I need some advice.. rabid Republican coworker..

[cannabis_flower]

I work at a company that has all of us lined up in cubicles. One of my coworkers and I talk about politics. He is a republican and I am a democrat. We get along just fine. We disagree but we are civil about it. I have another coworker who is not civil. Today, like several times before, he has heard my conversation with the other coworker (even though he sits two seats down and across the aisle) and not only disagree with me but yell at me. Today I told him that if he feels the need to butt into my conversations to at least be civil and not yell at me.

I talked to my team lead and he said I should document it by sending an email to my manager. She isn't in today. Her response was to send over one of the other managers who told me that I shouldn't talk about politics and then go tell the other guy not to yell at me. Is that legal? Can they tell me not to talk about politics when the only person having a problem with the conversation is someone who wasn't even included in the conversation?

[NJmaverick]

1. I don't know about legal, but talking politics at work can cause problems

it's probably best not to do it, especially if you were asked not to.

[cannabis_flower]

5. I have been talking..

about politics and other subjects that might be considered controversial at work for the whole time (11 years) I've worked here and never had a problem with anyone but him.

[NJmaverick]

11. Well at least keep your voices down, so no one else can hear

maybe use IM instead

[cannabis_flower]

6. I have been talking..

about politics and other subjects that might be considered controversial at work for the whole time (11 years) I've worked here and never had a problem with anyone but him.

[cannabis_flower]

7. I have been talking..

about politics and other subjects that might be considered controversial at work for the whole time (11 years) I've worked here and never had a problem with anyone but him.

[spotbird]

2. Yes, he can require you

only talk about certain subjects on his dime. After hours are all yours.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

3. I think that it is not good to discuss politics at work

I would keep it to social occasions

[Winterblues]

14. Is there any subject that doesn't involve politics at some level or another?

Pretty much anything can involve politics if one so wishes..

[stray cat]

4. they probably prefer you just do your job instead

[cannabis_flower]

12. My job..

is a job where we talk on the phone and in between are allowed to talk. It's not like I'm not doing my job. Sometimes there are 30 or 40 minutes between calls. Not only that he has complained about me and said I talk too loud. Guilty. But this particular conversation was not heard by people that were closer to me, so it wasn't too loud.

[Harry Monroe]

23. Talk about sports instead. Tell him that Arizona is going to upset Pittsburgh this Sunday

I've got a brother like the coworker you describe. He is a complete moron, but he cannot keep it civil. I haven't spoken to the rightwing asshole in years. And I don't lose any sleep over it.

[cannabis_flower]

27. I hate..

sports. Except swimming and bike riding. Not much to talk about there.

[AndyTiedye]

40. We Have Similar Tastes in Physical Activites

[BR_Parkway]

8. I think they can tell you not to talk about _________ and do the work

they are paying you for - not sure about the singling out 'politics' - but it stands to reason that they could tell you to stop talking about non-work related things while you're working

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

9. The Person's Right. Politics Has No Place In A Work Environment.

If you choose to cross that line, then you are also choosing to have to deal with the consequences.

As a side note: Boo hoo, you got yelled at within a private (non-work related) discussion. Get a spine.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Avoiding politics and religion are two ways to prevent a hostile work environment, so yeah

if it was me I'd avoid it like the plague and just meet your other co-worker outside of work to talk instead. (Lunch or drinks or something, maybe?)

[47of74]

13. Well, it's not a good idea to bring politics into the workplace in any event

I work with a couple of neocons who make my workplace a lot less pleasant than what it could be. The job's actually pretty good, but the negativity of the said neocons coupled with a team lead who won't stand up to them made it to the point that I'm searching for another position either in or outside the company right now. I don't get into political discussions with either of them, though they have no problems telling everyone in earshot of how the Republican party is the greatest thing since sliced bread - sitting around when they should be working. They try to get me to join in but I refuse to take the bait and keep my mouth shut when it comes to political conversations and continue working. I was brought up to leave such things at the door no matter what, and I think that's the best policy to follow. If you really want to have political conversations with the guy who's civil, I'd say if he's a good friend then do it outside work hours.

