Would this be completely shitty of me?

[CornField]

For the past three days, I've composed a letter in my head about 100 times. The letter is to a formerly close friend/currently distant friend who is female, pro-choice and a Bush voter and activist. (As a side note, our friendship went from close to distant when I admitted that the thought of anyone voting for Bush made me sick -- truly physically ill.)

Since the SD legislation has hit the news, the D&X case is before the SCOTUS and so many more states have tacked on their two cents in the anti-choice rampage, I really want to write to her. It isn't really an "I told you so" type letter, although I'll admit that would be a part of it as well. I want her to recognize that it will be our daughters (both hers and mine) which will now be paying the price for her economic stance. Most of all, I just want to ask her if she's still happy with her choice (because, as we now know, it could very well be her last).

What would you call this urge? Shitty? Hateful? Spiteful? Padded-Room-Bound?

[pstans]

1. Do you ever see yourself having peaceful relations with her again?

If you don't care to see her ever again, then what does it hurt. It might help her see the light.

If you think that you become friends once again, then I wouldn't.

[CornField]

3. I'm not sure

I don't want to roll her around in the mud strictly to tick her off, but I would like to open her eyes a bit. During the course of the last presidential campaign, she and I had several discussions about women's reproductive rights. At that point, I attempted to outline a worst-case scenario for her. In looking through our old correspondence, I was spot on (two new justices, state initiatives - except that I predicted it would be Oklahoma to lead the charge).

I guess I'm trying to decide my motivations. If my ego and anger are leading the charge and are out to ONLY be hurtful to her, I don't want to act on that. If, however, I'm really trying to reach her - even if what I write is somewhat hurtful - it's something I want to pursue.

[progressoid]

2. She's an activist for whom or what?

I'm continually amazed at how many die-hard RWers are blind to the damage their party has done to them in the last 5 years. Could this is the issue that can pull her away from the dark side?

If you are looking to gain her support (or at least open her eyes a little), perhaps a softer touch is needed. If she responds positively, it could be the wedge needed to break her away from that herd mentality. But if she stays her ground or fights back then I say let her have it.

[CornField]

4. GOP activist

W04 sticker on the minivan... rallies... local office holder... etc.

I've never quite understood why she is involved with the GOP. It goes against so much of her nature. I think she became involved when her first husband (now dead) served in the armed forces. I think she likes the popularity factor (running meetings, people phoning, being active) more than she agrees with the policies. Also, two years ago, her son was diagnosed with autism. She and I haven't had any political discussions since that time, but her family updates include her dismay at trying to find help for him (and the costs involved with such help). In the past, both she and I began homeschooling and were both amazed at the religious overtones in almost all available curriculum.

She's one of those people that if you met her, you'd never peg her for a republican, much less an activist for the party.

[pstans]

5. Don't attack her for being Republican

There is a difference between being a Republican and being a Bu$h supporter. Bu$h is not a Republican and we won't get rid of him without real Republican standing up for their principles.

[progressoid]

6. Strange isn't it?

I wonder if some are repubs by default - parents, spouse, peers etc are, so they just fall into it. Sounds like she may be attracted to the organizational aspect more than the issues.

Perhaps you can entice her into a discussion by asking honest question(s) about how her beliefs agree (or don't) with her party. Or if others in her party have a problem with this.

[Debi]

7. Write the letter, tear it up and throw it away.

Karma is a bitch - she's getting hers right now - don't want yours to be negative later on. ;)

[CornField]

8. Yup, same thing the husband said. LOL!

So, I made a graphic to vent my frustrations.

[Debi]

9. An eerie way to express youself, but true nonetheless. n/t

[IA_Seth]

10. Oh my...that graphic is disturbing.

I mean, I get the significance of it, but that really bothered me.

[CornField]

11. I was thinking about transferring it to a shirt for the next CC meeting

I guess maybe that isn't a good idea.

[IA_Seth]

12. Eh...

Well, I think your point would be heard loud and clear...but to me it's kind of like having a dead soldier graphic to express the opposition to the war.

I am not saying your graphic is wrong, it's just a little too graphic for me, that's all.

[pstans]

13. Graphic is ok

but the blood dripping is a little over the top. Take that off and the graphic is pretty good.

[CornField]

14. Better?

I liked the blood for the shock value, but it was probably a bit much.

[IA_Seth]

15. Yeah..that is better to me.

It gets the point across pretty boldly...without the "eww" factor.

Ask the Lounge...they oughta give you a LOT of feedback.

[CornField]

17. Put up a poll

I'll check it later tonight and see what the verdict is. My guess is they'll go for the no blood. (Although I think GD & feminism would go for the gore factor.)

[9119495]

16. I'm pretty concilatory with republicans that see the light. Even

the ones that don't.

Basically, I want them to admit that while they may not abandon their party, and while they may still prefer bush to Kerry, they really think of bush as an utter failure. If they can do that, I forgive.

[Debi]

18. Hey, Cornfield, check this out - got it out of the Lounge