Is it time to literally shun liberals?

J

Jeff Thomas

New member
This is an emotional time for all of us. And, I'm generally keeping my public comments (with friends, family, business associates) fairly tame. But I wonder ... have we finally reached the point where the liberal mindset is so plain and so corrupt that we should shun them?

I have a family member who is a liberal. She is expecting to arrive here for Thanksgiving dinner. I am considering having a very clear conversation with her about these events.

My thinking goes like this ... she supports Gore. Despite his absurd and lying denials, the man is clearly anti-self defense. And, now, it is clear he will do anything to rule (and, I do mean rule) this country.

I am tempted to say to this family member that she is not welcome in my home. She supports policies that would reduce my family's ability to defend ourselves. She supports the destruction of the Boy Scouts because they choose to not include gays. She would support government schools to the exclusion of providing school choice to every child. She supports the sinkhole of Social Security instead of recognizing the intelligence of investing in capital markets. There are innumerable other examples.

In essence, she supports the increasing density and oppressiveness of government, and the further erosion of individual freedom and personal responsibility.

For me, these are not simply interesting philosophical concepts. They go to the heart of our country, and to the shape of the future for all of us.

I'm sure this appears hopelessly radical to some, and perhaps closed-minded. But, I have heard the liberal drone for years, watched their willingness to use any means to extend their power, and ... I simply wonder if it is time to say 'enough ... you are beyond the pale, and I can no longer associate with you'.

I recognize that some dialog should exist, and that tempers my emotion on this issue. If I shun them, I can never convince them. But, at some point, with some people, it would seem the time has come to end conversation.

I appreciate any suggestions and criticisms.

Regards from AZ
 
I guess it depends how much you value this person, and your extended family in general.

I would play it this way - Your home is your home.

In my home we don't smoke, we don't drink, and we pray at mealtime - no matter who's here. Opinions of relatives that tend to the liberal, or racist, or general Rikki Lake mentality of family values are met thoughtfully but firmly with the truth and the will of my family and my home. Visitors will visit with that understanding, or they will not visit.

I don't know if I would close the door. If the conversation doesn't come up, don't push it. If it does, stand firm. You'll be suprised how people might make themselves scarce from any further gatherings at your home if you are at real ideological loggerheads with them.
 
Personally, I have decided to deny non-friendlies entry to my home. No need to have a Naderite come and see how I live for he could use that against me later. I might let family members in IF they do not offend me personally but keep them to the public area of the home.
 
Jeff;
I think you are correct but I am sure many
will disagree. My feeling is the extreme
liberal has become almost "cult like" that
nothing will ever get through the glazed
eyes and the smile nor there total dislike
of the conservative way of life.
I voted democrat in my younger days however
I believe they were for the most part middle
of the road types then.We have listened to
the liberals for 30 years and they have ruined our schools, the media is so bad it's
a joke.
It's time to say enough is enough.!!!
 
That's a tough one. If a she is unteachable, and unwilling to be persuaded by the truth, then I guess you should not give her your attention. However, don't just totaly give up on her. If you always are kind and courteous toward her, she may eventually be won-over because of how you treat her. Kindness is disarming to an enemy.
I have a relative who hates me because I would not approve of her divorce and remarriage. However, when I do come into contact with her, I try to be courteous. Maybe someday she won't be so hateful. I don't feel I have lost anything by trying.
 
Shun them?
No, if things get any worse it's time to start clubbing them like little baby fur seals.
When it is family it is best to try and keep dialogue open. But there is only so much a person can take.

[This message has been edited by Phillip (edited November 10, 2000).]
 
Hmmm. Tough call, Jeff. I've a similar situation with a cousin with whom I am VERY close. This man hunts with me and shoots with me. He owns more firearms than you can shake a stick at. He votes a straight Democratic ticket-life long. Calls it voting for his pocketbook and gives an example of his company currently working on a multimillion dollar federal contract. But he's NOT a liberal in the common sense. More like a Dixiecrat of old. Doesn't care for blacks, gays, etc. (he makes me uncomfortable in more ways than one) Guess I'll have to remember what my father said about family (some profanity here so all you people who get offended READ NO FURTHER!!!): "Well, cousin (insert whatever relation) might be a son of a bitch but they are our son of a bitch." Family ties are very tight here.

