I would never be able to date a conservative

[boolean]

I've heard of married couples where one is a liberal and the other is a conservative. I've even met some. And the thread about the little girl who freaked about a Heinz ketchup bottle who has a liberal father but a conservative mother got me thinking.

How do these people stay together? Who here is married to a staunchly conservative man/woman? I would absolutely be unable to stomach it. Maybe it's extremely shallow of me, but I've broken it off with some women after the first couple of dates upon discovering that they are conservative. And I'm not talking slightly conservative. I'm talking homophobic or super freaky religious (like Elisabeth Hasslebeck), or screw-the-poor gun nutty warmongering bush ass kissers.

Yet some people are able to stay together, even get married. I would be unable to do it. Conservatives disgust me. Sometimes I feel guilty about it. How can I be so shallow? But then I realize that unless you enjoy arguing with your significant other (which I do NOT), such a fundamental difference in political ideology does make or break it for me.

Maybe it's wrong. I don't know. But I don't have any respect for conservatives. Perhaps that's unhealthy not only for myself, but for democracy in general. After all, shouldn't we all be trying to work together and compromise? Shouldn't we be trying to find common ground instead of bitching at each other all the time? Yet, no matter how hard I try, I fail to accept their point of view.

The poor and disadvantaged should have government support.

Everyone, no matter what their status, should have equal access to health care.

Gays and Lesbians should be allowed to marry.

War is never justified unless a sovereign state clearly defies international law, or invades or attacks another sovereign state, and it should always be backed by the U.N.

Women should have access to plan B without a prescription.

Guns should be regulated and controlled.

These are not extreme "far left" positions. These all common sense, compassionate, logical viewpoints. How can I date or marry someone who not only disagrees, but doesn't have any real reasons for disagreement except her own ignorance? (Or, even worse, cites the Bible as a reason.) I would go crazy.

Sometimes I wonder whether these married couples did have similar political stances when they met, (or didn't have one at all), and then later one partner shifted one way while the other shifted the other way. How do you deal with something like that? I can't even imagine what I'd do. It would be like I married a completely different person. Is anyone here married to a hard core bush apologist? How in the fuck do you deal with that! My hatred for bush is just so strong that I fear it would be taken out on my partner.

All I can say is, you guys who are married to staunch hard core conservatives are definitely stronger than I am. It sounds like a nightmare to me!

[tinfoil tiaras]

1. i agree

The only reason I would date a conservative is if they're intelligent and can defend their views articulately and not just "I'M RIGHT YOU'RE WRONG NEENER NEENER NEENER". Or if they're WAYY to far off the religious deep end. That's a no no.

You're not being vain, btw. You're just being truthful :D

[liberaldemocrat7]

22. My girlfriend came to the US from Canada

and a permanent resident. She takes liberal positions which helps alot. She gets turned off by regressive Republicans.

We only argue when she wins at scrabble or gin rummy or when I win :)

I have another woman friend, my best friend ( just friends ) and she votes Republican. I'm one of the 80 percent of Jews who votes Democratic and she's part of the 20 percent of Jews that vote Republican. We have a very good friendship. We just don't talk about politics very mnuch.

[tinfoil tiaras]

23. That's cool

I mean, I don't mind if someone's a Republican, I just mind if they're a Freeper/Bushbot/neocon.

[sendero]

68. Exactly..

... my wife and I are practically lockstep in our political outlook.

I can respect a true "conservative" that is consistent in their beliefs, but this bunch in power now have nothing to do with true conservatism.

[boolean]

77. I couldn't, even if they're "true"

I can't even respect a "true" conservative. No matter how much they try to convince me, the wrongness of their position always leaps out. Even if they are consistent. They're consistently WRONG!

[K8-EEE]

2. NEVER NEVER NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS!!!

I have to tell you, when I hear that somebody is a BushBot, that's just it....even for friendship. Republicans MAYYYBE but not neocon/BushBots! Anybody who thinks GWB is some great leader, there is something really, really wrong, fundamentally wrong there.

[morningglory]

5. Couldn't date one, but have you noticed that Shithead* has broken many

old friendships and email pal relationships? He's a decider and a uniter, all right.

[Demeter]

3. For Self-Preservation: Avoid Sociopaths and the Insane

There is nothing wrong with that; it's moral, ethical, legal and smart. And a sign of self-knowledge and strength.

[Karenca]

4. Don't feel bad--------

I can't even keep one as a friend.

