Politics at the turkey table?

[Swede]

Miss Coulter is charming,as always.


There are two conversation topics that are always best avoided in polite social settings: Politics and religion. But for politicos, is that really possible? Is talking politics at the Thanksgiving table a “do” or a “don’t”?


We asked Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), conservative commentator Ann Coulter, Texas gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman, ABC’s Brian Ross, The Week's Harold Evans, columnist Helen Thomas and Washington Post’s Dan Balz for their thoughts.







http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0911/click_flick_politics_at_the_turkey_table.html

[rucky]

1. Religion will be the topic du jour.

My MIL has already set the scene - by dropping off a Joel Osteen CD for everyone to disucss.

:puke:

[eleny]

2. Osteen's manner of speech reminds me of Michael Jackson's

That ought to break the ice. :D

[KittyWampus]

3. a mature individual would understand religion and philosophy are both terms

that refer to each person's world view.

I am no longer a Christian nor a member of any organized religion. However, I can listen to someone like Joel Osteen and pick out Universal Principles that I agree with. And I can usually figure out a non-confrontational way of bringing up with what I don't agree with.

But then, I enjoy philosophy and discussing it.

When it comes to politics, it's kind of the same thing. Stick to stuff that everyone agrees with. For instance, we all want our children to succeed.

[rucky]

6. It could be alot worse than Osteen.

My main objection is hijacking the dinner table conversation before dinner even starts. Plus it always sucks that I'm the only Jew, and tend to get witnessed to alot at family gatherings.

[KittyWampus]

9. Pick out a theme YOU actually care about. How about "the Common Good". Figure out a way

to bring all religious or organized conversations back to that.

It's actually kind of like a game :)

[rucky]

10. I'll be grateful if I can get past the "Seed of Abraham" dialogue.

but it's worth a try.

[KittyWampus]

11. "Seed of Abraham", maybe we could figure out a way to link that to "Evolution"

:D

[Nikki Stone1]

4. What? Like for homework?

Have you considered going to Denny's for Thanksgiving?

[sandnsea]

5. Seriously?

She really went to everyone's house and dropped off a CD so everyone could talk about it at dinner?? Tell me how that works, from like, when she walked in your house because I assume she didn't knock. I'm stunned. And in awe. And need lessons because I can't even get my own grandchild for 2 hours.

[rucky]

8. Seriously.

Not everyone's house, as her other kids are willing participants. She came over to help us clean & set up for Thanksgiving yesterday, and dropped off the CD.

Helping clean house can make someone very agreeable, btw ;)

[Countdown_3_2_1]

7. My family gatherings always forbade politics

We are a diverse lot politically and religiously. This goes for Mrs Countdown's family as well.
Sometimes in the interest of peace, holding your tongue is good policy. and its only for two days a year, after that...Let the dysfunctional insensitivity begin!

[L. Coyote]

12. Today should be "Eat a Missionary Day"

Sorry if that seems political, but I don't support celebrating genocide.

[quiller4]

13. I'm sure we'll talk politics at my table tonight but we are a family

of Labor Democrats going back several generations on both sides.