Folks, please help me survive to November and beyond.

[Berry Cool]

I don't want to have to even bring it up with the management, but I'm feeling as if I may have to.

I have been able to glean, more or less obliquely, through little things they've said, that two of my male coworkers are, if not Republicans, conservatives. They discuss politics between each other in ways that they think are subtle or quiet and think aren't being noticed by anyone else, but I know damn well what they're talking about when they make references to what "Barry" just did and so on. (For the record, we don't work with anyone named Barry--or anyone really named Berry, either. :-)) They also talk at the desk of one of them who sits right across from me, and they probably think I don't hear because I have my earbuds in listening to my radio or Internet radio or whatever, but I can hear them right through--I'd have to really have the things cranked up to 11 to drown them out.

Today I thought I heard one of them saying something in a pleased voice about how someone was "really settling into a very Carrie-like groove." Then I realized that of course, he wasn't saying "Carrie"; he was saying "Kerry." In short, he was talking about Obama again--saying he was "settling into a very Kerry-like groove." I.e., he is settling into a situation in which he appears to be just another John Kerry; hence, he will be very easy to defeat in November. Oh, and he said this after he said the phrase "liberal fascism" quite loudly--so I knew they were talking politics.

This stuff is making me grind my teeth. I mean, I don't discuss politics at work at all, and I like it that way--I have no intention of starting now, and I have no wish to argue politics with these guys or create confrontations. I get along with both of them fine as long as we keep it on a work and general apolitical level, and that's the way I like it. Besides, they're not supposed to be discussing politics at work anyway.

Yeah, I know I could shrug it off, tell myself "They're whistling in the dark, Obama's winning in November," but that doesn't really help any because I really don't look forward to hearing what they'll console themselves with if that happens. You know, about how dumb the voters were, how we fell for all that hope and change nonsense, too bad so many people other than us are a bunch of suckers and ignoramuses, now we'll see what kind of crap they've let us in for.

I know I'm perfectly within my rights to go to one of my bosses and say, without even mentioning names, that I feel uncomfortable about the degree to which some people are discussing politics with each other at work, and they will make some kind of blanket statement at the next meeting to remind everyone that political talk at work is a bad idea. But my feeling is that if I do this, it will be guessed who brought up the subject in the first place and somehow or other I will get the brunt of the resentment. Either that or I'll have to put up with a whole lot of annoying whispering across from me, which, while I may not be able to hear it, will still be, well, annoying. Or there'll be a lot of talk even more in "code" than the "Barry" business, but it'll be just as easy to break.

So...what would you guys suggest I do? Besides find another job? I await your replies, as I go off to eat and clean my bathroom floor...

[Botany]

1. Tell 'em to eat shit & die

the data, facts, and #s, are with you.

BTW tell the that America was founded by liberals ....
the conservatves were loyal to the King.

[Berry Cool]

2. Ah, Bot, you make it sound so easy.

Maybe I'll toss off that "America was founded by liberals" thing someday...lightly, with a smile on my face.

[Tim314159]

3. Smiling's always important

I'm very tolerant when other people discuss their opinions, but if it gets a little too "rah rah conservative policies", an interjected "And how's that working out?" will usually quiet things down.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. That's awful, Berry.

I can only share some experiences from moving, for the first time in my adult life, from a Blue area to a Red area -- even though they may not apply to the workplace.

1. We made our politics clear from the start. When political discussion started, I would say -- "Well, of course, we're Democrats," and/or, "We're liberals." Always in a nice way, with a smile, just as an FYI. What this did was pretty much stop political discussion when we were around. During the primaries, there was some, but we were respected enough -- I think for being both upfront with our views, and nonconfrontational -- that things stayed on a friendly level.

2. When I find myself in unavoidable political talk, like sitting next to someone at dinner, I try to find common ground. I know you have some of that from what I've noticed of your disagreement with some opinions on this board. With political disagreement a given, I kind of make a game of finding agreement. I found agreement, for example, with my abhorrence of all repressive regimes, Right or Left.

3. Someone else in the household is in a workplace where political discussion is allowed. He uses superior knowledge of the facts, which I'm sure you have, when he can no longer put up with what he's hearing. Also, humor -- lots of possibilities, as even most GOP at this point see how miserably Bush and his policies have failed.

None of this may be helpful at all, but someone else may be in a non-work environment and find it helpful. In any case, good luck, Berry. I know this is difficult for you.

[ailsagirl]

5. I wish I could help but, fortunately for me, I'm pretty much

surrounded with like-minded people (of course, I'm on the west
coast). With those few whom I know to be repugs, I assiduously
avoid any mention of politics. I know that's not your situation
and I feel for you-- there's a good reason politics are not
supposed to be discussed at work, your situation being a good
example.

THEY'RE the ones out of line. If I were you, and I enjoy my
job, and this is the only thorn in your side, I'd mention it
to my manager or HR person. And have them contrive a way of
letting everyone know that talk of politics is inappropriate
at the workplace.

Good luck, BB. Keep us posted.

http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jan2008/ca20080115_994641.htm

[CC]

6. I would just ask management to

put out a reminder that politics is not to be discussed at work. With the primaries over and election season really getting under way the timing is right for it. Should those two take it personally around you I would innocently ask them why on earth are they feeling singled out? Have they been talking out of turn? Really what can they do, fill you in on the inappropriate behavior or shut up?


Most people know how I feel around here and someone will usually warn a new person to shut up around me or be prepared to be buried with facts.

[Berry Cool]

7. Thanks.

I hope it doesn't come to that. Right now I'm just coming off a crappy day at work and it has nothing to do with people talking politics. And I wish I didn't have to keep cleaning, but I do.