Remember those neighbors I wrote about here who are voting for *

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

despite being the poster family for people who need to vote for Kerry? They've experienced horrible financial hardships and we've helped them time and time again.

Well, the husband admitted he was the one who defaced my sign for the Dem woman running for state house.

ASSHOLE!!! He admitted to it then acted like I'd get a big laugh out of it! "Oh it was just a joke, can't you take a joke, you're so serious nowdays!"

I lost it. I am not proud of how I acted, but I started yelling right out on the street. I told them they vote for the screw you, I got mine party and their votes hurt ALL OF US. I was yelling that their supporting a party that has hurtful, hateful, divisive policies hurts us ALL, including MY FAMILY.

When I calmed down I told them I don't know how I can ever reconcile the fact that they were once my friends (and still act like they are) with the fact that they vote for people who destroy the environment, knock poor kids off their health insurance, put the government into debt, take us into immoral wars and bomb countries who did nothing to us, etc.

After I was done ranting, he said "God it was just a joke."

I nearly started crying out of frustration. He either doesn't get it or pretends not to. What the repukes do to ALL OF US is NOT FUNNY and his support of that hurts.

I have a feeling we won't be such friendly neighbors from here on out, and that is sad, but there it is.

On edit: my husband came out because he heard me yelling and stood next to me and faced them. When I was done, he put his arm around me, gave them dirty as hell looks and said "come inside." The woman has tried to call me about four times and I'm not picking up the phone. My husband said "we are through with them. They only call us when they need things."

[The_Casual_Observer]

1. Poke a few side wall holes in the tires of his suv and then admit it

saying, god, it was just a joke.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

2. Would I ever love to

but I love Kerry too much. Explanation: I believe in karma. Karma's gonna bite my neighbor in the ass for defacing my sign.

[elehhhhna]

17. they're typical Mepublicans; gimme gimme gimme.

[bettyellen]

67. would have dumped you 1st time you said no!! screw them losers!!

[Was_Immer]

3. THeyre clearly not your friends

Oh I took a sh*t on your shoes, but its a joke cant you take a joke?

Tell em to go Cheney himself. Then say its a joke cant you take a joke.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

9. Did I ever want to cuss him out

but it's a pretty day and there were kids riding their bikes everywhere.

I was already drawing a crowd as it was, if I had let loose with some cussing, it would have really been ugly.

Your comments made me laugh, though, thank you. I needed that.

[July]

38. It's good to know the truth, too.

As hard as it is, after having had a good relationship, you now can't avoid knowing that they are low-class bullies and ingrates. I sound harsh, but it's good to be able to separate the fake nice people (Bush is a prime example) from the genuine nice people. Sometimes we figure it out for ourselves, sometimes they give it away. Either way, you're ahead if you know what you're dealing with.

They'll probably be whining for weeks about your "losing it." Your best response, if you don't mind my advice, is to not respond. You've told your story to neighbors who've called. Now, just move on and cut them out of your life. Don't help them turn it into a feud. If people ask you about cutting them off, say something like, "they abused our friendship, and it's over." And do not answer any further questions. That's something useful I learned from Miss Manners's books -- and it's REALLY hard to do, but it works like a charm. If you keep refusing to respond, others get the message faster than they do when you try to justify yourself.

Just my 2 cents, of course.

[MUSTANG_2004]

49. Bad advice

Like him or loathe him, it's a bad idea to escalate something with neighbors. Far better to simply stop interacting with them.

[Cerridwen]

4. I'm so sorry to hear you went through this.

There are so many who just don't get it. It's as though whatever it is that creates compassion in a person, genetic makeup, environment, whatever, is missing from their psyche/soul/personality.

:hug:

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

10. I wonder

but at other times they have seemed so sweet and wonderful.

Ah well. I have the sneaking suspicion since finding out we are liberals (about two years ago) they started developing a simmering dislike of us and it comes out in passive-aggressive ways.

[Cerridwen]

27. Someone will definitely correct me if I'm wrong, but I

believe I've read that sociopathic personalities know how to act emotions they don't feel. They mimic the emotions they see on others but it's a facade for the emptiness beneath.