I think they're mean, selfish, uncaring and bigoted.

I surround myself with positive, loving and caring blue people.

[samsingh]

98. i agree with you Karenca

i have no patience for them anymore.

[seabeyond]

6. my hubby a lifetime nra card holding texas republican

kindest man and so good to me. i could marry no other. none would treat me as well and respectful, just couldnt be done. a kick ass father and a wonderful human being.

he voted kerry 2004, wink

that is how much he loves me

now, why would i not marry this man. married 12 years, we do not fight, love each other more and more, our kids live in peace and security

[K8-EEE]

8. He Voted For Kerry

That makes him not a BushBot/Freeper....I don't think ALL GOP are insane, but anybody who would vote for Shrub in 2004!! ay yi yi...you gotta be NUTS!

[seabeyond]

9. ya.... but you just put conservative, not bushbot/freeper

though he did vote bush in 2000. i forgive him though. a whole year in 2002 of me ranting and raving and throwing fits like you couldnt believe, out of self defense he had to go get himself informed, lol lol. and ended up right there next to me.

[Nay]

Don't ask me how they do it. Mr. Nay & I are both raving Dems.

If he turned pub on me, that would be the end of THAT. I'm sure he feels the same way. We do know couples who are opposite politically, and they seem to have agreed not to talk about it. But since politics influences how you act, think, and proceed with daily life, it's hard to see how it would not be a major stumbling block in a relationship.

[SmokingJacket]

7. I think it's important to have basic values in common.

And today's politics come down to basic values, for better or for worse.

[theHandpuppet]

60. Bingo!

Tht pretty much sums it up for me.

[muryan]

10. Ive been dating a conservative for the past 2 years

Its worked out great because we always have something to talk about. We both have a huge interest in politics and we are mature enough to respectfully disagree. Shes just as moderate of a conservative as i am a moderate liberal, so we do agree on somethings. Personally I would rather be with her than someone who thought the same way as I do..I love a good debate from time to time.

[IdaBriggs]

62. Remember that when she keeps you on life support for a decade or so. nt

[murielm99]

11. One of my very liberal friends is

married to a conservative. They argue. She doesn't push it, though, because he has never registered to vote. She figures that if she makes him too angry, he will register and vote. He is a pretty good guy. I never discuss politics with him.

My in-laws were married for sixty some years. They had a mixed marriage. My mother-in-law told me that years ago, before things got so nasty, it was possible for many mixed political couples to get along just fine. She would not do it in today's climate, though.

[yorkiemommie1]

94. what your MIL said

we've been married 33 yrs and dh takes care of me, has never told me to go out and work, urges me to take vacations ( and insisted i take the entire summer off, while he's been doing contracting work at home ); takes me out whenever i don't want to cook...is just an all around really good and kind man.

is pro-choice, NOT homophobic, or racist in the least, not a religious nut ( believes in God but that's about it ) is a strong believer in evolution and science. He NEVER watches FNEWS and actually hardly watches the news at all; I think he's sick of it. He used to watch SOTU every year no matter who was in office but this year he didn't. I've seen him change channels when * comes on the screen.

But he votes GOP. As one poster upline said, there was a whole year of screaming in this house too, both before and after the election. I can't convince him * is a rat, though I know that he thinks so down deep. And yet, something is there where he buys into the GOP spin. I don't know what it is that causes it. I wish I could break thru this brick wall.



My Inlaws were totally liberal Dems and my BIL watches the Daily Show all the time. I don't know whether DH is secretly rebelling or what, but at with him at age 67 what can I do?

edited to add: our daughter never dates GOP and refuses to work for them too!

[DireStrike]

12. Depends how hardcore they were

I can see quite a lot of issues from both sides, though I generally wind up on the left. Some, not so much.

[niyad]

13. my number 1 criterion is that the person share my world view (not

necessarily every single detail, but the overall view), so that lets out all the freepers, bushbots, neocons, etc.

Years ago, somebody asked me (during the days when I was a VERY politically active feminist) what I would do if my husband didn't support what I was doing. "wouldn't be married to him in the first place" was/is the only obvious answer. Apart from our poster here, I don't know how other mixed marriages do it, all I know is I couldn't.

[abluelady]

14. That Saying Opposites Attract

may be true, but is sure as hell doesn't work in the long run. Repuke values are so different than mine. I could never do it. And as far as Bush supporters go, I am embarrassed for them. How could I have a relationship with a person I pitied!