------------------
Byron Quick
 
Relatives are a long-term investment. You don't dump them unless you really have to. You never know how things are going to play out 10 or 20 years down the road.

If politics come up, let her know politely that you disagree, but don't treat her as the enemy unless she really acts like one (ie, calls the BATF on you or something). Other than that, she's just a relative who's wrong. Lots of people are wrong, and in the short term they tend to stay wrong. As far as that goes, you and I are probably wrong about something . I'm pretty sure about myself anyway, judging by past experience....
 
Your relationship with a liberal family member is your decision to make. I have a bigger question. Should we not shun ALL the AGENTS of the unconstitutional state?

Vin Suprynowicz reported a while back about a US Forest Service bigwig resigning her post because of the "hostility" she and employees of her agency were being subjected to in a particular western town. No violence, no threats--just stubborn, unrelenting hostility. They were refused service in restaurants and businesses, and at least one Forest Service employee was forced to leave a motel he was staying in when it was discovered that he worked for the USFS. Some Forest Service employees inthe area have begun to make a habit of not wearing their uniforms whenever they can, so as not to be subjected to this kind of discrimination.

THAT is a tool we can all use. And we should. Find out who among the people you interact with is an agent of an unconstitutional agency, or a government bureaucrat in a money-wasting, liberty-stifling occupation. Who defines an illegitimate agency or bureau? YOU do.

Then shun them. That means: don't do business with them. Don't accept invitations from them, and don't invite them to _your_ home. Ignore them as much as possible when and if you encounter them in public. Recruit your friends and neighbors to do the same.

Make sure they know _why_, and that when and if they get a useful, productive job that doesn't stifle freedom and suck away peoples' lives and money, the isolation will end. The recent Supreme Court decision on the Boy Scouts makes it clear that private associations (and individuals) have a right to decide whom they wish to associate with--or NOT to associate with. Being a jack-booted thug or a parasite is NOT a protected category.

Make being one of the enemy uncomfortable. "Shunning" has been a traditional (and very effective) technique of social control throughout history. Make THEM the outcasts.
 
A tough call. I have a similar situation with an older half-sister and her adult children. All have been "educated"/indoctrinated in the eastern part of the US.

Thankfully for me, they live far off, while I live in a state that went for Bush by a landslide.

One thing I plan to do is boycott any travel plans to places like NYC, or Denver (which did not want to host the NRA convention after Columbine). Such places are not going to get a cent of my money if I have any choice. On the other hand, I will buy from conservative businesses by mail order, etc. that have the misfortune to be located in liberal areas.

Not a perfect answer, but it works for me.
 
careful here following there normal pattern
liberals will pass a law making themselves
a minority group, protected with all benefits.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by bullet44:
careful here following there normal pattern
liberals will pass a law making themselves
a minority group, protected with all benefits.[/quote]

Not the least...Hate crime protection. Soon it will be a felony to even disagree with a liberal



------------------
"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes" RKBA!
 
I agree very emphatically that the issues facing us are far more vital than paving potholes or whose religion is "truer". Affecting the very existence of our free nation are the disagreements between liberal socialists who are tearing this nation apart and undermining our defense domestically and internationally and those of us who are paying or will pay the cost of their treasonous actions.

Thus yes, I do want to shun those who are really a fifth column who are actively taking over local, state and national govenments and implementing regulatory, legislative and judicial actions fatal to our Constitutional and natural liberties and who would readily turn in to the government jackboots us who may be unorthodox homeschoolers, newsletter printers, Christian fundamentalists, gunowners, food hoarders, or gold owners.

