Feb 07 2008
on NOT talking politics
Brillig (with a hint of desperation): Did you get the computer to connect?
Hubby: No, the connection’s down. I can’t figure out why.
Brillig: WHAT?? It can’t be down. No, no, no, no, no! I just wrote something that they’re going to eat me alive for, and I need to know what they’re saying!
Hubby: I know, I read it. They’ll DIE when they hear you’re voting for Clinton. DIE! Almost everyone thinks you’re voting for Obama! hahaha. They really don’t know you at all, do they? I can’t believe you went there—to politics, I mean. I never thought you’d do that.
Brillig: I know. I can’t believe it either. And knowing the diversity of my readers, they’re probably fighting like pitbulls right about now.
Hubby: Good news, though. Not ONE of your readers had voted for Huckabee when I last checked. At least there’s that.
Brillig: Yeah, my readers are a classy bunch.
Hubby: *snort* yeah, super classy. But I think you’re about to lose them all.
Brillig: I don’t think I’ll write about politics anymore. My opinions are so strong, and so well-researched, and fit so perfectly with my religious beliefs that I’m always so surprised when people who supposedly share my religious beliefs have such an opposite view of politics from me! And I find myself wanting to fight. I want to tell them why they’re wrong and I’m right. But then again, I hate fighting and it does no good. ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD! Political debate is like Bible-bashing. It accomplishes nothing— no one is moved to change their mind, it just makes everyone angry. And what’s the point of that? I think I won’t talk about politics. And when people call me nasty things, I’ll just shut up. There’s no reason to get into it any deeper.
Hubby: That’s wise. I think you can definitely expect people to call you nasty things. Hillary provokes such an emotional response! People either adore her or hate her. People either adore her supporters or hate them.
Brillig: True. I’ve always been behind her, and I’ve always felt the admiration/hatred for throwing my hat in that ring. That was the one teeny-tiny-itty-bitty silver lining to Kerry losing in ‘04— it opened up the door for Hillary in ‘08.
Hubby: Hahaha. You’ve been saying “Hillary in ‘08″ for as long as I’ve known you!
Brillig. True. Hey, is the internet back up yet? Don’t say no. My WORLD COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP when the internet is down. Is it back up yet?
Hubby: No, not yet. And that’s really pathetic. You’ll just have to be patient. *snicker* But you promised to tell them who you’re voting for. How are you going to do that if you’re not talking about politics anymore?
Brillig: I’m not sure. Maybe I’ll just say it and then turn off comments.
Hubby: Nah, leave the comments on and just let ‘em go to town on it, and you can just stay out of the conversation.
Brillig: And then I can just vent to you, instead of fighting with my friends!
Hubby: Yikes. Um, how ’bout instead of venting to me, you vent to Luisa.
Brillig: Hahaha. Great plan. That’s what I’ll do. Is the internet up yet?
Hubby: Yup!
Brillig: Do you still love me, even though I’m an uppity woman voting for an uppity woman?
Hubby: Hmmmmmmmmm… I’ll have to think about that. *snicker*
(…as it turns out, he does still love me…)
OH, you make me laugh SO HARD! That was fabulous. And I’d never equated political debate with Bible-bashing, but that is an EXCELLENT analogy. So true, so true.
And I’m always up for venting.
(Go, Hillary!)
I love you….I said that in the last post, I think….but I do. I’m with you Brillig! Hillary in ‘08!!!
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[…] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt […]
Start with a guilt trip about ripping on people for having opposing views (and get some heads nodding approvingly) before expressing your own controversial opinions (and in politics, there really is no such thing as a non-cotroversial opinion): Brilliant.
Brilligiant.
Of course now you realize, I have to go against the flow and unleash my hatred:DJGHJ24LKHG OIWEH42yrgrgsOIEHGOIHFJfdjglkfgoishgowhgorwighfoihg!NIYOIHG19hF8h3!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That’s about all I can muster right now. Yeah, Hillary gives me the heebie-jeebies, and I think her record is a little tarnished, to speak in metaphors about things that would be more properly laid out in explicit, encyclopedic form (but come on…I’m commenting on a blog). But notwithstanding there being no love lost between us, I can live with Hillary Clinton as President. She’s smart. Which means that, notwithstanding the kind of pandering and logrolling she has to do (and they ALL do this to some extent, so I’m not trying to poo-poo her specifically…well maybe a little) in order to get elected, when push comes to shove she’ll do what has to be done. If she he has a “worst flaw” that I can see, it’s a love of power, but that doesn’t necessarily make a bad leader. I’d like to see some fresh blood in there–Obama may be a little too fresh–but still. But McCain, he and I are done!
As I mentioned before, where I take issue with people politically is where they think that one party is good and the other bad–and I’ve been as guilty as anyone about this. I think you have to (1) listen to what they’re saying (with 17 pinches plus a truckload of salt), and (2) see what they’ve done.
I’m sure you’ve done that. Be assured I have as well. You’re right, it is weird that we can conclude differently…and yet….not surprising considering history.
I WOULD have put you in the Obama camp. But I heart Hilary too.