[Karenca]

16. My friend's 82 yr. old mom is now getting a divorce

from her 78 yr. old husband.
Second marriage, after she became widowed.

They're not married long, but she has said that
his conservative viewpoint is making her reaaallly! mad...amd
she can't stand to hear him anymore.

[K8-EEE]

17. My Two 70-ish GOP Aunts Have "Almost Come To Blows"

re: Bush according to their daughter, who has turned Dem even though she was raised in super-Red Springfield IL. Hell here in L.A. it would be kind of hard to even FIND a BushBot date!

[Karenca]

18. That is so funny. :))

Here in New York
(especially my area), neocons are quite scarce.

I'm really grateful,, that's a main reason I'm always saying I'm never moving.

[ikojo]

24. Good for your aunt's daughter for becoming

a Democrat. I, too, grew up in Springfield IL but my mom was a Dem and our family struggled. Now all of my siblings, most of whom still live in that area are all pugs and the only reason I can give is the love of the fetus.

My nephew told me yesterday that the mayor of Springfield IL is now a Democrat.

[dogfacedboy]

55. Southern and Middle IL is slowly turning blue.

I live in Northern IL (50 mi. NW of Chicago). My area is mostly Republican, but not very NeoCon. I have a lot of pissed off conservative neighbors.
My Rep. is Hastert. He's in more trouble than he thinks in November.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

66. Good news to start my day!

"He's in more trouble than he thinks in November."

[ikojo]

96. I think the bulk of Springfield's pugs are of the

fundie Christian variety...there are A LOT of fundie Christians in Springfield.

[Hardrada]

105. I get that vibe when I'm there.

Doesn't seem to be a lot of high culture in Springfield either. Maybe this didn't help Vachel Lindsay's mental health, alas.

[Sugarcoated]

15. Liberal men

are waaaay sexier to me. I love a big, caring heart, towards the earth, women, all people. Who put people before cold hard cash.

[Bucky]

44. God bless you!! And on behalf of all liberal men, let me just say...

...thanks for not commenting on the crappy cars we underemployed do-gooders drive. >:)

[newsguyatl]

19. amen!

i can't even be friends with one, much less DATE!

[City Lights]

20. Me neither.

I can hardly stomach them as relatives I see once a year or so. Date one - NEVER!

[The Straight Story]

21. My wife was a tree hugging hippie, I was a conservative freeper

By being together we saw things in a new light and both grew in our beliefs.

I remember one night her best friend was here visiting us and we talked about guns. Wife and friend said they could never, ever, shoot someone.

My wife had a baby. Said if anyone even thought of hurting it she would shoot em.

I saw the world as different as well. I want my daughter to grow up in a good world, with people who love and care about each other and where the government we employs helps us all - protects us all from poverty, illness, etc and so on. Some in this world are helpless, and need team work to make it.

We, the people, made this government to serve our needs. Not the needs of big companies. Our needs are healthcare, helping the homeless, the addicted, the downtrodden, as well as helping all of our people in defense, roads, education, etc. It makes no sense not to fund things that will help us all (again, healthcare and education). WE are an investment in this country, and we are being neglected.

I have moved left on some things, wife has moved right on some things. We learned and grew because of our diversity.

[OnionPatch]

78. You were a freeper and....

now you have "moved left on some things." You're above 1000 posts on Democratic Underground....I'd say you moved left!!! (Kudos to you. :) )

[alarimer]

25. Me neither

My estimation of someone plummets after I find out they are conservative. Usually I can tell right away but some people are fairly apolitical so it isn't so obvious. On Match.com, I do not respond to those who list their affiliations as conservative.

[mainer]

26. I hope you're all reproducing, because we're behind

it seems like conservatives are having kids like bunnies.

[AnneD]

100. They might reproduce more but...

if the are middle class...their kids won't have health care or receive education because their minimum wage money will only go so far and their kids will end up in Iraq. Because I have fewer, I can see she survives because I have healthcare, she will get a good liberal education, and I help get her out of the country

[theanarch]

27. recommended reading:

Ben Tripp: "Dressing to the Left"...google, open and enjoy.