I've come into contact with 1 or 2 people like this who on the surface appear one way but who act in such ways as to make me wonder if they care about others at all.

/stepping off soap box

:hi:

[Solomon]

46. You just defined what americans have become.

We pretend the emotion, but don't really give a shit. That's what words like "compassionate conservative" mean.

As long as americans have their beer, popcorn and tv, they could give a damn about somebody else being hurt. In fact, we'll sit and watch disasters while eating popcorn and drinking beer.

We are so full of shit. Americans are mentally ill.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

50. It's like Garrison Keillor said in his book "Homegrown Democrat"

A republican will pay $40,000 for a brand new truck but is the first one to scream and yell if he is asked to pay $200 more a year in taxes for his childrens' education.

[CrispyQ]

59. Read this quote somewhere -- can't remember who, tho.

It's not a good thing to be well adjusted in a sick society.

[Karenina]

61. True. But take heart...

the *cabal has the cure!

Whatcha gonna do when they screen you?


NEWS: Your Mind & Freedom - 26 October 2004
http://www.MindFreedom.org - please forward

"Whatcha Gonna Do When They Screen For You?"

Warning: Bush administration pushes for
more US citizens to be forcibly drugged,
even on outpatient basis.

by David Oaks, Director,
MindFreedom International

What would a second term by President George
W. Bush look like for the increasing number
of US citizens who are being "screened" by
the mental health system?

For some it may look like "One Flew Over
the Cuckoo's Nest" has landed in their homes.

A Bush appointee to a key federal mental health
advisory council is pushing for more coerced
and involuntary outpatient commitment as a
central USA goal over the next few years.

Forty-two US states have passed outpatient
commitment laws in the last 15 years, allowing
citizens to be court ordered to take psychiatric
drugs against their will even while living
peacefully in their own homes.

The official minutes from the meeting reveal
that psychiatrist Sally L. Satel -- in her
own words -- called for the federal government to
encourage the States to use more "coercive,"
"intrusive, highly paternalistic" and
"involuntary care." A federal employee confirmed
to MindFreedom that Satel used these exact words.

Since the Bush Administration is also calling
for screening of all US citizens for mental
health problems, Dr. Satel's crusade for more
coercion could potentially impact any American.

[Cerridwen]

65. Erk. Thanks for the reminder. I'd actually read that. - n/t

[belle]

69. Agree that this guy's a sociopath, but I don't know about all Americans

I mean, I can see it both ways. Yes, there's a trend toward narcissism and worse in the greater culture, and it's a BIG worry.

On the other hand, sociopaths will always be with us. They range from your garden-variety jerk (like this neighbor, apaprently) all the way to people like, well, most if not all of the current administration. And, okay, your Ted Bundys, Ed Geins, etc.

What interests *me* is that of all the people who say they're voting for * that I've talked to and/or heard other people's reports of talking to extensively, just about all of them seem to be showing signs of a personality disturbance over and beyond their political choices. Like this guy: "no, I don't understand why defacing your private property is a problem, or why you'd be upset about it. *I'm* not upset, so *you* shouldn't be. Also, this is making me feel powerful."

The examples I know of--I mean, the ones who aren't terminally out of it and are voting for * because I don't know they like Laura's hair or something--I swear I'm not just saying this because i disagree with them about this so strongly, there *does* seem to be something seriously wrong with them. In several cases, they are the people who used to be Democrats or liberal, self-described, and suddenly did a 180, surprising and upsetting all their friends, and becoming total jerks in the process. But I'm thinking about the way these people were before 9/11, and I'm now thinking: you know, this was part of their personality all along. It's just that before, it didn't have an opportunity to emerge. Whatever else you can say about national tragedies and times of crisis, it really tells you something about peoples' core personalities. Some people became heroes. Others--well, they became freepers. Flag-waving smug assholes who, *none* of them that I know of, have elected to go off to fight in iraq themselves, or indeed done anything that would cost them the least little bit of pain; but rather are using this as an opportunity to let their assholery flower to full bloom.

[bettyellen]

80. dude, you have to get out more.

maybe you need to find better friends + coworkers. cause we ain't all like that.

