Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Political Shut-up-ness

I generally make it a point to not discuss politics. Politics and religion, I feel, should not be talked about in mixed company, or in general with people you do not know. I make no bones about who I support politically, but I also don't try to force my beliefs on others, and I don't want theirs forced on me. I'm not going to change my mind because of anything you say to me, and I don't believe I can change yours. Republican, Democrat, Right, Left, Red, Blue - we are all Americans and I think one of the greatest things about this country is that we have the right to believe what we want to believe, choose whom we want to choose and not have anyone persecute us for our beliefs and differences. Amen.



Please excuse me for a minute while I adjust the height on my soap box. Ok.



I am not registered as a Democrat or Republican. Although I think the rules in Texas differ from those in Michigan, where you could be an Independent and vote however which way you want. Here in the LoneStar state (and someone correct me if I'm wrong), if you aren't registered with a party, the first time you vote in a primary under a specific party, they kind of ear mark you as a member of that party, and that's what you are henceforth.


Regardless, in my own head, which is where All Things Important are, I am neither. I don't want a label. I want to be able to consider each candidate or issue carefully and choose which person I feel best represents my interests. More often than not, I vote Democrat, and because of this, I call myself a Left-Leaning-Independent.


Anyway, I have a point. And here it is. Austin is a blue dot in a red state. Still, I find that I know a wide mix of both Dems & Reps, amongst my friends, co-workers and family, even. So you can see why I don't go around talking about politics.



I got my hair done on Saturday, and my hairdresser took it upon herself to talk to me (while I was under the dryer, trying to knit of all the things, the nerve of this woman) for about 15 minutes about McCain's choice of VP running mate and how awesome a decision it was, and how it's going to be great for him and he needed an edge and this shows he can make a good decision and isn't she adorable and blah blah blah.



Because "adorable" is what I look for in a vice president.




Wait, it worked for Al Gore.

Handsome devil.

Anyway. I have known this woman less than a year, probably about 9 months, and this was our 4th meeting. She has met me 4 times, and we've had the typical hairdresser/client relationship. Which doesn't include political chat. And now here she is, just assuming I'm agreeing with her (or else being really stupid) and going on and on about Sarah Palin.


I don't know this woman! She doesn't know me! Why in the world would she just sit down and start going on and on about this?! I just nodded my head, smiled politely and said "Mmmm Hmmm". I think the only words I spoke were "Yes, it was a very strategic move on McCain's part." And only that because I think it's true, and it's a neutral statement. I did not open my mouth and voice my support for Obama because that's not my style. I did not agree with her or say that I think it was a good choice for McCain, because I'm not going to lie either. I just sat there, feeling completely in awe of the fact that this person who doesn't know me whatsoever just boldly assumed that I was on Team Red and started up a chat with me. She even said a few mildly offensive things regarding Obama, but I just sat there and kept knitting.


I don't know if she got a clue, or what but eventually she got up and walked away. We finished out the rest of my appointment in typical fashion, no political chat, I paid my bill and drove away in my car with an Obama sticker in the window. Wonder if she saw it.


Speaking of stickers in windows, get a load of this car. This car is parked in my office complex (I'm pretty sure it's not someone I work with). I wonder who they are supporting.
This picture isn't the best, so let me explain to you that this car, or as I call it, The Ron Paul Mobile, has 3 stickers on the back windshield (one on each side and one right in the middle that you can see here), one picture on the rear passenger window (that one is a real beaut, it's got his face on it!), and one sticker on the front bumper of the car. That's 5 stickers total. For Ron Paul, a man who isn't even in the running any more - not to mention the fact that he is a freaking fruitcake.

But I don't discuss politics, so that's all I'm going to say.

8 comments:

Suna Kendall said...

I couldn't agree with you more. I have had to bite my tongue a lot this week. I find it fascinating how different groups can view the same information in such incredibly different lights, though. It's like we live on different planets.

And when actual facts don't change a person's opinion, I don't see how my brilliant insights could make any difference at all, LOL. So, I keep mum except with a few close friends (a couple of which I can actually discuss political differences politely with! I treasure them.).

from your atypical Williamson County resident/friend.

Daisymum said...

It is a cardinal rule that hairdresser are not to talk politics or religion. I am a hairdresser (when I am desperate for work) I never speak politics at work. I ask questions to the client and figure out if the client wants to talk by their body language or just get their hair cut. I also don't talk while giving shampoos, really It is hard for the client to enjoy the conversation. I noticed you have my blog on your list. Thank you for that. I don't have many friends because of my busy life with my kids and it was nice to see that. Have a good day.

Unknown said...

I saw a sign that says a shut mouth gathers no foot. That should be made into a bumper sticker, so I can plaster 5 of them on my car!

Anonymous said...

I saw a sign that said Don't Give a Sh*t 2008....I laughed so hard!

Crazy haitdresser!

KellyMama said...

Word girl. I had a similar experience with a neighborhood mom regularly emailing me updates about boycotting places because they support gays/lesbians in various ways.
I've met the woman twice. She doesn't know me.
Come on!!

After trying to just ignore her....I finally had to ask her to stop sending me her 'information'. Mark thought I was nuts to say something, but presumptuous people really piss me off!!!

Anonymous said...

It's probably a good thing that you don't discuss politics on your blog. Oh no, wait... ;)

As a Brit it has been fascinating watching the developments of the last few days on your side of the pond.

I've just finished watching the evening news here, which was covering the Republican convention. There was a lot of talk of how Sarah Palin has had the whole country fall in love with her in just 24 hours, so it was interesting to then read about your experience.

Jennette said...

I was really uncomfortable in the tiny elevator at work when two women were talking very loudly about their thoughts about the election. They weren't saying much that was interesting, either. Just talking to hear themselves speak - and with no idea whether the rest of the people in the elevator enjoyed being trapped in there listening to them.

I'm neither a democrat nor a republican, either, so I can relate. (p.s. I don't think the whole country is in love with Sarah Palin. I'll listen in some more elevators and try to find out more)

Lisa-tastrophies said...

I can't talk politics. Because until some Washington genius can figure out that No Child Left Behind is a crock of shit, I can't form comprehensive or intelligent sentences about politics.