[etherealtruth]

28. I married one ...

We later divorced (political persuasion was not part of our problems) ... I have dated more than a few conservatives (some WERE right wing jack-asses, some were not) I seem to only attract conservative men:scared:

Actually it can be very interesting and enlightening when one is in a relationship with an intelligent and articulate conservative (OK, OK ... this is the one and only time I'll admit they do exist). I am not talking about about right wing religious wackos or neocons, I refer to "traditional" conservatives.

I found that having spirited debates with conservative lovers helped me solidify my views and helped me to articulate them coherently and convincingly ... I also reassessed some views and occasionally changed my mind (as did they). Sometimes it seemed that we had the same goals, but our view of achieving them was different.

[Cleita]

30. Well, just a personal observation and it probably doesn't

mean anything. However, when I was model thin I attracted a lot of conservative guys. When I put on ten pounds I attracted the liberal guys. Needless to say, I kept on the extra ten pounds.

[etherealtruth]

32. .

B-)

[Cleita]

29. I couldn't either. I had to put up with relatives but

I could never be married to someone that I couldn't discuss issues with. Although one of my neighbors has such a mixed marriage. I was surprised to find out the wife was a Democrat. They both came across as freepers to me because they are fundie Christians, but lo and behold the Mrs. is a registered Democrat although she still tries to get me to go to church with them. She did tell me though that Republican husband hates Bush and Schwarzenegger and will probably vote for Democrats this November.

[JerseygirlCT]

31. It's funny, for me my political beliefs aren't just a "club"

that makes me feel I belong.

My political persuasion doesn't drive my beliefs, my beliefs about what's right and wrong are what place me in the Democratic camp. And things so central to who I am -- well, I agree, I can't see living with someone for years and years who didn't share those very basic beliefs.

I truly don't understand couples like Maitlin and Carville -- obviously these things are important enough to them for them to make their living -- so how can they now be important enough to agree on?

Puzzling, to me.

[Tesha]

90. Maitlin and Carville are both whores.

> I truly don't understand couples like Maitlin and Carville

Maitlin and Carville are both whores; that's why they
get along. They believe in money far above any political
beliefs they happen to be working for.

Tesha

[ComerPerro]

33. I can't date someone I don't respect, so therefore

I can't be with a BushBot.


And, thankfully, I'm not...

[GoneOffShore]

34. Not until both my parents were dead

did I realize that my mom was a Dem.

My father was convinced that FDR was Satan's a**hole and that Herbert Hoover was totally misunderstood. He stated this whenever he could. My mother, I found out after she died, had been writing checks to the DNC for 25 years. She just kept quiet about it.

She was raised in Petersburg Virginia, but was never racist, although she did talk about "Jewish people" and didn't understand when I married a Jewish woman.

My dad mellowed before he died, but we still argued, until he had his stroke in '82 that left him aphasic. My mom took over the speaking duties then.

[lumberjack_jeff]

35. Define "date".

Maybe it'd be okay, until you got to that whole communicating thing.

[Name removed]

36. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

39. So do you feel you support Democratic politics?

:shrug:

Sounds like a litany of Right Wing talking points.

[WildEyedLiberal]

40. Thanks for the talking points, Rush

How many "poor and disadvantaged" people do you really know? Or are you just letting Rush tell you that they're all lazy good-fer-nuthin (black - ahem) welfare slackers so you can justify selfish, greedy policies?

Tell me, oh font of wisdom, how do you feel about corporations cheating the government out of billions of dollars from tax loopholes? What about the billions of dollars of tax cut giveaways to the ultra-wealthy, who don't exactly *need* it? You do realize that corporate welfare is taking much, much more of YOUR taxpaying money than welfare for the poor, don't you? Yet you choose to direct your vitriol at the weakest members of society instead of at the wolves who are literally stealing from the government. What the FUCK is wrong with you?

Oh, and guess what else, genius? Those people who go to the ER? They go because they don't have health insurance. They don't have health insurace because if you have a shitty miminum-wage McJob, you can't afford health insurance. Seems to me like the solution would be to provide affordable health insurance to everyone. And if you think those people with the McJobs should "work harder" to afford their health insurance, I'd love to see you holding down two minimum wage jobs, working 70 hours a week, scrubbing some redneck's shit from the toilet bowl at Burger King. Oh, and despite those two jobs, you're still below the poverty line and still can't afford health insurance. Let's see your "hard-working" ass do that for a living, shall we? I'm sure your "moral convictions" would pay for your rent, health insurance, car insurance, car payments, food, utilities, and gas while you're making $5.50 an hour. Give me a fucking break.

