Posted on 03/29/2025 6:54:15 PM PDT by DoodleBob
He’s a father of a 28-year-old son and he’s hurting. A retired police officer, he proudly voted for Donald Trump every time he ran and never hid his political beliefs from his family. “My son and his wife say that since I’m a fan of Trump they’re no fan of mine and cut me off,” he said. “Now I can’t see my only grandchild who I was so close to. It’s crazy and it’s tragic.”
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Social psychologists have long understood that merely identifying with a group in competitive contexts can lead people to view those outside the group less favorably. Historically, those dividing lines were differences like religion, race and ethnicity, age, and gender. Today, political affiliation is the most significant determinant of this us-them division, research shows. Furthermore, affective polarization makes “belongers” feel justified in treating those in the opposing party with disdain, contempt, and even hostility.
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According to our research, today, 1 in 2 adults is estranged from a close relative. While the primary cause of these rifts is often tied to something a relative said or did, 1 in 5 directly cite political differences as the reason. Among those estranged over politics, nearly half report that the break occurred within the past year, with 1 in 7 stating it happened as recently as the month leading into the election…
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Just over half of those who are estranged because of politics want to reconcile to some degree, and an apology from the relative or demonstrable change in their behavior may increase that potential. But most say reconnecting is unlikely, with 1 in 5 saying they never want to make up. Our survey shows that even a death in the family or an intervention by a relative isn’t enough to get most to resume contact.
(Excerpt) Read more at time.com ...
Your experience is echoed throughout the country.
Search estrangement parents and you will discover almost 35 percent of parents have one or more estranged child.
People are hurt and ashamed. They often think that it is somehow their fault.
It is not you and you cannot fix it.
That is very sad. The grandchild may end up resenting that and cutting off the parents or at least being angry about what the parents did. (later). Speaking from experience.
And all that spoiling ruined their minds, hearts and souls.
With significant estrangement you won’t know or see the grands.
Leave it to those who are kind to you.
I have a nephew in California who lost his job due to Doge cutting off the gravy train for some recycling battery crap. Now, he blames his parents in Texas who voted for Trump.
Since early January, I have seen posts, usually 3-5 per day, by one sibling on FB. I am not on FB, but my spouse is, so we can see the posts. They are 100% anti-Trump, but also with plenty of blustering about how only really stupid people would support Trump. Then my other 4 siblings and several cousins all add comments in agreement with this person’s posts.
Last year, we had a 4 sisters’ weekend, for the first time ever, living in 4 different states, we got together. I have to think, that if they wanted to do another one, I would either not be invited or I would decline, since it is so clear they all think I am some kind of evil monster.
Up until about November, we just never discussed politics at all. It seems clear to me that those days are in the past now. It makes me sad.
I am so sorry to hear your story. That is very sad. Prayers for you and your wife.
There have been three rather pivotal moments in America since Reagan that have shifted relationships meaningfully.
1. 9/11 and the Iraq War.
2. Obama destroying race relations.
3. Trump and 2020 (covid and the riots).
#3 has been the most acute. Things have not returned to normal. Many people have also not “come back.”
I pray for reconciliation for those who want to have harmony.
The Democrats are a death cult that practices shunning and breaks up families.
“The easy way to deal with that is rewrite your will to skip over the ungrateful children and give every thing to the grands when they reach a certain age. “
Who has control over the assets till they reach a certain age?
Just reading the headline I knew this was going to be about #TDS Trump Derangement Syndrome.
My MIL’s brother disowned most of the rest of the family (of course including me and the wife) over Trump 6-7 years ago. His loss.
Just reading the headline I knew this was going to be about #TDS Trump Derangement Syndrome.
My MIL’s brother disowned most of the rest of the family (of course including me and the wife) over Trump 6-7 years ago. His loss.
So you think your family is right in cutting you off?
Well, I suppose you know you best.
Someone should set up a service that links politically-shunned grandparents to adult couples within an hour's drive, who have small kids with no living grandparents, and who are conservative or middle of the road politically. They can "adopt" those families - at least emotionally if not legally. To include birthdays + holidays. Maybe even a vacation together, paid for by the adoptive grandparents.
If this situation works out longterm, I'd expect the adoptive grandparents would seriously consider changing their wills.
I mean, why not?
And of satan.
The demonrat cult is an unholy abomination from hell itself.
‘ So you think your family is right in cutting you off?’
Not surprised you missed the point, and so much so, your post reflects the point being made.
First, I’m very sorry for the situation in which you find yourself.
Second, remember is it live or Memorex? Social media bluster often is Memorex. I’ve seen one friend basically go off the rails in a lefty way on social media, but in-person they’re still cordial. This friend is in a very left-wing industry and I suspect the social media blather is to stay in good graces professionally.
I pray there is a future where you and your family can go back to normality. I’ll pray for you at Church tomorrow.
I was just asking if you agreed with your families response to it. Surely they should instead respond with love and care for you because you are so miserable and unhappy.
Liberalism is a mental disorder.
And my condolences on the whole situation.
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