Those of you who come from liberal families Be thankful

[noahmijo]

I really love my old man, but ever since I turned Democrat after McCain allowed himself to be smeared in the primaries we just get into bad arguments you know the kind you never thought you'd find yourself getting into.

He's still a repub and still supports the party overall, and well I just keep getting the "you're young you don't know everything yet" type speech (I'm 23)

Thankfully he's not a fundie or anything like that, and amazingly after a month of persuasion I finally got him to vote for Kerry, but he still just refuses to believe that the govt would do anything like say start a fake war on terror at the expense of soldiers for profit and I don't think any amount of convincing will do that.

Sometimes I dunno I just feel rotten even though I come out on top with the facts, but fucking talk radio just brainwashes him all over again..I swear I find myself convincing him one day of the truth and then an hour with Rush or Micheal Weiner later I have to re-explain again and again...sometimes three times in one week.

He's really not a bad guy I love him to death, but dammit it just kills me how someone like my dad can just take like an hour talk from me giving him the facts better yet SHOWING him where I get this stuff and it don't come from liberal sites, and one fucking session of Rush or any of the other pigs on talk radio and he's right back to stage one.

My mother is completely devoid of political opinion, however she hates Bush because of what I've showed her about him and stuff, not to mention her being from Mexico she's not too big on supporting WASPS who rail against Catholics and other non-whites.

Anyways I just wanted to get that off my chest.

[NNadir]

1. My old man and I had the same thing with Nixon.

He's gone now, and to tell you the truth, I'd give almost anything to mix it up with him just one more time.

[SmokingJacket]

2. I know, I know.

Rush stole my parents from me!

But I've managed to create a relationship in which we don't talk about politics... at all. It's the only way.

[crispini]

3. Downside of being part of a liberal, politically aware family:

Just got home from one of the most depressing family dinners ever. We're all really down in the mouth and absolutely enraged at Shrub. I guess we're just reflecting the gestalt, but boy, was it a downer. :( And we're usually so good at cheering each other up!

[OnionPatch]

4. You have my sympathy

My core family is about as liberal as it gets. Always have been, always will be. We are a great comfort to one another in these times. It would break my heart if a close member of my family was brainwashed by the right wing. I do have a brother-in-law who is a right-leaning Independent. I know he listens to Limbaugh because I hear all the spin and talking points being repeated by him. I have proven to him over and over that Limbaugh is a liar but he just keeps listening. You'd think once you figure out someone told an outright lie on the air, they couldn't exactly be trusted. I can't figure it out. I'm starting to think that there is some sort of subliminal mind-control techniques being broadcast through his station in the white noise behind his voice. :tinfoilhat: Lol, but seriously, I think the real reason my BIL keeps listening is that he just WANTS to believe in Rush. He's a cold-hearted and somewhat selfish person. Rush gives him all the reasons he needs to continue to be that way. (This is not at all to say your father is the same. Everyone has their own reasons.)

[Meatwad]

5. I'm also 23.

I thank God that both of my parents are liberals. They have been for as long as I can remember.

[Kali]

6. Eh ---my father's politics are OK

in fact I feel a lot of pride for some of the things he's done. But we don't get along about much of anything else. So love him and keep talking - at least he WILL listen! I've read some horrer stories on DU. I really admire folks who can see and make the change from fundy/right wing environments. My Dad did.

[marbuc]

7. I couldn't be with a woman that listens/watches RW media

I have my standards. I don't have much of a "check list," but FOX News devotees need not apply!

[nonconformist]

8. I really feel for you.

I don't know how I would cope if my family wasn't on the same page I am. I was fortunate to grow up in a very vocal and active family of Democrats.

[wellstone dem]

9. I am grateful for my parents every single day

thanks for the reminder.

[Kailassa]

10. Empathy is what it comes down to

If you feel for other people, and want everyone to have the opportunity for happiness and fulfilment, you are not going to feel comfortable amongst others who believe anyone below them on the ladder of life deserves to have their fingers stomped on.

It doesn't bother me that my partner is an atheist while I'm a believer, but I couldn't be close to someone whose heart didn't break when they learnt of the terrible happenings in New Orleans, or who supported for the party responsible.

[tallahasseedem]

11. I thank my lucky stars I came from a liberal family...

I will pass it on with pride to my children.

[Maestro]

12. I kept after my parents who were die-hard repubs

My dad even supported Nixon. He's a career military guy, yadda, yadda, yadda. Anyhow, after many years of schooling on my behalf about the evils of the repukes and the obvious incredible arrogance and failures of this admin, my parents have voted democratic since 2000. There is hope.

[TimeChaser]

13. I love my parents

They were (and still are) both very involved with the local Democratic Party when I was growing up. I used to help campaign for local Democratic candidates.

[blue agave]

14. I'm fucked

My parents and siblings are basically good intentioned people ... but fundi-gelicals never-the-less. I have little in common with them philosophically, spiritually or politically.

It is a real burden to meet with them during family gatherings and try to find some common ground. I dread these occasions.

[Bouncy Ball]

15. I was raised by liberals who were raised by liberals.

My grandmother's advice to my father on his 18th birthday: "when you get in that voting booth, just pull the lever for D."

My parents and grandparents voted for Carter. My stepfather cussed out Reagan on a weekly basis in our house.

My husband, fortunately, was raised by a liberal mother. She's now a fundie bushitler freak, but at least when he was growing up she was liberal.

So we both were very fortunate.

[blondeatlast]

17. My FDR era grampa told me this when I was a young political wonk

(My first vote was for Carter's (sigh) re-election): "When you get into that voting booth, you can decide any way you wish. Just remember that God is in there with you--and He is a Democrat!"

I was fortunate that my dad was raised properly political, too!

[Bouncy Ball]

18. I forgot to mention my grandmother

who had a framed picture of FDR on her wall and got misty-eyed whenever he was mentioned. She had a music box that played "Happy Days are Here Again" and she cried while it played and told my brother and I that the federal works programs started under FDR kept her family literally from starving to death.

So that's a bit more of my background. I like your grandpa's advice. LOL.

[bo44]

16. willfully ignorant and apathetic families are worse n\t

[charlie]

19. Both my parents are rightwing assholes

My brother, too. I couldn't leave home fast enough and we've been estranged since.