Ah, and I see you're another bigot attempting to hide your hate behind God. Maybe your God hates people, but my God doesn't. You wanna know what my God says? My God says, "You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself." My God says, "Do unto others what you would have done unto you." My God says, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." You know what my God never said? He never said a thing about homosexuals. I'm not sure who your God is, but it doesn't sound like any God worth worshipping.

Oh, my God also says, "Not every one that saith unto me, "Lord! Lord!" shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." That's something you might want to ponder the next time you try to shove your self-righteousness down other people's throats.

You know what else my God said, while we're on the subject? He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are the children of God." The peacemakers, not the warmongers. Oh, and, by the way, if war is "an alternative option all to often" then I would expect you to be willing to put your ass where your mouth is and ENLIST. If Little Junior's war of aggression is such a viable "option" then fucking suit up and ship out, soldier - the Army's looking for a few good men. Well, I guess that might disqualify you, but they've been missing recruitment goals pretty steadily so they might be willing to bend the rules.

You've got two options, buddy. Stick around here and fucking pay attention to the world around you, learn who's REALLY screwing you, and think for yourself, or keep spouting selfish morally bankrupt fascist slogans and go back to the festering pit that is freeperland. Your choice...

[mvd]

41. He's been banned

But I want to say one thing to him:

There could come a time when he has a medical crisis. And no, a medical crisis does not mean emergency room care - sometimes, it's too late when you can only get treatment in the emergency room. If that time comes, will you see him complaining about others paying for him? I doubt it. If he did, it would be foolish.

[WildEyedLiberal]

51. Hell no he won't complain. Freepers only take and take - they never give

They bitch up one side and down the other if you ask them to give anything of themselves to the betterment of others, but they sure as hell won't hestitate to swindle and con their way into any freebies they can get. It NEVER fails that the people I've met who've complained the longest and loudest about their "hard-earned tax dollars" and "welfare cheats" are always the first to abuse sick days at work, leech off friends and relatives, make a thousand excuses for why they just can't go to work/pay you back/be productive, all the while screaming at the top of their lungs about how much better they are than someone on welfare.

They are disgusting, hypocritical, vile selfish thugs whose only self-gratification comes from feeling superior to others. Thanks for taking care of this vermin, and I'd request that you leave his Rush talking points up, if only so everyone can see just how stupid and heartless freepers really are.

[Catherine Vincent]

52. Great post!

:thumbsup:

[babylonsister]

56. WEL, your rants are so great! This and your response below

put a smile on my face! Thank you and keep on speaking!

[globalvillage]

61. Bravo, WEL.

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[ProSense]

65. I don't care if IT has been banned!

Bravo WEL!


:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[ima_sinnic]

69. 100% spot-on excellent rant!

:applause: :yourock:

too bad the stupid waste-product got banned so quickly. I would have liked to have kicked his selfish little know-nothing @$$.

[davekriss]

72. Great reply, wildeyed! (eom)

[AspenRose]

95. ...

:yourock: :applause:

*DR, still trying to get her republican husband to see the light*

He's actually conceded on several points. I'm wearing him down. But he's stubborn. He's from New Hampshire. :D

[kestrel91316]

48. Why do RWers seem to have SUCH trouble with basic English

grammar and spelling?????

Welcome to DU. Enjoy your no-doubt VERY brief stay.

[WildEyedLiberal]

53. Why, the pizza is already out of the oven

Notice how the stupidest ones are always the most obvious, too...

[shugah]

75. really!

it's not exactly clear, but is the rw now against towing cows to the UN? must be one of the newer talking points? :shrug:

[Catherine Vincent]

49. Is that how you really feel?

You're a sad individual.

[Sugarcoated]

57. RW dewd

You made my point for universal health care. We all pay for it ANYWAY. And it's humane and the Christian thing to do. You're a mean one, Mr RW Grinch.

[IdaBriggs]

63. Ignorant Idiot Freeper Troll.

Next you'll try to tell us you are a follower of the "Prince of Peace" while supporting the war. By your actions shall we know ye, indeed! :eyes:

[SammyWinstonJack]

70. !

