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I knew my mom was zealous about Romney, but...
page: 4share:
Im sorry you got that sort of reaction. We really dont do things like that, but I know a lot are pretty rabid concerning "their guy" on both sides of
the aisle. Im proud of you that you cared enough to vote.. so many dont. To participate in the process isnt a negative thing IMO. Over your
lifetime you change your views, see more of the world and the truths in it.. your opinions grow as you do. Dont let the negativity keep you from doing
things YOU feel some conviction to do.
I personally dont really understand the fighting I see here and in RL.. its appalling and disgusting to me. SO hateful and nasty. Then again, culturally, my folks arent into oppression and group think anyway! SO Check this out :
Me? Im a libertarian.. as close as I can get anyway, I was a republican in college.. a Young Republican at that. The party changes, I changed with it.. as in I left it. I also believe in God.
Husband? He is a republican. He cant stand ROmney and preferred Ron Paul, but a republican. He is an atheist!
My oldest daughter? Obama.. loves the guy. Lives with a libertarian and a republican, but I have encouraged the kids to make their own choices and given them TRUE "fair and balanced" onfo to base decisions on.
My mom?? hardcore rez living republican and one of the more active members in the Native Americans Against Obama movement. Long story as to why the rez doesnt like Obama.. maybe another time.
My dad? When he was alive, he was a hardcore BIA hating Tribalist. Similar to what youd call a collectivist or some would call a socialist.
Maternal grandparents.. democrats, but back then the democrats were a LOT different than they are now!
Paternal grandparents? Tribalists. I guess theyd be labeled domestic terrorists these days.
I have 2 other kids.. a 13 yr old and a 6 yr old.
My 13 yr old is a miser..as in a penny pinching capitalist,.. already. Republican leaning with a lot of social lliberalism, Id almost say she leans toward NeoCon if it werent for her socially liberal tendencies. Maybe she will be a Monarchist. LMAO!!
6 yr old? She just likes Halo and doesnt care who wins, she wants to go to the carnival.
fighting with family and friends.. or ANYONE for that matter over these jokers is insanity. It IS possible to have civil and wonderful conversations with parents, children, spouse and friends without such a ruckus.
I personally dont really understand the fighting I see here and in RL.. its appalling and disgusting to me. SO hateful and nasty. Then again, culturally, my folks arent into oppression and group think anyway! SO Check this out :
Me? Im a libertarian.. as close as I can get anyway, I was a republican in college.. a Young Republican at that. The party changes, I changed with it.. as in I left it. I also believe in God.
Husband? He is a republican. He cant stand ROmney and preferred Ron Paul, but a republican. He is an atheist!
My oldest daughter? Obama.. loves the guy. Lives with a libertarian and a republican, but I have encouraged the kids to make their own choices and given them TRUE "fair and balanced" onfo to base decisions on.
My mom?? hardcore rez living republican and one of the more active members in the Native Americans Against Obama movement. Long story as to why the rez doesnt like Obama.. maybe another time.
My dad? When he was alive, he was a hardcore BIA hating Tribalist. Similar to what youd call a collectivist or some would call a socialist.
Maternal grandparents.. democrats, but back then the democrats were a LOT different than they are now!
Paternal grandparents? Tribalists. I guess theyd be labeled domestic terrorists these days.
I have 2 other kids.. a 13 yr old and a 6 yr old.
My 13 yr old is a miser..as in a penny pinching capitalist,.. already. Republican leaning with a lot of social lliberalism, Id almost say she leans toward NeoCon if it werent for her socially liberal tendencies. Maybe she will be a Monarchist. LMAO!!
6 yr old? She just likes Halo and doesnt care who wins, she wants to go to the carnival.
fighting with family and friends.. or ANYONE for that matter over these jokers is insanity. It IS possible to have civil and wonderful conversations with parents, children, spouse and friends without such a ruckus.
edit on 6-11-2012 by Advantage because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by EllaMarina
I never thought this would happen.
My mom (a Romney fan) and I went to the polling place. The wait felt approximately as long as the line for a semi-popular ride at Disney World during busy season. But none of this mattered much, because I was eager to add my vote for Gary Johnson.
In the line, I arranged a day out with my mom tomorrow. We would have a great time. Today would be a good day too. Vote for Gary Johnson, go home, get some coffee, relax.
But it wasn't to be...
In the car after we were done voting, she asked me if I voted Republican, and I told her the truth without thinking.
She-- blew-- UP.
She said some pretty creative things that I didn't think a person would ever be inclined to say to one's own daughter.
"You are so stupid"... "I feel like I have a traitor in my own home"... "I asked you to do this ONE THING for me"... (For a few minutes I thought she was going to kick me out of the house.) Her biggest rant was that I just wasted my vote, and that I basically gave one to Obama.