[bettyellen]

68. yep, and it's all about getting what they want all the time!! yikes!!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

56. you nailed it..passive aggessive

[acmavm]

5. Isn't your whole neighborhood holding pot luck suppers just so these

freeking assholes don't starve?

So, this is how they repay kindness? Typical.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

7. Yep

we've been having them over every weekend for months for dinner. We alternate and have cookouts, pot lucks, we try to act like it is just to get together and have fun, but the underlying purpose was to help them. They were getting dangerously close to eating cat food and are too proud to take food stamps.

Screw it. I have a heart and a soul but when you slap me in the face, I'm not going to help you anymore.

AND ALL the families helping them are DEMOCRATS.

[LiberalFighter]

47. Tell them to go on welfare

I wonder if they are getting any type of govt assistance.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

52. She drew unemployment for a while

but nothing else that I know of.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

58. She can thank Dems for her unemployment

[belle]

70. Oh, jesus. That's hideous. You know what...

I have a feeling that they defaced the sign partly because they were so angry that they were being seen as "charity cases" or something. In some peoples' twisted worldview, what the neighborhood was doing for them would have actually been a way of "putting something over on them," or acting superior, or pity, or something--look, I can't justify it. But I'll bet that is part of it. And also what's fuelling their politics. I think at some level they know damn well that Bush isn't on their side; or maybe they're the sort of people who don't really believe anyone is on their side, really. But they see you guys (relatively) prospering and happy, and they're not, and it makes them furious. And so probably they'd rather bring you down than try to pull themselves up. And one way to bring you down is to go out of their way to vote for the guy that you're so afraid of--in fact, I'll bet, the more you passionate plead with them to understand why Bush is so dangerous, the happier it probably makes them.

All pure dimestore speculation, of course. In any case, the guy sounds like a real piece of work. When people are that unconscious, there's nothing you can do. I don't blame you for wanting to cut them off. It sounds like you'd just get more of the same if you did continue to be nice to them. I'd ignore them from now on, if it were me.

[meganmonkey]

77. I remember your post about them

about a week ago or so. I work at our local food bank and i get calls everyday from people who never thought they'd have to ask for help. and they are so embarrassed about it. i've done some reading on the psychology of it and the wierd thing is, people tend to build up their walls higher when it happens to them. it seems counter-intuitive - you'd think that when it hits them they'd realize that it can happen to anyone and they'd reconsider some things but it doesn't. maybe they feel so humiliated by their circumstances they just close up even tighter...it'w kinda wierd. their world gets so rocked by their neediness that they cling to what they've always known for security.
just remember that you have a good, good heart (i'm horrible with names, even online names - but yours is one i remember because you post memorable threads). you can rise above this.

[Darth_Kitten]

6. You don't have to like your neighbours.

:) How juvenile is it to deface a sign? The guy is definitely not on your wavelength, Moon. :(

Glad you let him have it. :) :hug:

[benito]

8. you got a strong husband too-

Good on both of you. You handled that well.

[Buddyblazon]

11. Don't stoop to their level...

give 'em the Amish treatment. I've got an independant Amish contractor, Abraham, that is a master at his craft.

Hey Abe...give her a sample of your work.

"Shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun
shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun
shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun
shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun
shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun shun"

Let their ship sink...next time they ask for help...tell them that you've taken their Republican view...an "ownership society". Then hang up.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

14. That's exactly what we plan on doing

and believe me, I may not be Amish, but I am the QUEEN of shunning when I decide to.

The list of people I shun is very very short, but they are on it now.

I can't believe I've done so much to help them and they just act like my beliefs are a joke to them.

It's jaw-dropping.

I'm almost to the point of, when I meet a new friend, asking them their political leaning, so I can know whether I should bother or not. Isn't that freaking SAD???

[belle]

72. Well, and it's not just your beliefs; they VANDALIZED you.

And the fact that the guy's pulling the old bully's line, "it was just a joke," just seals it. Stay awaaaaayy. Nutbar.

[IdaBriggs]

12. Good for you! You did EXACTLY the right thing!

Being calm would have been THE WRONG THING to do! They owe you an apology!!! Jokes are when BOTH people laugh -- his actions are just hostile! Yeah, Moonbeam!!! You go, girl!!!

