Why, why, why do I let myself get into arguments with my fundie co-worker?

Today's discussion devolved from a talk about *'s visit to nearby Mequon, to protests, to John Kerry, to Theresa Heinz Kerry, and then to her views on abortion.

Then the argument started.

I know my co-worker isn't going to change his mind. He knows he's not going to change my mind. And he's actually remarkably consistent -- anti-death-penalty, anti-needless-war (although he's still undecided whether this one is needless at all), anti-abortion. A decent Christian as well (charitable, forgiving, all that). He said he'll probably vote Kerry, in spite of his views on abortion, because * has done worse. (He's not a single-issue voter.) I will give him credit. He's a nice guy.

But like any emotional issue, the argument got a little too much. And now I'm all pissy. (And I'm also wearing one of those stick-on heating pads that look like giant maxi pads, for a stiff neck, so I'm literally hot under the collar, as well as figuratively.)

I'm not even sure who started it.

Why do I let myself get suckered in?

Having dinner tonight with my brother-in-law and his cousin. Both are rabid republicans...not fundies. I've already told my husband...no politics!!

... and you think everyone else would believe the way that you do, if only they would think logically.

I get the same way... I try to reason with unreasonable people, which is, by definition, a waste of time.

That's why it's important to educate those who CAN be educated, and let the rest go. Also to vote. We should all vote. And when I say "we," I mean the people here. Not the people "there." They should all get flat tires on election day. I'm just saying.

it's part of the M.O. to get others onto their religious issues

when the topic of *'s visit came up ... that should have been your cue to change the subject or excuse yourself to end the conversation

continued good luck

(The motorcade will pass during rush hour, and we were all commiserating.)

Like I said, he doesn't even like * much.

Seriously read it. You will know exactly what to do with it.

Let his smug, smarmy comments go unquestioned?

Give him an inch...

We have a truce here at work, the wingers don't dare start in with their comments, and I find myself biting my lip from time to time.

When Powell gave his talk at the UN last year, they had their radios on listening to every word. I thought I was in RNC Central.

When the war started I expressed by contempt for it, and being the only former Infantry Soldier in the office, they really couldn't question my patriotism.

Since then it has been a walking on eggshells atmosphere, but it is far preferable to what was there before.

I say, fight the good fight, keep it up, the pissy attitude will go away by Monday, and hopefully so will the chip on Mr. Wignut's shoulder.

That's it. Period. That's because their brain has ceased allowing any ideas in that conflict with their "program".

Its not as easy as walking up and telling them they are wrong. But the brain is a dynamic thing which can change over time. Apply the right information in the right way and you can change a person's beliefs.

The real question is whether you have the right to do so and if you are prepared to take responsibility should you be effective.

I think the only one who can change a person's beliefs is the person themselves.

IMHO each of us sees the world through a paradigm that has been made up from our past experiences. For someone to change their beliefs they need to make a paradigm shift. No one can do that for them. You can help them get to that point though.

I love tormenting the FReepers I know.:evilgrin: