.

In the second incident, Richard Elliott and Jonathan O'Mara tried to burn a cross on a black neighbor's lawn, and were prosecuted under the same Virginia law. Here, there was little doubt that the cross-burning was intended to intimidate, and the Court generally said that such speech could indeed be punished. The speech could be punished by general laws that ban threats; and it could also be punished by laws that single out cross-burning, since cross-burning conveys an especially threatening message due to its long association with violence. But nothing in the Court's reasoning depends on cross-burning being racist. Nonracist threats and racist threats are equally unprotected, just as nonracist ideas and racist ideas are equally protected.

...

http://www.cfif.org/htdocs/freedomline/current/guest_commentary/first_amendment_ideology.htm

By David L. Hudson Jr.
First Amendment Center research attorney

"For those citizens without wealth or power, a bumper sticker may be one of the few means available to convey a message to a public audience.” — Judge Myron H. Thompson in Baker v. Glover

We’ve all seen them — we may have even seen one we find quite offensive. They cover ever imaginable topic from rock bands to environmental causes to religion to philosophy to sports. People often convey their political viewpoints in blunt fashion with bumper stickers, from the anti-Bill Clinton messages “Clinton Lewinsky” and “Impeach Clinton” to the President Bush-bashing sticker “Hail to the Thief.” Other bumper stickers parody more common messages. For instance, “My kid beat the crap out of your honor student” parodies the more mainstream “My child is an honor student.”

The First Amendment protects a great deal of offensive expression. No less an authority than the U.S. Supreme Court has said that “the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable” and “the fact that protected speech may be offensive to some does not justify its suppression.”
...
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/speech/arts/topic.aspx?topic=bumper_stickers

Why are bumper stickers considered a form of speech?
Bumper stickers are a form of protected speech because they convey messages on an endless variety of topics. In fact, many bumper stickers contain political speech, the core type of speech protected by the First Amendment. Protected speech can take many forms, from black armbands to buttons to decals to flags to other forms of nonverbal expression.


Are bumper stickers with profanity protected under the First Amendment?
Yes, the First Amendment protects even a profane bumper sticker unless the sticker meets the legal definition of obscenity or constitutes fighting words. The First Amendment protects a great deal of expression that many people find offensive. However, it would be a rare case for a bumper sticker to be considered legally obscene or fighting words. It should be noted that a few states do have laws that prohibit obscene and patently offensive bumper stickers.
...
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/Speech/arts/topic_faqs.aspx?topic=bumper_stickers

I googled up a few cases on this, and most of the time, the state laws restricting speech were overturned. Offensive speech, including racist speech, especially in the context of a political statement, cannot constitutionally be restricted in public, unless it the state makes a strong case regarding "public safety" or simliar.. and even that rarely holds up. It is very difficult to prove a political statement is a direct threat. Again the courts usually side with free speech.

Also, google some cases involving people getting into verbal confrontations over bumper stickers. Of course intimidation and violence are not allowed. But the courts tend not to view verbal encounters over bumper stickers and other political issues the same way they do regular "harassment". Of course not. One has to expect to get shit for making a political statement, because other people have the right to their free speech also. Speech is a two way street.

As I stated above, with all due respect, you should brush up on the first amendment. We don't get to pick and choose what speech is "good" and what is "bad". One individual's "racism" is another's "revolution".

[mixedview]

170. and to answer your question:

You seem to have a problem with my "thought process"...your profile says your a male, a newbie on the DU too....Does this mean you would also drive up next to me and any other female with an infant that you disagree with and curse, insult and glare at me because you disagree with my opinion that I openly state?


If her message is one I strongly disagree with, yes, I would !
What if the woman is a white supremacist and her car is decorated with swastikas ? I would not threaten her, but I would definitely make my views very clear.

Freedom of speech does not mean someone gets to make whatever statement they wish in public without having to hear the opposing viewpoint. With rights come responsibilities. Actions have consequences.

People are regularly ostracized by the community, boycotted, banned from private institutions, etc for their views (especially when society considers their views to be extreme/offensive). It is perfectly legal. This is the way democracy works - it is an adversarial system.

[GretchenRed]

103. I don't know....

now days, those crazy Freeps are everywhere. I live in the country....and 1/2 expect them to be lurking behind every tree and bush. The world is going downhill...with great speed.

[zoids]

104. They can hide,

but the bitch is when they jump out!