:toast:

[Zen Democrat]

13. You win some and you lose some, Moonbeam.

I'm in Texas, too, and when we put out our yard sign - the only one around here - I expected grief from the neighbors. I didn't expect the sign to survive long. A couple of days later the people across the street came over and asked where we got our sign. I had extras and gave them one, which they put up about 10 minutes later. Now we have four Kerry signs on our block. Sometimes you just have to stand up and let people know where you stand and damn the consequences. You never know, your neighbor may be thinking about what you said, and about your passion, and this could start wheels turning. Every good action has a positive result. Thanks for standing up and hang in there.

[LiberalFighter]

It gives others strength when someone else is first...

then they don't feel alone

[MADem]

15. Let all your neighbors know

And stop inviting them over. If they are hungry, hand them a big can of baked beans and a bag of rice. Very nutritious, but not tasty if that is ALL you are eating. Maybe they can get some welfare cheese from the Weewee administration to spice the meal up.

They are counting on the weecowboy idea of no big gubmint, neighbors helping neighbors bullshit. Well, help them with beans, and let them fart themselves silly to keep warm this winter.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

19. Ok your last line made me laugh

My other Dem neighbors just called and asked what happened, because the repuke woman called her crying, saying I "flipped out." I explained to this Dem woman what happened and she said "I KNEW there was more to it than she was telling me."

It pissed her off enough that she said "screw it, I'm not helping them, either." They have the same sign in their yard, too and are surprised he didn't "jokingly" deface it, either.

If I ever talk to her again, I'll encourage her to apply for food stamps. That'll make her head explode, but I don't care. Swallow your pride or go to a soup kitchen or food pantry or somtehing.

Or starve. The repuke way.

[MADem]

32. Tell all your neighbors to lock their cars

...and take in anything that can be stolen, like kids' bikes, the lawnmower, the garden tools, e.g., and sold at a pawnshop. They'll probably start burglarizing your homes when you are out during the day. Mention to them casually that you got a new home security system, complete with covert video system, or some sort of small, wicked pet that you let out of its cage when you leave the house. Pass these concerns on to your neighbors, too.

Any crazy fucker that has time to deface signs, yet not get off his ass and get a job that includes the line "Ya want fries with that?" to keep his family fed is TROUBLE. They sound like very LAZY people who will TAKE from anyone and anything, and they probably will not want to wander very far to do their taking. Be on the alert, I have a feeling that larceny is in their very near future.

[belle]

75. Watch out for the "hoover;" that is, they might fall all over themselves

with overdone belated apologies and super-sweetness when they see you really mean it, you're cutting them off. Don't fall for it if they do. That's part of the routine with people like that. And the more chances you give them, the harder it is to extricate yourself from the craziness. I think you're right; encourage her to apply for food stamps. Better yet, don't say much of anything at all. "I'm sorry, but I no longer wish to have a relationship with you. Good luck and godspeed."

[Robeson]

16. These are the hallmarks of a Republican...

...they have no empathy or sympathy for anyone. Thats why they are what they are. Most Repugs I've ever met, simply do not have those 2 qualities in themselves.

[devinsgram]

18. Just wait, if * gets back in for another 4 years

will see who's going to be laughing then. The point is that we take this seriously and they don't. When people start losing their homes and have to decide on if they want to buy food to put in the mouths of their children or have heat for their homes, then we'll see who the joke is on.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

20. I wanted to say that so badly

but I am trying to stay positive about Kerry winning and I didn't want to sound like a conspiracy theorist. I already sounded crazy and they think bush is just woooooonderful.

[devinsgram]

36. I was like that yesterday

when my son-in-law's brother started mouthing off about how * is going to win and I told him he's full of it. He started saying about how the only reason Kerry's running is because he has rich wife and that he won't do anything about the terrorists. I started yelling that those are a pack of lies and I asked him where he heard that. He said on the radio and they wouldn't lie about that. I asked him who on the radio said that(knowing full well where that came from, limpballs himself). He said he didn't know. I said that figures, because you haven't got a clue what's going on.