:eyes: :puke:

[davekriss]

71. OK, don't flame! I tell myself...

...keep a polite, level head...

ptannjr, you simple don't know what you're talking about. "all to often people that are too lazy to take the time to get a job" -- for a first person account of what the working poor experience, and how easy it is to slip under with no safety net, read Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed. Or, for that matter, read this series from another DU'er:

Some advice for the newly outsourced, downsized, and generally unemployed
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=582475&mesg_id=582475
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=582720&mesg_id=582720
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=583418&mesg_id=583418
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=585259&mesg_id=585259
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=586600&mesg_id=586600
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=587489&mesg_id=587489
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=588149&mesg_id=588149
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=590338&mesg_id=590338

[YOY]

80. and after 'Nickel and Dimed' read 'Bait and Switch'

also by Barbara Ehrenreich. Even scarier and more applicable to more middle class Americans whereas Nickel and Dimed is based on the plight of the blue collar working class.

[mitchum]

37. Only if they were into watersports...

piss on them all

[Rainscents]

38. I dated one and he was one of the biggest piece of shit,

I've ever met. NEVER again!

[Jamastiene]

42. James Carville and his wife, whose name I cannot remember to

save me right now, come to mind when you mention mismatched couples. I am with you. I could not date a conservative. It does not compute why I should reward conservative behaviour with my body and my love. I don't want them to continue with that type of behaviour, so why would I go against basic psychology and reward them? Not happening here either.

[Bucky]

45. Marlee Matlin. She played that deaf pollster on West Wing

oh wait, maybe I'm confused again

[Jamastiene]

47. Most conservatives don't hear a word we say.

So you may be at least partially correct on that.

[kestrel91316]

50. Carville's wife is MARY MATALIN.

[Bucky]

43. I've dated a Republican. It was no big deal. Mind you, she was not a fundy

We'd fight about politics occasionally. Sometimes our feelings could get hurt (mostly hers, of course, since I always win arguments). But then we'd make up. That was fun.

For me, if I love someone, I don't need to agree with them. I just need to know that my opinions are respected.

[kestrel91316]

46. I guess I'm weird. My DBF of 5 1/2 yrs is a conservative, but of the

libertarian bent.

We have sort of agreed to disagree on certain topics, which we also avoid discussing for the most part to prevent me from having a screaming/crying fit, lol.

We get along so well outside of politics that it's just not an issue for us. He thinks I'm crazy but respects my views, and vice versa! There are a few things political that we DO agree on. And at least he is completely non-religious (lapsed Catholic) so none of the fundie nonsense to deal with.

[Wilhelm Klink Reich]

54. I don't know where this factors in

but the positions you state are all extremely over-simplified and strike me as poorly thought out. I don't think one would have to be a conservative to disagree with several of those.

[Skittles]

58. I am with you there

conservatives absolutely disgust me

[marions ghost]

59. it would be too stressful

I have a deep-seated fear of Republicans and everything they stand for.

I grew up surrounded by Republican relatives (thank god my nuclear family was the liberal black sheep). We were picked on, scapegoated, used and abused. The Republicans who did this were doctors, lawyers, businessmen ...pillars of the community and regular churchgoers. They would never consider voting Democrat in a million years. It's ALL about Moi (& people like moi) --is their creed. I challenge anyone to tell me stories about generous, open-minded, egalitarian, non-exploitative STAUNCH Republicans. There may be a few, but it is extremely rare IMO.

I learned very early--NEVER trust a Republican. Oh you can give em the big cheese, but NEVER, ever trust them. NEVER get in bed with them in any way. I have found this to be a good rule to live by.

[NuttyFluffers]

64. only good for a furious-f**k one-night-stand

passionate dogmatic friction, anger (perhaps a juicy touch of hate), and a big dollop of lust makes for a great night to grind out your frustration.

outside of that there's really often so little there to love what's the point?
:evilgrin:

[Boomer]

67. I couldn't do it either

One of the reasons I adore my partner is that she is a staunch Democrat.

When she was in management, she marched with labor; she constantly shops for contributions to the local food pantry; she rails against injustice, against cruelty, against hyprocrisy. She is an inspiration to me in her commitment to progressive politics.

These beliefs run bone-deep in her; they are an integral part of her character, not just a flag she picks up every now and then, when she thinks of it.

How could I possibly respect, much less love, someone who didn't feel this way?

[davekriss]

73. The quickest turn-off for me would be discovery...

...of a conservative mind. She could be a walking goddess, but spout a Limbaugh/Rovian talking point and my interest would drop in a heartbeat. Conservatism is a most unattractive attribute.