[GretchenRed]

105. omg!

Jump out?! That would scare me to death! Maybe the local mountain lion would eat them, he's one bad cat. :)

[zoids]

106. LOL!

I hear you on that!

[GretchenRed]

107. yes

Or, I could mow them down in my friend's jeep. Better yet, I'll let him drive, I know Adam would.

[zoids]

109. Exactly!

Hell, I'd feed 'em to a gator, but then I'd be thought of as a heartless bastard, you know the time and all. :-D

[GretchenRed]

113. now...you seem to nice for that.

Nice to meet you, btw. I just got here yesterday. And had a long nyght.

[zoids]

115. You need some ZZZZZZZ's!

Silly, you sleep when the moon is out and play when it's sunny! :-)

You're from Arkansas - my daughter lives in Little Rock, her name is Melissa - a sweety. I live in MD, my friends call me T.J.

Maybe we can hookem up when I visit my daughter... I'll let you know and I can seeyou then.! :-)

[GretchenRed]

123. ok

kids...when they are young and right, they know everything! LOL

Don't know if you can see me....probably not, thought it sounds like fun. I have a son. His name is dave. How old is melissa? Maybe we can introduce them. ;)

[zoids]

139. I was reading some other thread

and I see you were laid off for a month or something like that? Is that right or am I confused? If so, sorry to hear that. Well, if you need some support email me and I'll give you my daughter's tel # and you can give her a rng.

[GretchenRed]

150. No, not laid off, retired from that job

TY for the support. I started a new job. I'm actually ceo. :)

Actually, I don't have enough posts top pm you yet. But, feel free to send me one saying "hi", and how to contact you.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

133. What a pack of cowards...typical

There's not a freeper in the world I'm afraid of. They're all pathetic cowards. Only a coward would swear at a mother in front of her kid and then drive off. That's what...6th grade confrontation skills?

[leesa]

108. I had one of the loons flip me off this morning and then get infront of me

and try to block me by driving real slowly and trying to box me in. I just laughed at him, went around traffic with my fast little Prius and easily got past his Giant Truck. These people are mentally ill. Living in the 50s, in aworld that never really existed. They have believed the propaganda all their lives...communism, socialists, blah, blah, blah...

[meganmonkey]

110. I got a called a 'stupid f*cking c*nt b*itch' a few months ago

That was the worst, but I have had at least 6 or 7 incidents (not counting get flipped off on the highway). It is really scary when that happens. I live in a red area and a couple weeks ago I got to a point at which I decided to change my stickers because I was afraid someone would get physically violent. So I went from "Bush is a puck-ass chump" and "How many lives per gallon?" to "Support the Troops Give them Healthcare" and "Pro-Soldier, Pro-Peace".

I feel like I compromised, and it sucks.

But your stickers weren't nearly as confrontational as my original ones were.

I think it is getting worse because the people who are still really gung-ho about bush are so irrational - thir support is purely emotional, animalistic it seems - it really is scary.

[zoids]

114. GRRR! I hate we I see them

getting that way over their politics! And they don't even see the hypocrisy!:-(


"I think it is getting worse because the people who are still really gung-ho about bush are so irrational - thir support is purely emotional, animalistic it seems - it really is scary."

[CitrusLib]

166. I don't mind the other words, but

being called stupid REALLY pisses me off.

I think you're right about the emotional, animalistic reaction. Scary.

[truebrit71]

111. What a brave rethuglican...verbally assaulting a woman...

..is it me, or do ALL rethuglicans suffer from "small-penis" syndrome....???

:eyes:

[zulchzulu]

112. You should have taken down his license number and reported him...

...for assault.

[zoids]

116. You know

that's a great idea! I would't have thought of that, but that's exactly what that was! Now battery iswhen it's physical, right?

[NoSheep]

117. Yes. we have people do and say all sorts of things because of the

signs on our car. If they shoot me the bird I just think to myself:
"OH! You're angry???? Well I'm fucking ANGRY TOO! Probably more so!"
It is an adrenaline rush to be "assaulted" by someone verbally, a stranger going down the road. But that is what it has come to. Fuck 'em if they don't get it. FUCK THEM!

[raccoon]

118. I'm glad you said that about calling the liberal police.

He sounds like a complete fuckhead coward. I'll bet you money he wouldn't have been so vocal and obnoxious to a big man.

Sorry that happened to you.

