Usually I can tune out the right wing idiots where I work.

[Pacifist Patriot]

I help out a small company in the mornings to bring in some extra income for my family. I know the owners and most of the employees are lock-step Republicans who just swallow the talking points without giving them any thought. I refrain from the political discussions and use my iPod a lot.

Yesterday I couldn't help but be exposed to it. We have some employees in Istanbul so of course the bomb over the weekend was a topic of discussion. They were standing in the hallway right near my desk so no where to run. Their assumptions about the psychology of suicide bombers weren't too far off so I could ignore the minor inconsistencies. And then one of them suggested we just show them we won't tolerate it and bomb the lot off them off the map. "Take out whole regions..." Without looking up from my computer I simply said, "How's that working for us in Afghanistan?"

Another guy said, "She's got a point." The first kept on and said, "really, who would have a problem if we just took care of it once and for all and wiped the terrorists and those who harbor them right off the globe?"

Again, keeping my focus on my work and knowing his religious beliefs, I quietly said, "I suspect Jesus might." He got silent so I added, "but more importantly, I would. Look at ____ standing right beside you (also his girlfriend). When you advocate bombing villages and regions, you're killing people just like her. If you're comfortable with that, you have some soul searching to do."

He didn't say anything to me for the rest of the day. Really, what could he say?

As odd as it sounds, he's ordinarily a really nice guy. I was surprised to hear this coming out of him. How do you take someone like that and convince him that a segment of our human population isn't worth a single shred of human dignity? I truly do not get the mindset that enables dehumanization. I hope I never do.

[proud patriot]

1. well done

:thumbsup:

[FSogol]

2. My company is only 15% Republican. They never open their mouths

about politics because they all get ridiculed pretty quickly and never have any facts to backup their insane ideas.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

3. Good for you

Sometimes people become so brainwashed by propaganda from multiple right wing talk show hosts and Fox News that they seem to stop actually thinking things through. Good for you for MAKING them think for a couple seconds. Maybe we need to engage "dittoheads" and Fox News junkies more. Maybe a simple conversation like the one you had will make them actually stop and think about the ramifications of what they're hearing. :shrug: Anyway, kudos! :thumbsup:

[KittyWampus]

4. that's always my tack > arrest the whole block when your neighbor is making meth?

[PA Democrat]

5. Great responses to the comments.

Too few people call them out on their callous disregard for other innocent human beings. There seems to be a growing trend in this country to engage in or turn a blind eye to the dehumanization of different ethnic, racial, religious groups.

[JitterbugPerfume]

6. someone told me lately

that the human race needs a good "culling". That is their mindset.

[Angry Dragon]

7. I really liked the way you addressed them

Hopefully they will ponder their soul

[DirkGently]

8. I've heard similar insanity, from people I otherwise respect. Good on you injecting some thought.

[The Backlash Cometh]

9. I have a theory.

I think people who spout out all this bull at work need a moment on the track to work off their pent up anger.

[ladjf]

10. Ah yes, the old "extermination solution". If they aren't like us, kill em all.

nt

[pansypoo53219]

11. the brainwashing will be complete if we do not go platonic on their asses on how they are

thinking wrong.

[Pacifist Patriot]

12. Interesting you should say that.

I have found asking a pointed question goes a lot further with the right wingers I run across than making a statement ever could.

[DirkGently]

13. Yep. Ask the question they've forgotten to ask themselves.

[mimitabby]

14. good manners does not = good person

lots of murderers are "Very nice" too.

[prolesunited]

15. Frightened people act emotionally

not logically. I think what you did is correct -- don't attack or confront people just talk to them and lead them in other directions and conclusions. It's not going to work for the extremists, but it will for the mushy middle.

If you yell or become defensive, they'll just block out other ideas. What you did is lead that person down another path. Probably won't hold, but enough similar encounters might trigger new insight.

That's why I disagree with so many here who advocate in-your-face tactics and rhetoric. It rarely leads to understanding.

[The Doctor.]

16. Concise and penetrating. Impressive.

Yours is among the higher qualities I appreciate.

Know that your co-workers may be uncomfortable in your presence for a while. I have a feeling you'll deal with it quite gracefully.