I get so upset with people trying to tell me whats going on when I am the one that reads, investigates, gets the facts, searchs for the truth and takes an interest in politics and all they do is hear a couple of lines on a stupid rw radioshow and then they think they know whats going on.

[LiberalFighter]

53. Oh... he didn't want to admit who he listens to? Geesh

[goodboy]

21. President Kerry...

Say it with me now, PRESIDENT KERRY.

One more time: PRESIDENT KERRY.

Jason

[DianeG5385]

48. Lately the media has been slipping...President Kerry in....

and referring to the Kerry "Administration" when discussing the campaign. Hopefully they know something we aren't quite sure of.

[goodboy]

55. I'm glad they're getting used to it...they'll be saying it for 8 years!

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

22. That is terrible how your so-called 'neighors' (used to mean something)

did not appreciate your generosity and treated you so horribly. That angers me to no end. People like them do not 'get it.' Plus, what the hell...they trespassed on your property and damaged your sign after you were charitable to them? What the hell?

Not to worry: Instant karma's gonna get them.

[in_cog_ni_to]

23. It had to be said, Moonbeam.

I cannot believe he was the person who defaced your yard sign! How nasty. After everything you have done for them? INGRATES! TYPICAL MEpublicans! I'm proud of you for speaking up! I would never speak to them again, ever!


You did good! :hug:

The next time they ask for help tell them that MEpublicans are self sufficient, they don't "need" help.

[Buddyblazon]

24. OOOOOooooooo...I got a great idea....

invite their kids over to eat...but not them. Then their children don't pay for their parents stupidity. Let them starve while their kids are stay healthy and nourished.

Then the kids will be less likely to grow up dem haters...and may even come out as libs. THAT would be the best revenge.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

31. True

I adore their kids, that's part of what's sad here. Their youngest is a sophomore in high school and their next up is a sophomore in college at my alma mater. He was terrified to go two summers ago and I talked to him for hours calming him down and telling him I knew he was going to do ok in college. He calls me "Auntie Moonbeam." (With my real name.) They were like family, that's why this hurts so much. They weren't just neighbors.

The youngest is 16 and has been hurt the most by their financial situation. I might just take her out for a burger and fries every now and then, if they let me.

[ciaobox]

25. Here is what you do...

Go to the hunting supply shop and ask for a bottle "Concentrated Fox Scent". It is 10 times stronger and stinkier than skunk. Then get a hypodermic needle and fill it up. Stick the needle through the window rubber on his car and plunge it in.

There is absolutely NO way to get this out of upholstery. They will have to sell the car.

[Buddyblazon]

28. We did something like that to a guy in HS....total jerk with

Napoleon complex....had a '64 galaxy. Left his doors unlocked. One night...we took one a fire extinguisher (the type filled with the baking soda like substance)...put an elastic hair band around the handle...opened the door...pulled the pin...and drove away.

Years later...after college...he had turned into a pretty nice guy. We happened to run into him at a bar and shared a beer. He asked us if we had done that. We finally confessed (but 8 years after the fact). He told us not only was it very difficult to clean up...it got into his vents...and for the next two years whenever he turned on the fan...a lovely dust cloud filled the car.

He laughed it off...though he said he couldn't sell the car because of it.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

29. OMG that is SO evil

and I smiled really big when I read it.

I am not going to say here whether I would ever do such a thing, in fact, I wouldn't. At least not until AFTER Kerry is elected, I don't want my bad karma to mess with his good mojo.

Again, just for the record, everyone, I wouldn't do such a thing.*



*probably

**not until after the election


***maybe


:)

[TexasLady]

26. I have a family member like this..

for six months I helped her, even paid most of the bills. she was pregnant, and left her husband(a bush supporter). her husband is a perpetually unemployed wife beater. Soon as the baby was born, he moved in,..I quit helping her.

She called me every name in the book, and I had to block her number and her email addy.

sometimes ya gotta get tough with folks.

you absolutely did the right thing. be strong and be proud of yourself.

[Longhorn]

30. There's just no reasoning with bullies.

And that's exactly what that guy is. Bullies always reply with, "Can't you take a joke?" And they love other bullies, especially the bully in the White House.