[MUSTANG_2004]

74. Politics is a small part of life

Only hard-core political junkies would disqualify a potential spouse based on the response to your 6 issues. It's far more important that you enjoy doing the same things, and have similar feelings about the MAJOR issues in a marriage: raising kids and handling money.

Whether you and your spouse agree on universal health care or even know what "access to plan B without a prescription" means are minor points in a marriage.

[Sammy Pepys]

84. Agree 1000%

When I was more of a firebrand I ended up losing some friendships over politics, which just seems so silly looking back. My life has been much more pleasant since I ditched the political litmus test for friends and family. Yeah, I still get frustrated with some of them but I've learned to let it go.

[noonwitch]

76. Some people enjoy love/hate relationships

There's a lot of passion when there are constant arguments going on.

For me, I've found that love/hate relationships eventually become hate/hate relationships when the passion wears out.

[warrens]

79. Nothing is as big a turnoff as voting Repuke

I don't spend my life talking about politics, but I could never deal with someone backing up fascism living under the same roof. Or even sharing a conversation. I just ignore Repukes, except the paleocons, who know this bunch are not conservatives, just power-hungry thugs. I could deal with an old-fashioned conservative, I guess, although it would have to be agreed just not to argue about politics. These new repukes, though...not a fucking chance.

[YOY]

81. If you're ever curious I bet you could find some real winners here:

http://web1.hannity.com/hannidate/

Hilarity is bound to ensue (bring mace just in case!)

[Ohio Joe]

82. I agree except for one minor thing

"Gays and Lesbians should be allowed to marry."

I would make that:
"Gays and Lesbians should have complete equal rights in everything."

Other wise an excellent post, recommended :)

[Sammy Pepys]

83. I not only dated one...

I married one. She's not a Bushbot though.

[Gregorian]

85. I can't even be around conservatives.

I mean, I can't even live in the same town.

After thirty years, I called my very first girlfriend last week. She's totally liberal. We hit it off all over again. It was like she and I were on the very same political wavelength. No wonder I liked her.

I do not, and will not have friendship or any relation with a conservative. Go figure. I can't stomach them. Actually, one of my liberal friends from college has slid into conservatism. He's doing a very good job of hiding it. But he's not getting any attention from me any more.

Well, enough wasted bandwidth on ME.

You're not alone. And to successfully debate a conservative, you need to be a walking encyclopedia of facts. And even as close as Chomsky is to that, they still don't believe him.

I stay clear of the lousy souls.

[CabalPowered]

86. Al Gore saved my relationship

It has taken me two years but I've converted my conservative GF. An Inconvenient Truth was the turning point. We still don't see eye to eye on everything but she has come a long ways. At the beginning of the Iraq War she actually organized a pro-war rally on campus. She now thinks we need to get out and fast. She readily admits her parents force fed her all the Con BS and that speaking out in her family or in the small community she grew up in, was tantamount to treason. So for those of us living in Red States, where lib girls should enjoy ESA protection, we don't have any choice in the matter.

[marions ghost]

88. beyond personal relationships

imagine what amazing things could happen if communities were not so polarized. And certain segments of the population were not brainwashed.

[lonestarnot]

87. eeeek. My gawd, the thought of that! A lesson on how to commit murder

in 1 week.

[tblue37]

89. I went to Classmates.com

to reconnect with some old friends (I am in my fifties). Before I dropped anyone a line, I checked profiles. If someone indicated that his/her political leanings were conservative or that he/she was a Republican, I didn't get back in touch--even if that person was someone I really liked in high school.

I also withdrew from a friendship with a young woman I had mentored, because she went off on a rant against liberal traitors who "attacked 'my' country" (i.e., criticized the invasion and occupation of Iraq). She is a RW fundie, but I have never been so prejudiced that I could not accept people even if their beliefs were opposed to mine--at least not until the whole wingnut takeover and destruction of our political system.

Recently, I talked on the phone with one of my late father's sisters, my favorite aunt, who was actually my godmother, though as an adult I have never been religious. I don't travel much, and I don't correspond with or talk to people on the phone much, so I haven't seen or conversed with anyone from that part of my family since 1994, though they have always been particular favorites of mine. I found out that she believes the whole set of lies about WMDs in Iraq, Saddam's being involved in 9/11, etc. The revelation started when she learned that my daughter is in love with a Frenchman who is planning to come to the US in January to be with her. My aunt went off on how the French hate America and disapprove of our foreign policy. I told her that I also disapproved of our foreign policy, and she began to lecture me with Fox News/GOP talking points.