I made the point that a vote is only wasted if it's for someone you don't believe in. I also mentioned sadly that this election has divided everyone like no other, family member against family member. She scoffed icily at everything I said, and continued on to say that she never even heard of Gary Johnson at all... and then that I knew nothing of politics and couldn't possibly make an informed decision...
I'm alone in my room now. I'm kind of scared of how she'll act towards me. One thing's for sure, our nice day out tomorrow is probably called off.
I wanted so much to make the point that this country is based on freedom, and that includes the freedom to vote for who I want. But it wouldn't have made a difference.edit on 6-11-2012 by EllaMarina because: (no reason given)
Best thing to do is vote your conscience and quit living at home.
If your old enough to vote your old enough to quit depending on mommy.
and btw, she was right on one point. Your vote for Johnson is actually a vote for Obama since virtually every single Johnson voter would have went with Romney if Johnson wasnt there.
reply to post by Jeremiah65
You may want to re-read my post. If you (or anybody) found it offensive than it may be a misunderstanding or you may just want to be offended.
I in no way implied that she was a "mooch". In fact I specifically stated her living with her parents was a result of the current economy under the current administration.
I really see no point in fighting the point against you. You are always going to see yourself as right and I will never change that and Vice Versa.
Good day,
You may want to re-read my post. If you (or anybody) found it offensive than it may be a misunderstanding or you may just want to be offended.
I in no way implied that she was a "mooch". In fact I specifically stated her living with her parents was a result of the current economy under the current administration.
I really see no point in fighting the point against you. You are always going to see yourself as right and I will never change that and Vice Versa.
Good day,
Originally posted by 200Plus
reply to post by EllaMarina
I can see your point 100%. I agree that it is a matter of perspective. However when given a choice between three people:
1) President Obama
2) Romney
3) Johnson
A vote for Johnson has no chance at change. Therefore it is a vote for the current administration. All my opinion of course.
+edit - I want to make sure people understand that I in no way want to dictate how a person votes. I am simply offering my opinion on the matter. We each need to decide for ourselves what is better for us, what is better for our family, and what is better for our country. Vote according to you beliefs, that is what makes America the nation it is.[edit on 6-11-2012 by 200Plus because: (no reason given)
Actually a vote for Johnson does have a chance at change, maybe not this year but if he can get 5% it's a change in next years election. Johnson was my 3rd favorite candidate behind Rocky Anderson and Jill Stein, but he got my vote today for this reason. If he gets that 5% libertarians will be included on ballots in all 50 states next election, and they will get some campaign financing as well. He has the best shot at 5%.
While I'm not a libertarian, I gladly support their rise if it results in a weakened Republican party. I think our democracy will be improved with a strong 3rd party having a voice. My vote was purely strategic in that sense.
Dont' worry Ella ! We had a similar talk at my folks' house some 4 years ago ! It went like '' if you don't like sarah palin, then I guess we
have nothing else to talk about ' ...........followed by a long silence. I guess they're older and feel wiser and think they are 'guiding' us.
It's best to just pacify her and not try to explain it to her . Your mom won't be around forever and shes' fallen into the trap that 2.6 BILLION
dollars was spent for her to get suckered into. The good news is 90% or so of the country is standing in line right now to fall into the same trap.
It's a really REALLY effective machine they run over us with !
reply to post by EllaMarina
THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME. When reading your story I was having flashbacks to years ago when Clinton was elected. I don't live with my parents now but they are huge Romney supporters and I told them I voted for Gary Johnson. They had kittens.
I feel for you. Hang in there kiddo. Don't be upset at your Mom, she just doesn't know better and is a product of years of indoctrination and propaganda. Love her and try to still get that day with her. Just don't ever try convincing her because she will not accept it from you. Parents rarely take advice from their own children. I tried for YEARS. *hug*
THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME. When reading your story I was having flashbacks to years ago when Clinton was elected. I don't live with my parents now but they are huge Romney supporters and I told them I voted for Gary Johnson. They had kittens.
I feel for you. Hang in there kiddo. Don't be upset at your Mom, she just doesn't know better and is a product of years of indoctrination and propaganda. Love her and try to still get that day with her. Just don't ever try convincing her because she will not accept it from you. Parents rarely take advice from their own children. I tried for YEARS. *hug*
edit on 6-11-2012 by MasonicFantom because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by EllaMarina
In the car after we were done voting, she asked me if I voted Republican, and I told her the truth without thinking.
She-- blew-- UP.
If that were my mother, I would've told her the same thing id tell anyone who asked me that question:
"None of your damn business."
You should probably get in the habit of telling people this, parent or not, because it really is not their business to ask.
Now you know your mother a lot better.
I argue with my parents about politics. I don't let my dad tell me what to do, but I don't live at home either.
Your parents are getting their info from tv. They think the tv can't lie to them. They are dumb. Now you know.