Thus welcoming them into our homes and shops is inviting the enemy into our midst and permitting them to gain intelligence on our activities and ideas. Just letting them get a chance to look at our libraries could damn us in their eyes. The contents of our gun vaults and storage rooms would brand us as the enemy if bad becomes worse.

Often I have considered telling some of my customers that I will no longer do business with them. Then again, by taking their money, I am able to buy more guns, ammo, and support groups like Rocky Mountain Gunowners with substantial contributions.

OTOH, by alienating them, they could be even more dangerous enemies. As tentative "friends" and relatives they may be a little less ready to turn us in.

Tough question.

This is like trying to handle a rattlesnake or petting a porcupine.

[This message has been edited by Solitar (edited November 10, 2000).]
 
I would advise against shunning your family over politics. I'm in the same boat with my mom as she is a Gore liberal, and she has worked in public schools practically all her life. I had a long rant with my wife last night about this very topic. I try to explain that while my mom is entitled to her liberal opinions, her liberal politicians' policies take away my freedom to choose. I don't want to be a part of social security; I don't support tax-payer funded schools, and I don't want any federal programs. My preferences would at least give anyone the choice to do what he wants, from staying in the socialist programs to getting out. She would require me to stay in, at the point of a gun.

If you don't want to alienate yourself from your family, I would advise passing on the political discussions. Tough choice.

[This message has been edited by EricM (edited November 10, 2000).]
 
I come from a large and very politically combative family--but they are my family. If there is something being discussed in your home that offends you you can say that those topics are off limits at family gatherings, but I would be really dissapointed if someone made me feel unwelcome around my people because of my beliefs. That should not be our way--placing topics beyond the pale is the essence of good manners, placing people beyond the pale is not.
Lonnie
 
I know it's hard to deal with this in a family member.I don't envy you-all of my family have sense enough to be Republicans.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to be able to identify what group is for freedom and what group isn't.

Yes,all liberals should be shunned.I always have.They're simply too stupid to communicate with.I can't understand a mind that will allow itself to be manipulated by socialists-shoot,you can look all over the world and see for yourself how successful socialism is.

This election is depressing to me.The socialists are going to keep on and on until they finally manage to finagle their boy into office.It's very disheartening to look at the recent vote and realize just how many idiots there are in my beloved country.

It's hard to fight!They keep changing the rules!
 
At work and haven't had time to read all responses, but:

Use a person's political ethics as a warning of ethical flaws in their own lives. In other words, keep yourself safe. If they support dishonest tactics, disregard law and The Constitution of the United States, then you know what to expect of them in their personal lives.
 
Jeff, in the true spirit of thanksgiving I urge you to be civil and not shun your liberal relative.

My family has gone through this many years ago when I was a child. It meant that I didn't get to know many of my relatives.

Believe me it is not worth it. Enjoy your family and give thanks for what we have in this country. Put a moratorium on politics. Expecially if you have young children.


Just my $.02


Geoff Ross

------------------
I am no expert but I DO have an opinion.
 
Lots of good advice ... thank you very much.

I've had a few hours to consider the issue, and your counsel. I'll keep my mouth shut. But, if she brings it up, she is getting both barrels. In essence, I will tell her she supports my political enemies, and those enemies threaten our freedom and, ultimately, our lives. Now, pass the dam* cranberry sauce ... ;)

Gary H makes an important point, and, unfortunately, I've seen that in action. This liberal relative divorced her husband. And, she got all of their community property! All of it. The poor guy was not wealthy, and he was a somewhat timid, albeit decent-hearted soul. Her justification of this was that she, by her employment, was able to help them reduce living costs, and therefore she essentially generated all of the savings. It was a pretty bogus and unfair argument. At the time, my wife and I held our noses, and didn't say anything to her about this travesty.

Yes, I've seen liberals in action. If you and I want to keep the fruits of our labors, we're greedy. If they want the fruits of our labors, then it is an issue of 'fairness'.

Very disgusting group of people, IMHO. And, I fear they are going to push this crap to dangerous ends. And, that's all I have to say about that ...

Thanks again for your kind and wise counsel. Regards from AZ
 
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