That all being said, the manager sounds like a bit of coward to me. If she's your manager she should be handling the problem and not delegating it to others. Coworker #2 sounds like the neocons I work with, they'll butt in on everything, even things that aren't any of their business. They always have to be in control, telling others how to do just about everything, even though they aren't supervisors and even though their way isn't always the best.

[Beartracks]

19. Heh, isn't that true.

>"they'll butt in on everything... They always have to be in control, telling others how to do just about everything..."

Isn't that the main complaint conservatives lodge against liberals?

[RiverStone]

15. There is no cure for rabid rethuglicanism...

Probably best to just avoid the creep.

[Caliman73]

16. I think that it is legal

I am not certain that they can tell you specifically that you can't talk about certain things, but if the conversation leads to disruption in the work place, I do believe an employer can require you not to discuss the matter during work time. Lunch, break time outside the office, and after hours are up to you.

[Warpy]

17. I know I never talked politics at work

unless it was by request, out of earshot, and on a break. That didn't stop me from recycling my copies of The Nation and Harper's into the magazine pile in the waiting room, and over time I found a lot of people starting to agree with me on a variety of issues.

My guess is that the screamer won't let it go. He's one of Lardbutt's true believers and feels the need to evangelize. Cool it with the other guy unless you're way out of earshot of the screamer and document every instance of the screamer doing his natural thing, being an asshole.

Assholes have a way of getting themselves fired and my guess is that this won't be a permanent situation.

[snooper2]

18. I don't know about legal or not...

But you'll get a few kicks if you go over when he's not looking and change his mouse from right handed to left handed.

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

[orleans]

20. ??

many of these posts here are saying you shouldn't talk politics at work anyway.

but--when you have free time and are allowed to socialize, what other topics does du think you should not discuss because they are too controversial?

don't talk about gay people and gay rights (even if you or the other person you are speaking with are gay--because some people have a "problem" with gay people)

don't talk about religion or the church service you attended or didn't attend(regardless of whether or not you are religious, or the person you are speaking to is or isn't--some people have a problem with religion and anti-religion)

don't talk about domestic abuse (no one wants to be hearing about one spouse beating the crap out of the other--it will only serve to bring everyone down)

don't talk about illnesses, medical issues, hospital stays or horror stories (too controversial and boring to those who are not sick or have been in the hospital)

don't talk about any law (talking about laws could eventually lead into a political discussion and apparently that would be out of bounds. also, it may contain viewpoints on police behavior--positive or negative--and the person who is eavesdropping may or may not like the police)

don't talk about women (too controversial if you're not a woman)

don't talk about children (if you have children you might offend or bore someone without children, and if you do not have children then anyone with children might think your opinion is useless)

don't talk about recycling at the office (this could lead into an environmental conversation which might get twisted into politics and then you are back to square one. besides, you would majorly be offending climate change skeptics who are overhearing your conversation and then they would be forced to pipe up and tell you what crap climate change is)

abortion: do i even need to go there?

so...i guess many people feel you should really limit your social conversations to rug lint at the office.

you might want to speak to your manager when she returns. tell her about the exchange--and that you were told not to talk politics. maybe get a list of other topics that are off limits. if she is reasonable she will see how absurd this is and have a little talk with the dickhead who was yelling at you. can't yelling be construed as intimidation or aggressive behavior? people are fired for that, right?

[madinmaryland]

25. ??

Your post makes no sense.

:wtf:

[orleans]

28. sure it does

if people think we should restrict/limit our topics of conversation during free time in the workplace by not talking about politics--i wonder what other topics they think are inappropriate

[madinmaryland]

39. While I wouldn't restrict topics of conversation,

in order to make it in the business world, don't talk about religion, politics, or sex on the job. Common sense at least for me dictates what I say and don't say in the workplace.

[kenfrequed]

21. Bring food

Share with your workmates. Offer to yoru respectful republican coworker. Make the disrespectful coworker have to ask. It will buy you a short period of peace of mind I think as humans are like dogs (in a good way).