Fortunately there are more smart people every day because of people like you who decided to do their homework instead of doing what their preacher or television told them to do.
I argue with my parents about politics. I don't let my dad tell me what to do, but I don't live at home either.
Your parents are getting their info from tv. They think the tv can't lie to them. They are dumb. Now you know.
Fortunately there are more smart people every day because of people like you who decided to do their homework instead of doing what their preacher or television told them to do.
Your Mom and my Dad are two peas in a pod. Same exact words even and I didn't vote for Gary either.
You probably should be looking for a place of your own now because no matter WHO wins, you're going to catch flak for the next four years.
If Obama wins - anything he does wrong - will be YOUR fault.
If Romney wins - anything he does wrong will STILL be YOUR fault anyway.
A parent's job is to raise a child to the best of their ability and then cut them loose and let them be their own independent self when they come of age.
I refuse to vote for the lesser of two evils as that would mean I still voted for evil. I vote for the person and not the party. One day, we'll get rid of this useless two party system and individuals will run on their own merit without corporate dollars backing them.
You probably should be looking for a place of your own now because no matter WHO wins, you're going to catch flak for the next four years.
If Obama wins - anything he does wrong - will be YOUR fault.
If Romney wins - anything he does wrong will STILL be YOUR fault anyway.
A parent's job is to raise a child to the best of their ability and then cut them loose and let them be their own independent self when they come of age.
I refuse to vote for the lesser of two evils as that would mean I still voted for evil. I vote for the person and not the party. One day, we'll get rid of this useless two party system and individuals will run on their own merit without corporate dollars backing them.
My stepfather is home. For his and my benefit, I'm pretending to be a Romney supporter. He's acting so proud and pleased.
I'm not pleased to act like something I'm not, but I don't want to make him more unhappy than he needs to be just in case Obama wins.
I'm not pleased to act like something I'm not, but I don't want to make him more unhappy than he needs to be just in case Obama wins.
edit on
6-11-2012 by EllaMarina because: (no reason given)
I'd say you ought to make a rule not to talk about party politics at all.
Family feeling is more important.
I agree with my mom on most political issues so we talk and we discuss our differences. I don't agree with my dad but I think he is a good man and his role in my life is not exactly a political one.
My mother-in-law is a fervent Republican, and she gets most of her stuff from Fox News, people like Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. I would target the underlying emotions and say that I am not out to wallow in hatred against anyone so if she decides that Obama is the Devil Incarnate I try to steer the conversation away.
(At any rate, now I think he is going to stay.)
You may find that abstract nouns like peace, agreement, respect have a good effect in family when inserted into the conversation.
Family feeling is more important.
I agree with my mom on most political issues so we talk and we discuss our differences. I don't agree with my dad but I think he is a good man and his role in my life is not exactly a political one.
My mother-in-law is a fervent Republican, and she gets most of her stuff from Fox News, people like Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. I would target the underlying emotions and say that I am not out to wallow in hatred against anyone so if she decides that Obama is the Devil Incarnate I try to steer the conversation away.
(At any rate, now I think he is going to stay.)
You may find that abstract nouns like peace, agreement, respect have a good effect in family when inserted into the conversation.
I am not in the US and I don't know who this Johnson is - perhaps you could give a summary to us about what he stands for (apart from simply not
being a part of the two-party machinery)?
In 1992 (while still in the US) I liked Jerry Brown, then it turned into Mr. boring Clinton (wasn't that hard to be more humane than his predecessors). I can't remember if I ever went out to vote as I usually preferred small third-party candidates.
Romney scares me since he is openly for World War Three. Part of which may happen anyway but it does matter how and when.
In 1992 (while still in the US) I liked Jerry Brown, then it turned into Mr. boring Clinton (wasn't that hard to be more humane than his predecessors). I can't remember if I ever went out to vote as I usually preferred small third-party candidates.
Romney scares me since he is openly for World War Three. Part of which may happen anyway but it does matter how and when.
reply to post by EllaMarina
Romney is the throw away sacrificial lamb of the republican party, hes the guy that will ensure 4 more of Obama so the republicans can have a real shot with yet another Bush, Jeb.
Its strategy, and people like your step father and mother are too stupid to see their own party is throwing the fight. Retreating now to win later.
Mark my words, Jeb Bush 2016, all because people will have been fed up with 4 more of Obama.
Just ask John Kerry, No amount of Bush hatred sold the people on a Rich Out of Touch wooden doll.
Romney is the throw away sacrificial lamb of the republican party, hes the guy that will ensure 4 more of Obama so the republicans can have a real shot with yet another Bush, Jeb.
Its strategy, and people like your step father and mother are too stupid to see their own party is throwing the fight. Retreating now to win later.
Mark my words, Jeb Bush 2016, all because people will have been fed up with 4 more of Obama.