Bullies strut around thinking they're better than others when they usually have the least to brag about. And they're often the quickest to cry "Foul" if they get a taste of their own medicine.

You've lost nothing, Dear Moonbeam, because this neighbor is a big ZERO! Good for you for letting him know what you think! :hug:

[flygal]

33. I hate dealing with polar opposites....

I have to deal with in-laws who think dems are evil..blah blah blah. It gets to me. But at least they don't live next door to me! I feel for ya!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

39. Well my freeper

Mother in law at least lives 1000 miles away. If SHE lived on the other side of us, I'd claw my face off!

[MUSTANG_2004]

34. What did he do to the sign?

Was it something that could be taken for a joke, or was it destructive? I'd be annoyed with it either way, but more inclined to forgive and forget if it the vandalism wasn't mean-spirited.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

40. he wrote in big letters

"SUCKS" under her name and drew a moustache and horns on her picture which is on the sign.

He has the sign for her opponent in his yard.

[Maddy McCall]

43. This isn't even passive aggression...this is AGGRESSION ...

from a man who hasn't got the balls to sit down and discuss issues with you face-to-face.

Beware people like this.

:loveya:

[Maddy McCall]

44. And let me add that the only way I would even think about forgiving him...

is if he came to your house with another sign BEFORE THE ELECTION and apologized profusely for his ignorant, offensive behavior.

[belle]

76. I'd say even if they do, don't take up with them again. See my post below

for why not. I mean, forgive if you want to, but I seriously would not hold onto this relationship under any circumstances. It's one thing to disagree with someone's politics; it's quite another to saddle yourself with hateful crazy people. Who needs it?

[TexasThoughtCriminal]

63. It better not have been Katie

I like her.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

86. Thought Criminal

it was. Katy that is. Running for state house. I love her.

[Road Scholar]

35. OK Moonbeam, here it is.....

Your reaction will speak for us all. First, as long as you don't stoop to their level, you are showing class and also that you are in charge.Maintain a positive attitude. It usually scares the hell out of piss-ants like them.Eventually they will come to you in remorse.Who knows, they might even vote for Kerry/Edwards.
Remember Maintain a smile! :)

[The Wielding Truth]

37. Moonbeam, Let the wonderful Bush economy tend to them.

I can imagine how hurt you must feel but don't let them get the best of you. They obviously have problems that they must deal with on their own from now on. This may be the reason they are not voting for Kerry.
Friends are not what Bush administration promotes. It has been the most divisive that I can remember.Hold on to our beliefs and they can chose to hold on to theirs and if they contact you tell them that you don't asscicate with people who don't respect others. Then wish them a good day. I have faced that type of person more than once and they areen't really worth the concern. They will see the light eventually.
You are a very smart person and have a very good heart. Keep it open but let them find their way back to you. We have President to elect!!!!:kick: :grouphug:

[Maddy McCall]

41. Sweetie, they aren't your friends, nor have they ever been.

Anyone who would behave as aggressive toward a friend to tear up property in their yard is NOT a friend.

Beware these people. They aren't your friends. Let it go, and find friends who don't mistreat you and yours.

:hug:

[BillZBubb]

42. Good for you, Moonbeam!!!!

BEST POST OF THE DAY!!!!

We are not taking shit from those ignorants bastards anymore. You just gave them their first wake up call.

Congratulations and THANK YOU!

[LiberalFighter]

45. Should tell them that insensitive people are not worth having

and the republican party can keep them.

Friends are sensitive about their actions.

[harpo]

51. good for you!!!

I have run into a few cases during the past 2 years where I realized that someone who I thought was my friend...really wasn't...so I have less friends..but the ones that I still have think like I do ;)

[RevCheesehead]

54. OK, I understand the anger - and the guy was WAY out of line...

But I would advise you to take a few days to cool off. And when his wife calls after the election (you know she will), tell her in a very calm voice that you felt his vandalism of your property was worse than a "prank" or "joke" - because it was done not just to a sign, but to you, by someone you thought was a friend.