[Harry Monroe]

24. But, you're forgetting. He'll probably be suspicious and may think the food is perhaps poisoned!!

At least you'll be messing with his mind then. "Why is this bleeding heart liberal jerk offering me food?" Best thing to do is mess with his head!!

[kenfrequed]

41. Actually you don't offer conserva-jerk any food. He has to ask for it.

Canines, Cults, and 'cruits are all handled the same way. Control the food and you control the people.

[Why Syzygy]

22. Mistake #1?

Talking to the "civil" republican about politics. You say you disagree, yet want to continue to talk to the "civil" guy without complaints from the "uncivil" guy. The "civil" guy can at any moment turn into an "uncivil" guy, and then where will you be? Follow the advice of others on the thread and talk about something else at work.

[Morning Dew]

26. Are you certain he's rabid... or does he need testing?

Where should animal heads be sent for Rabies testing?


Specimens should be sent to the Arkansas Department of Health Public Health Laboratory at 302 S. Monroe St., Little Rock.


The head of the animal suspected to be infected with the rabies virus must be removed before submission to the laboratory. Do not shoot or damage the animal head in any form as it may result in rejection of the specimen. It is recommended that a veterinarian remove the animal’s head. Whole animals are not acceptable. After removal of the head, the head must remain refrigerated, not frozen, until the laboratory can process the specimen.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[indypaul]

29. Simple

You are not part of this conversation so sit down and STFU.
Remember what you mother told you,"speak only when spoken to."

[JuniperLea]

30. Yes, it is well within your employer's rights to ask you not to discuss divisive issues

Anything that isn't work related can be a banned topic. Hell, all talking outside the scope of your job could be banned if they wanted to be pissy.

[nolabels]

31. I once thought i might try talk politics at work if my party of choice was in power...............

but since they are now the ones calling the shots i have found it even more fun to watch the republicans guess about what happens next ;-)

[mdmc]

32. don't talk politics at work... talk "life"

A 93 year old guy froze to death in MI this week cause he didn't know his electricity was turned off.
That is a shame. All can agree.
The liberal feels for the old man and desires that this never happens again.
The neo-con feels this is just desserts.

The poor neo-cons always end up looking selfish, if not out right hateful.

Don't talk politics. Talk life. There is nothing in between.

[Hubert Flottz]

33. Sneak around and whisper every time the guy walks by and

laugh and point at him too...

[JVS]

34. Haven't I seen this posted here before?

[Taverner]

35. Three things never to talk about at work: Sex, Politics or Religion

I have learned from experience on all three

[Regret My New Name]

37. That sucks for prostitutes, politicians and clergy ...

[Taverner]

43. Well hey - I guess that's one of the risks of the job

:)

[Regret My New Name]

36. rabid? Put him to sleep...

In all seriousness. I would attempt to avoid political discussions around the jackass if it's an issue. Maybe the more civilized republican co-worker could tell the crazy to STFU and learn how to debate like an adult. Although I doubt that would work either.

[NeedleCast]

38. Considering the Environment

it's probably best not to talk about politics at work.

I'd just ignore yelling dude though, if possible. I have several Repub/conservative co-workers and friends, some of whom I can talk politics with, some of whom I know better than to try with.

However, if yelling dude is pushing the envelope on harassment, then I would do what the manager suggested and document everything. Next time yelling dude starts yelling, tell him/her that you don't want to talk to them and feel as if they are harassing you. In most work places, that's all the warning you need to give them. Document everything after that warning.

[dysfunctional press]

42. they can't make you not talk about politics at work!

but they can fire you for insubordination if you do, once they've told you not to do it.

the choice, as always- is yours.

[Blue Dog Dominion]

44. Just smoke a joint at lunch.

[cannabis_flower]

45. You know..

I live close enough to home that I could go home and burn one and take a shower even to get rid of the smell.. But I've always been uncomfortable doing that, plus since it makes time seem to go slower it's not really something you want to waste on work time.