[atheist]

120. in Texas

I was going from Austin to Houston doing 70 in the right lane when a Explorer blew by me doing 80+. When they saw my "Anyone but Bush" sticker they locked it up right next to me. I saw the W sticker on the back to which point they made a W with their fingers(twist middle finger behind ring finger). I just shook my head. They got behind me and started to tail gate slightly. At that point I knew they were messing with me so I slowed down and moved over to the fast lane so they could get by. They got behind me again and I just tapped the brake to let them know I wasn't going to play at 70 mph. They backed off and went around but I wasn't about to let them get on my nerves. If they would have pushed their luck I would have pulled over and whatever happened would have happened. Liberal? Yes, but a pansy? Hell no.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

161. Thank you, atheist, for the great story...

And, BTW, WELCOME TO DU! I think you're off to a great start here...keep posting and learning...and teaching...

And when it all gets to be too much, come play in the Lounge...

I live there, and it is a lovely place...refuge from the politics outside...

:hi:

:kick:

[atheist]

167. Thanks

Thanks for the welcome. I was stationed in San Diego and went to college there. I came here because the previous place chronwatch was bashing DU too much. I went there to listen and observe but was belittled constantly so I plan on never going back.

[nashville_brook]

125. omg -- i know exactly how you felt. yes, i've had this happen...but

what's important for you to know is that handled it beautifully. take it to heart that these people are feeling wounded, so they are acting out. the evolved thing to do would be to re-examine your beliefs when your leader goes down the shittubes. take it as the last gasp of a dying breed.

and as to our SUV-driving freeper breathren...the are reaping what their harvest with gas soaring over $3 bucks a gallon in places.

[TriMetFan]

128. I had some thing like that happen to me too.....

I just ask in a very smiling face, if they believe in God. When they said yes, I then just told them that they better pray to their maker because they have help kill our soldiers and the people of Iraq over lies.

[Gregorian]

129. Today must be the day the freepers come out.

I got mine in the form of a phone call. From someone I know. Very similar reactions.
I have been trying to buy a ranch from a man, so I never opened my mouth. But when I realized I couldn't buy his place, I finally mentioned politics. And that is where the fun began.

Let me just say this- as much as I wanted to leave, I would pay dearly to be back in the Marin area. You don't want to know what it's like to be surrounded by idiots. I have a beautiful piece of property in Oregon, but it's an island. I might as well live on Mars. At least you have company.

[Dastard Stepchild]

130. Oh.... I've been nearly run off the road a few times...

By some of the more aggressive freeps. At first, I didn't put two and two together that the person was vehemently reacting to my bumperstickers, but when it happened a few times, it seemed a bit more clear. Didn't happen in the city (where I live), but when I was out in the nearby burbs. I try to resign myself to the fact that his (it's always a guy) type A personality will do him in in the end.

[progressivebydesign]

132. It's the angry white man syndrome.

There is an actual syndrome on the books about angry and paranoid older men who are usually white. I heard about it a few years ago when a man like that set himself up in his house with boobytrapped shotguns facing the door, then called the police to his house. Luckily, his contraption didn't work and he was locked away. Rush connects with those people and whips them into a furor over every perceived wrong in their lives.

I have no stickers on my car. I live in a relatively well balanced community of both conservative and liberal. There are some stickers on both sides, but nothing too intense. Everyone knows that the other people are political in one way or another, but we peacefully co-exist for the most part. I keep the stickers off my car as I work for myself, and like businesses which I think should refrain from outward political displays, I stay neutral. I am active politically, though, on my own time.

[demgurl]

134. I posted here once...

when a freeper tried to run me off the road because of my liberal bumper stickers. It was a very frightening experience. He swerved in front of me and came to a complete stop! I tried to go around him and he would not let me. Each time I moved my car one way, he would move his the same way. It was quite frightening.

Someone responded to my post saying they were sorry and they thought I had been lying until someone tried to run them off the road!

These people are nuts.

demgurl

[I Have A Dream]

135. I'm sorry that this happened to you, Pachamama.

Things like this are really scary. You handled it really well. I wonder if he would have done this in the same situation if you were a big guy -- probably not since they're usually cowards.

:hug:

[samplegirl]

136. Use the Carville response

roll down your window and tell them...hey did you
know some asshole put a W sticker on your bumper.