Believe me, I've been there. Life in churches is filled with conflict of all kinds. My general rule of thumb (for ME, at least) is to wait AT LEAST 24 hours before taking any course of action. Usually, things are more in perspective, after the initial sting of being hurt by someone.

Moonbeam, I've loved your posts. You seem like someone I'd like as a friend. And if you were friends with these people, there must be a few redeeming qualities to them. Give it some time, and let them come to you with an apology.

PLEASE, Don't take revenge on them. You'll hate yourself later for a few moments of satisfaction. (forgiveness is the key, eh?)

Lotsa love, from the Cheese :hug:

[sendero]

62. How do you define "revenge"?

I agree wholeheartedly with your "24 hour" rule, but I'm curious. Do you consider cessation of helping them out to be "revenge"? Or when you speak of "revenge" are you talking of some explicit action?

[RevCheesehead]

71. I define "revenge" as something done to intentionally hurt another person

Helping someone is optional behavior, and one can stop helping for any number of reasons. But I would not vandalize their signs, slash their tires, or any kinds of actions which would be seen as petty.

Sometimes, even our very harsh words come back to haunt us - we often wish we could take them back, but it's too late.

[sendero]

79. Well in that case....

... I agree with you :) Some might say that the cessation of helpful actions is a form of revenge. One could look at it that way, but in this case it seems like a reasonable response.

[lakeguy]

57. way to stand up!

it's hard to believe that there are people like your neighbors in this world, but there are. at least you let them know how you felt:-)

[wicket]

60. I'm glad you stood up to them

They had no right to deface your sign like that.

[texas1928]

64. MY best friend is that way

He is a repuke and he thinks Bush has helped us so much. He sends me repuke e-mails all the time. and I do not respond. I would dearly love to send him the Finger video and ask him what he thinks of his "GOOD christian man" he so glowing told me about. I would hate to lose him as a friend but I am so frustrated that he will not listen to reason and see that all the problems he has had are directly from what Bush has done in this state as governor and president. It frustrates the hell out of me.

[Dan]

66. forgive them.....

...they have enough problems....

[mourningdove92]

73. Forgive them. Unforgiven anger, hurt and betrayel ends up

hurting you even more. I just know that you are better than that. When you calm down, speak to them about how it hurt you to know that they would belittle your passionate political beliefs. ALL of us here are exceptionally passionate this year because we know what is at stake.

Once you have forgiven them, then limit your contact with them to a good morning or good evening nod on your way in or out of your house.

Of course, thats the "good" me thats talking. The "evil" me really likes the suggestion of reminding them of smirks "ownership society" next time they need something.

[tjdee]

74. You were very kind not to throw your help in their faces.

This just shows how good of a person you are.

Defacing someone else's property is never just a "joke". How in the hell would you think that was funny?

[MoonRiver]

78. Screw them, and, oh, let them eat cake if the resident is re-selected.

They will get exactly what they deserve.

[Rambis]

81. Fuck em!

Worthless pieces of trash as my one repug friend would say.

[melody]

82. They DON'T get it!

My Republican neighbors' jaws about hit the ground when I told them that (if * - gasp - wins) I'm going to start a group pushing for California secession.

They don't understand how serious this is to us. They think it's an old big smirking laugh fest, these morons. They're about to find out.

[Zorra]

83. I don't associate with republicans if I can help it, just like I would not

associate with a nazi.

Republicans almost universally are not rational, logical, evolved, or sensitive people.

This makes me consider them dangerous to my well-being if they are in my proximity.

[HuskerDem]

84. They only call us when they need things

How lucky you are moonbeam to have such a good husband. I'm missing my good husband right now but I know how helpful it is.

Your husband is right. They sound typical. I think there are 3 types of Bush voters.

1. Greedy greedy. I got mine, screw you.
2. Ignorant & uninformed
3. Kick ass and take names.......... as long as someone else does the actual ass kicking and name taking

[Carni]

85. You stood up for yourself...

You stood up for me and my family and everyone these bastards are screwing!

Don't feel embarrassed for blowing up anyone who would admit to taking your sign and passing it off as a ha ha ha thing is an asshole to the core.

I wouldn't do a damned thing to help those people from here on out!