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GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!

I'll be really scarce on FR for a while,due to scheduling and PC problems.

But I had a question for you all.

Since I'm taking a bit if a hiatus from FR for a time, I know I'll be surrounded by Dems and Libs and I won't have anyone to talk to about aqnything really, not my feelings about this country ot President Bush or our troops abroad or the veterans.

I'll have to try to survive without looseing my sanity.

Whaqt do you suggest I do to get along with the folks I live and work with.

BTW, I'm going to Canada in June for a week, I know they don't seem really fond of President Bush up there, How do I avoid a confrontation with them on that?

A co-worker (a fellow conservative) told me I could refuse to discuss politics, and if someone insists on or brings up the subject, I could always tell them (Politely) that I'm on vacation and I don't want to discuss either politics or religion.

Thank You!

WTH

Good morning, Pippin.

We're gonna miss you! Sorry you're having 'puter problems.

I know what you mean about being surrounded by libs. Been there, too. I ditto your coworker's advice as it's what I did when I lived smack dab in the middle of a liberal conclave in Memphis. I made a couple of very good friends there(libs, all). I don't think they had ever been around a conservative Republican before and my politics were a rare fascination to them. They genuinely wanted to know my opinions and we got into many thoughtful, respectful discussions. They were never going to change nor was I but those type encounters I don't mind, in fact enjoyed.

It's with the confrontational, angry folks I avoided discussing things. The old adage about wallowing with pigs or trying to teach pigs to sing comes to mind.

So, just use your good sense and judgment and you'll do fine!

Have a very good Memorial Day weekend, Pip!

Obviously I am from another country but I have to tell you that at work I know a few people's politics but the majority I would only guess at from other things they say.

I find unless one mentions politics most people do not care that much unless it affects them personally normally financially.

I remember when I visited America in 1997 only one person really spoke about politics and that was just in the general way of asking my opinion on Bill Clinton and what did I think of our new Prime Minister Tony Blair. Actually my answer was that I thought both of them reminded me a second hand car salesman LOL. Nothing has really changed since to alter my mind either.

I feel especially when on holiday people are more interested in where you come from and where you are visiting rather than who you voted for. I personally would not worry about the holiday most people will just want to take your money and share their personal favourite bits of their country with you.

Work is a bit different if they know what your politics are maybe that is why on the whole it is not a good idea to discuss this at work I know sometimes when people make outrageous comments one has to respond.

Do you have a particular friend or colleague at work that you can talk to and just try and ignore snipping comments from others. My experience is if you do not actively pursue a line of conversation it will die.

Anyway that is my two penny worth for what it is worth. Hope you soon resolve computer and schedule problems will miss your comments and company. Keep smiling my little hobbit.

LOL: I recommend Ann Coulter's methods. This is quite different from the other responders.

Take a look at her "ten simple rules" on page 9-16 of her book, "How to Talk To a Liberal (if you must)" and follow them assiduously. You have the knowledge and tools they don't. Never surrender!

Folks where I work don't talk about politics much, either - but they sure know where I stand (ROTLF!!!) within a few weeks of meeting me - somewhere along the line they are bound to overhear a conversation - and even the most liberal of them doesn't dare engage me on the issues after they do it a few times. (I most enjoy when they try to gang up on me... LOL.) We still work together (except for one MoveON girly man) with me, but discussion is normally limited in scope to the weather and work, though politics arises occasionally - but usually those who engage me now do so gently on a subject that is more "bothersome" rather than incendiary - and usually, now, it is only those who actually have some brains and some knowledge. I take such discussions as an opportunity to educate others in earshot who have no interest in politics. Meanwhile, conservatives who wish to discuss politics or learn seek me out for advice and counsel, so I discover who's who, and who _I_ can seek out for advice and counsel. It works for me.

Ann Coulter's methods work for me, but I am really appreciative that she codified them as that has helped me refine my approach.

"A co-worker (a fellow conservative) told me I could refuse to discuss politics, and if someone insists on or brings up the subject, I could always tell them (Politely) that I'm on vacation and I don't want to discuss either politics or religion."

Sounds like good advice to me. Sometimes it is good to take a break from discussing politics, I know it is for me.

Sorry you have to go, Pippin...just know that we will pray for you and look forward to your return, even when it's just a visit!

God Bless our Troops!

And a special thanks to all our Vets!!