[OxQQme]

143. Not exclusively for the ladies here

This wouldn't have the same effect in a moving car playing tag with some ding-a-ling at 70mph.
In a personal confrontation (mano a nano so to speak), whip a mirror out of your bag and aim it at the creep.
There is a moment of surprise.
Then they melt.

[Pachamama]

157. Hee Hee...that's funny....

:rofl:

Wonder how long it would take for him to figure out who the "asshole" is... :eyes:

[Massacure]

145. Is pepper spray legal in your area?

[titoresque]

147. hang tough!

I had a similar confrontation last week in my car......I have widow chalk that say's "CINDY SHEEHAN TRUE PATRIOT"
Long story short.......got flipped off, stopped at light next to the man, rolled my window down and said "let me guess, you're a christian republican right?"
He flipped me off again and said "yeah I am! and you're a stupid fucking bitch!"

I thought........YES!!!!!!! I got that bastard to show his true colors! And what an ugly color indeed!

We've got to stick together, not let these hatemonger PRO-war people get to us! We're the majority, and we're doing the right thing....Not just for ourselves for selfish reasons, but for peace and justice for all Americans and the world!!

[marcus_b]

151. They are abusers.

They are abusers. Abusers abuse, that's what they do. They look for victims, people who they can scare and terrify with their verbal and (sometimes) physical aggression. It's not just that they get a kick out of it, it is their way to seize control over a situation.

How do they find their victims? Well, they don't need to look far, there are many people who tend to slide into the victim role when confronted, especially women. A sign of weakness at first eye contact can be enough for him to realize that you can be abused. Self-confidence is the key.

You did great in telling him off! Beyond increasing ones self-confidence, the only thing one can do is walk away and surround oneself with nice people one can trust.

There is an excellent essay on the abuser-victim relationship, with relevance for the political climate in the US today:

http://www.zenhomeschool.org/Giles.html

[Gormy Cuss]

152. Here in the formally rabidly red inner East Bay

No, in fact the opposite has happened. When the war started I couldn't walk by any outdoor cafes or other public gathering spots without hearing endless backslapping conservative cheer. These days it's very rare that I even hear someone defend the war at all. We don't have bumperstickers on our car so we wouldn't have your experience but we have a ten year old car and don't dress in proper yuppie style so I'm pretty sure most people think we're crazed liberals, but the last time we had a confrontation was at a Livermore wine tasting when a very drunk Georgian was trying to pick fights with the Californians. Since we're recent migrants from Massachusetts, the Georgian thought he'd hit the liberal bashing lottery with us. It was more amusing than frightening.

Melanie Morgan AND Michael Savage live in Marin? Holy cow, your county may be forced to give up the liberal crown! ;-)

[MADem]

156. When they are that crazily aggressive, tell them you are a war widow

Anything else will not shame them or shut them up. And you could get hurt.

People like that are pathological. Koo-koo.

The bright spot is that their paradigm of reality is being so brutally challenged that they feel not just the desire, but the NEED to bellow menacingly at ladies with infants in car seats...

[davidinalameda]

160. I do have to admit that I was driving on the Bay Bridge on Saturday

and I saw a truck with Bush stickers on it--it took so much for me not to drive into it


but I would never confront anyone--that's just asking for it

[FreedomAngel82]

163. Next time someone does that to you

I'd mention Bush's approval raitings. ;) People like that are disgusting. I've luckily never had anything like that happen to me. Only bad thing that has happened to me is last November I had a Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker on my car and some guy gave me a glaring look. I just gave one back. Heh.

[Generator]

168. Ya know

It really is the fault of Rush Limbaugh and his ilk. They make it okay to believe all this stuff when it's actually nothing but pure propaganda-lies-and they are inciting violence with their comments that those with different view or religions are "traitors" and "terrorists". Because real traitors and terrorists should be killed or in jail. And people like Limbaugh really should be in jail themselves for inciting the populace to this frenzy. Frankly, it's like Jew baiting in Nazi Germany. It's being made okay to think those that are different from you are the enemy. I don't know where you draw these lines on free speech-because of course I believe in free speech but I also know that if violence comes-it will be a DIRECT route from Limbaugh and his type to the siren of the police.

[Nightjock]

171. Almost every Republican I still talk to

is jumping off the bush bandwagon as they see day after day how incompetant he is.

It's quite amazing, actually. Even my asshole boss.

[Robbie Michaels]

172. Happens Here In San Diego County As Well

Sad to say, you get used to it after awhile. It's been happening out here for a few years now.