Just ask John Kerry, No amount of Bush hatred sold the people on a Rich Out of Touch wooden doll.
To OPs:
"Dear mom. Frankly, I wasn't going to vote for Romney. I was very much about to vote for Obama, but at the last moment, I decided I couldn't. I instead voted for Johnson. So Mom, as you can see, I didn't remove a vote for Romney, I took one away from Obama. Now, can you stop acting like a spoiled child?"
Thats how I would deal with that situation.
And next time, simply say "the secret ballot should always be protected. I don't want to know who you voted for, I don't want you to know who I voted for...thats sort of the point"
But of course, hindsight is hindsight.
"Dear mom. Frankly, I wasn't going to vote for Romney. I was very much about to vote for Obama, but at the last moment, I decided I couldn't. I instead voted for Johnson. So Mom, as you can see, I didn't remove a vote for Romney, I took one away from Obama. Now, can you stop acting like a spoiled child?"
Thats how I would deal with that situation.
And next time, simply say "the secret ballot should always be protected. I don't want to know who you voted for, I don't want you to know who I voted for...thats sort of the point"
But of course, hindsight is hindsight.
reply to post by EllaMarina
Just like I lie to the pollsters when they call, I will lie about my vote to the less informed, including family.
It's none of their goddam business if they are pushing you to vote a certain way.
It's our previous generations that sucked up all the crap that got us where we are -nowhere creek without a paddle.
You've got Obama, the embalmer, on the "left" and Romney, the undertaker, on the "right".
That's one plane of dimension. There's a forward and a backward element to consider, too.
Just like I lie to the pollsters when they call, I will lie about my vote to the less informed, including family.
It's none of their goddam business if they are pushing you to vote a certain way.
It's our previous generations that sucked up all the crap that got us where we are -nowhere creek without a paddle.
You've got Obama, the embalmer, on the "left" and Romney, the undertaker, on the "right".
That's one plane of dimension. There's a forward and a backward element to consider, too.
edit on 6-11-2012 by Atlantican because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by benrl
reply to post by EllaMarina
Romney is the throw away sacrificial lamb of the republican party, hes the guy that will ensure 4 more of Obama so the republicans can have a real shot with yet another Bush, Jeb.
Jeb is alright (he is the smart one of the sons). But, his last name will always give grief now and will auto make him a underdog. George sort of nuked that for him.
As a person in Florida, having Jeb as governor for awhile..well, I wasn't a fan. We have had some good governors..he was good on stormwatch here overall, which is what you gotta be if your going to lead Florida.
Would prefer him over the schmuck we have now though frankly.
Still, being someone with a bit of knowledge over noise, I don't fear Jeb as much as his brother..he would (theoretically) be more moderate than George and far more thoughtful..however...I think the US has had enough bushes.
Wondering when Chelsea Clinton and Meghan McCain will be old enough to run
Sad story, but your mom is certainly right about 1 thing. You basically voted for Obama. If there were a serious 3rd party guy running, I could
understand. But Gary Johnson?! He's no Ron Paul. And considering how horrible Obama has been for this country, there was far too much at stake this
election to waste you vote. So thanks for contributing to four more years of the worst, most divisive President in American history.......good
job.......
reply to post by muzzleflash
lol... I love your approach, it had me in stitches.
When her mother said she didn't even know who GJ was, she should have replied with something like you suggested: "perhaps that's because the talking heads on television only want you to know about the two puppets you think you have to choose from?".
Her mom is actually the traitor, for trying to force another person to vote how they want, and for just voting for one of the mainstream party candidates without researching the other candidates and what they stand for. And for being completely ignorant of reality.
Here's something I said a few days ago:
lol... I love your approach, it had me in stitches.
When her mother said she didn't even know who GJ was, she should have replied with something like you suggested: "perhaps that's because the talking heads on television only want you to know about the two puppets you think you have to choose from?".
Her mom is actually the traitor, for trying to force another person to vote how they want, and for just voting for one of the mainstream party candidates without researching the other candidates and what they stand for. And for being completely ignorant of reality.
Here's something I said a few days ago:
But the fact is the day you go to vote, there will be several other names along side the names of Obama and Romney. The real trick is to create the illusion that you only have two legitimate options... it works so well that people simply vote for one of the two establishment party candidates because to do otherwise would be equal to throwing away a vote. If only they could see the irony.
edit on 6/11/2012 by ChaoticOrder
because: (no reason given)
reply to post by EllaMarina
Sounds like some of the mainstream trolls that have been slowly flooding into ATS.
You did what you thought was right...I can't believe a mother of so many years can still be so immature. It is very unfortunate that you had to be the adult in this situation but good job!
Sounds like some of the mainstream trolls that have been slowly flooding into ATS.
You did what you thought was right...I can't believe a mother of so many years can still be so immature. It is very unfortunate that you had to be the adult in this situation but good job!