I am staying at her place for the 2 nights I will be in PA for a nephew's wedding. I originally wanted to stay longer to reconnect with my family (it's over the Labor Day weeekend, so I could have added 2 nights to my stay), but after listening to her blather, I decided that 2 nights was more than enough, and I actually regretted having promised to attend the wedding in the first place, since it will expose me to the rants of people who have swallowed so much Kool-Aid.

That part of the family were always Republicans (as were my parents), but they are not stupid. I didn't realize that they would swallow the entire load of BS that way. Many honest Republicans recoil at the garbage from BushCo and the wingnuts--but apparently not them. Now I have to figure out how to get through my short stay without saying something irretrievable to people I have loved all my life.

I also have to try not to smack every damned one of them upside the head while I am there!

Shorter answer: Date a conservative? Eeeewwwww!

[HongKonger]

91. What you consider convervative

in the US is largely regarded outside of your country as being Right Wing along the lines of extreme. With Bush's circumvention of the constitution on so many points, Cheney's hidey-hole cum - iron fist, and Rumsfeld's ironic stupidity... it's pretty clear to us out here that the US is... well, for lack of a better word.. fucked.

Please sort it out so the rest of us that inhabit Gaia can contemplate a future for our children.

Rather than whirl in your political "Wizard of Oz".

I would never consider giving the time of day to one of your fascistas - never mind fucking date. Conservatives are simply dumb, fucking Americans who have drank too much of the good koolaid. They are racist, xenophobic, militaristic, unwordly, idiots.

[Blue_Tires]

92. i could (and have) date a moderate conservative

but they were pretty hot and we shared a lot of things in common outside politics


marraige is a different matter

[bobbolink]

93. I keep my distance out of necessity!

Whether one is able to maintain any kind of relationship with the other side depends on many factors.

For me, the whole issue is tied up with my very survival. I'm poor and depend on disability to keep breathing, so it's out of the question for me to be friends with conservatives and libertarians who want to destroy the safety net!! That's simply not something I can compromise (?!) about, nor try to understand "the other side". When someone is out to destroy you, turning the other cheek is deadly.

I've finally gotten past the point where I mourn the loss of those who don't give a rip about my survival. I also know that they won't GET IT until/unless they someday find themselves in my shoes, and have to walk that mile.

I realize the thread has gotten so long that it's doubtful anyone will read this, or certainly not reply, but I would think this is an important point to consider!

[Seabiscuit]

97. I won't even stay in the same room with a conservative.

Too much of a downer and life's too short.

[Quantess]

99. I wouldn't know, but,

I imagine the conservative, right wing attitude carries over into the sex life. So sex would be a dud. Either not happening, or really lame & disappointing.

[TwentyFive]

101. A Liberal Northeast Republican? Yes. Conservative Freeper Fundie? NEVER!

"Opposites attract" applies to things you generally benign differences. Light skin and dark skin. type a to type b personality, etc.

But when it comes to politics and values, "birds of a feather flock together" works for me. Could never marry somebody who opposed stem cell research, favored tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy, discrimination against gays, etc.

[LSK]

102. I am right there with you

Most conservatives I know are self-centered assholes who only look out for themselves. Being conservative or liberal isnt just a political idealogy, it defines you.

[steely]

103. I consider the alternatives every day

[Crowskie]

104. My dad is a slightly left leaning moderate and my mom thinks bush is

god's chosen one. Somehow in her mind, she can justify Bush being a better person than Clinton, because apparently what he did is worse than being responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths.





My dad plays a lot of golf.

[Hardrada]

106. My wife is DAR and I am SDS.

How's that? (She has become a liberal however though her sisters are mainly still conservative).

[leftofthedial]

107. conservatives are either insane or criminal or stupid as you describe

they allowed the neocons and theofascists to turn conservatism into ultra-radical totalitarianism.

they allowed the neocons and theofascists to destroy the democratic process in the United States.

any who may have held "reasonable" conservative views (although I'm hard-pressed to think of what that might be) allowed themselves and their principles to be made irrelevant by helping to flood our country in a backed-up sewer of hate, intolerance, greed, short-sightedness, racism, and elitism.

I could never respect a conservative enough to stay in a relationship with one. I might have protected sex with one if it was attractive or skilled enough though.

[LaPera]

108. Never in a million years.