And I think, for the most part, your commentors stayed pretty cordial on your last post. I didn’t read each one verbatim, but I didn’t see anyone attacking anyone else for comments they left.
I am surprised. Hillary is better then McCain- but not by much. I’m still firmly in Obama camp. So we’re doing a GNO (well afternoon out) for local bloggers. You interested? Email me for details.
Hmm. I don’t hate Hilary. I’ll vote for her if she wins the Democratic ticket but I just think Obama is a lot classier and inspirational.
I still don’t know who I’m voting for next week. I’m just so darned glad to have a choice I can live with.
Obama or HRC makes history and that alone is quite exciting! I choose Obama, but if he’s out of the race, then I’ll choose HRC.
What a year! I’ve never felt the urgency to vote like I do this year.
“Come to Canada,” Kim whispers.
Hee hee…you’re so adorable, Brillig. I’m so out of the loop, of course, so not political commentary to make, just want you to know you’ll never lose this reader. =)
I’m leaning towards Hill myself. Obama has the younger women and has negrlected those of us in the 35-50 yo female age. She makes more sense. I get to caucus Saturday!!!!
I think Louisa and myself may have been the only ones who KNEW you were all for Hillary.
Me no likey Hillary but me likey you. Of course me no likey anyone running for president at this moment, so I should do more research and decide which one me no likey the leastest.
and I’ve just established my brilliance 100%.
you likey?
I knew I chose the right candidate that you would vote for! Twas’ easy.
fun conversation….but I wonder now what did we vote for in your previous post. Can we see the voting results somewhere? I am so curious.
tooooo funnyyyy….if it helps, I would let you vent to me…
As a Canadian I don’t have quite as much invested in this election…so I can be objective and see both sides…not sure that if that helps or not..lol.
I’m voting Hillary. Granted my primary isn’t until April, so it might not matter by then, but I’m still voting for Hillary. Obama has very inspirational and moving thoughts and words, but very little action. When it comes down to the two Democratic candidates, Hillary’s actions speak louder than Obama’s pretty words.
Ooh, Obama can be Hillary’s speech writer! Or maybe he can loan her his speech writers…you get my drift.
Come to NY - nobody will look at you funny for being a Clinton supporter here. I voted for Obabma on Tuesday but I would be happy to vote for Clinton in Nov. if Obama doesn’t make it.
Oh, and I guess your friend owes you lunch ;-p
I don’t see the point in ripping people’s opinions. If one party always had things their way, we’d have such an unbalanced world (er, country).
We need the opposing veiws of everyone in order to come up with compromises that help the majority.
I just wish we could come to those compromises with less fighting.
I love you. Even though you’re voting for Hilary. And I hope you love me even though I’m not.
The loverly thing about you Brillig is that you are so fabulous that we will love you whether we agree with you or not.
I have/had no idea who to vote for. I felt uncomfortable with my decision on super fat Tuesday and still don’t really like what I’m seeing.
Guess it’s all over for me until November.
I think Louisa and myself AND KATEASTROPHE may have been the only ones who KNEW you were all for Hillary.
Me no likey Hillary but me likey you. Of course me no likey anyone running for president at this moment, so I should do more research and decide which one me no likey the leastest.
and I’ve just established my brilliance 100%.
you likey?
I just wish that the Hillary haters who hate her because of her husband or what happened with her husband, would get past that - and really listen to her - *sigh* - you’re so right - it is like Bible Bashing, and it absolutely doesn’t work.
I have no voice in this election - so I probably should shut myself up already
Great post, Brillig! And I’ll agree to disagree with you, lol. Go Obama!
What I AM glad for is that the nomination isn’t tied up yet, because I think the longer we keep the process going, the longer each candidate will have to evaluate their positions and views and hopefully stronger policies will be the end point. Even though I’m in the Obama camp, there are some policies that I think Hillary has a better grip on (health care reform, for example). Diversity should help both of them make the right choices, we hope.
I don’t really like any of the candidates…so I will have to pick and choose who I dislike the least.
I don’t mind that you are for Hillary…to each his or her own! I think its a great thing that people can disagree and still get along! I hope none of your readers bash you for your political views!
I’ll have you know that I (gives self pat on back) guessed correctly.
Yay me !!
Cute post–and I know when I can’t get on-line, the frustration is GREAT!
I’m not talking politics–I enjoy everyone here, and I’m all for the political process to just take its course, me, I’ll just listen–probably a cop-out on my part, but, over the years I’ve seen people rant, rave, and get pretty ugly–all over politics. I will go to the polls and vote–that’s enough of a place for me to “make my political statement”.
As for you, and all those who feel so strongly–hey, it’s part of the American Way–go for it. If you can stand the heat, you can stand in the kitchen and fry the political fat all you want. I’ll just duck over here behind the monitor until I see the “all clear” sign.
I’m with Kateastrophe
Psssst!
You alresady know that I admire you greatly, Brill… and I’ll continue to admire you after HRC is knocked out of the running… which should happen fairly soon absent huge wins in Texas and Ohio.
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