I had the worst 'conversation' I've had in at least 5 years today...

[PCIntern]

I didn't say a word...this guy was well-known in his office for taking off almost all of his clothes and parading around saying that the air conditioning was inadequate...so 'crazy' doesn't even begin to describe him.

I won't repeat the exact verbiage, but suffice it to say that it was one of the most vituperative, seditious, angry-to-the-core 'repudiations' of Obama as a man, as a President, as a Citizen, and as a human being. What this guy said he wanted to have happen to him was so positively revolting that I wanted to just leave the room. But I didn't, I did his dental work, and at the end, he said "I'm sorry I had that outburst." I replied, "No, it's OK, al lot of people apparently feel as you do, and it's better, I guess, just to vent it."

He took that as some form of agreement, and shook my hand and left. And now I need a shower.

[maxsolomon]

1. in the future, use more nitrous

also, i find it hard to talk with someone's hands in my mouth.

[PCIntern]

2. Ah...if only life were that easy!

[monmouth]

5. And if the hands should slip down around the throat, would that be so bad????.n/t

[blm]

16. heh...or a sharp instrument find its way DOWN his throat....just kidding, of course

.

[monmouth]

19. Of course!....hehehe....n/t

[CTyankee]

3. You did the right thing. AS a provider of dental services, you really can't reveal political sides.

You just acknowledged his feelings. That is always a good thing...it calms some crazies down if they think you understand what they are "going through." I do it all the time, and I'm retired. It works, always...

[gratuitous]

4. So, the next time he's in the chair

Start drilling, and then say, "I'm sorry I had that outburst; I should have given you some novocaine first." Unfortunately for my amusement and sadistic pleasure, you're probably far too fine a person to do anything of the sort. Oh well.

[emulatorloo]

6. Don't you mean "refudiations' of Obama as a man?

Good for you for doing his work and keeping your cool. Sounds awful.

[PCIntern]

8. Yeah...it was BAD...

I never repeat that stuff that people send or say verbatim here...it gives rise to making it more legitimate...this was SO iver the top that even I couldn't believe it, and I've heard everything. Well, almost everything.

[Mimosa]

7. Some of these people are mentally ill

And Limbaugh and Fox news tap into it and give them something to focus on. :(

[JoePhilly]

9. Humm ..

Why would a guy in a dentist's chair bring up politics?? Seems like a dangerous move ....

Anyway ... I think he took it as "agreement" when you said ... "No, it's OK, a lot of people apparently feel as you do, and it's better, I guess, just to vent it."

You basically told him you agree.

I understand the need as a business person to not upset a customer. I wish business people would leave politics at home.

In retrospect, maybe you could have said that lots of people come in and have "political outbursts" both for and against Obama, and that you learn something from each. Might avoid the confrontation, while also not to seeming to agree or disagree.

[PCIntern]

11. As a fellow Eagles fan,

(though semi-boycotting until Vick is gone), I must, in a most friendly way, disagree with your conclusion. I in no manner or form agreed with him: I simply stated that many people think as he does. That's true...unfortunately.

"Watch your beagle, Vick's an Eagle!"

[slackmaster]

10. I applaud you for your restraint

There's no point in arguing with a mentally ill person.

[Whisp]

12. and I want to know this why?

sorry but I hear enough of that here and on the News so find no extra value-added benefits in hearing even more of it from inside our DU border. Not saying at all you feel like this (I have no idea where you stand in the Not OK Corral lately) just asking why......

Yes yes, I know the media and almost everyone else on the planet hates his guts or at least want to make it appear so. yes yes, confirmed.

:eyes:

[PCIntern]

14. Oh, O.K.

I'll check with you before I post anything and see if it bothers your sensibilities...since I've only been here for, like, six and a half years, I suppose I'm not 'mature' enough to decide what I'd like to say on a public message board, so I'll run it past you, if that's OK...

[Whisp]

17. sure, any time, glad to help.

[KT2000]

13. I don't know about this -

I would have said after his apology - "Yes, that was strange. There is a lot of media inciting anger in our country these days and it would probably be better for your health if you turned it off for a while." As it is, the next time he flips out at someone, he will probably say "and my dentist, Dr. X agrees with me."

I am really getting tired of abusive bullies assaulting people like this. They get passes for lots of reasons and it is just getting worse.

[PCIntern]

15. A great suggestion for a rational individual,

not great for a 'loony', I'm afraid.

[KT2000]

18. OK.....but

society has limits that are imposed upon everyone. "Loony" people, like anyone else, need to be reminded of those limits when they go way over the line.
I have what you would call a loony in my neighborhood and I have had to remind him of "limits."
It is not intended to change his thinking or anything other than respecting those limits when he is around me - it works. He goes nuts on anyone who will listen but not me.