Saturday, September 27, 2008

Things that must go

There is a local radio station that has a popular morning show. Although I don't regularly listen to them (because I think they try to hard to prove they're liberal and not mormon and it drives me insane) they do have some funny segments. One of my favorite segments is titled things that must go. It is basically a list of pet peeves that either the DJs or listeners have compiled. But, it is pretty funny.

So, in honor of them, here's my thing that must go: politically motivated emails. I'm not talking about funny ones, because I like a good laugh. Things like a turkey trying to take a bit out of President Bush's "'lil friend" = funny. That is ok to send.

A comparison of the 2 canidates' methods of catching a football = funny. Obviously I didn't make my decision of who to vote for over his athletic prowess (or lack thereof).
*I specifically used examples from the last presidential election so as not to seem like a hypocrite.

What I'm talking about are the emails intended to direclty influence how I'm going to vote in the upcoming election. I made the mistake of telling a coworker how I intended to vote (I should have taken the advice given to me years ago about working in the public sector: when asked who I intended to vote for, I should always respond by saying "the winner"). Now, said coworker is "hell-bent on bringing me back from the darkside" (his exact words) to which I responded, "you're implying that I was ever not on the darkside." I think he took those as "fighting words" and has sent me every ounce of political diatribe, every stupid picture, every red-neck account that he can get his grubby little finger to hit send on.

Frankly, I'm sick of it.

Does he seriously think that by sending me a picture of a certain canidate without his hand over his heart that I'm going to suddently change my vote? And does he think that by sending me a bunch of crap about how someone's name may or may not sound Muslim that a light-bulb is going to suddenly go off for me? Seriously people, give me a bit of credit.

In the immortal words of John Mayer:

Is there anyone who ever recalls changing their mind from the pain on a sign? Is there anyone who ever recalls breaking rank from something someone yelled real loud one time?

John gets it. Is it really that difficult?

12 comments:

carrie said...

Political views are really hard to talk about. My own political views have changed so much in the last ten years.... It's almost funny. :o) Different things are important to different people....that's it. I don't judge my friends on how they think politically...and I sure hope they don't judge me. I like that you speak your mind. It's one of the qualities I admire about you. If you remember, it's what I loved about Kristy, too. :o) It's harder to stand up for what you believe in, especially when it may not be the "popular" thing to do. We may have different political views....or maybe they're closer to the same than I think. I am having a hard time this election, actually. I don't like either candidate a lot. There are things I respect about both men... There are definitely things I can't STAND about each of them, too. It's the only time I haven't been totally "decided". Anyway....I'm rambling, sorry. The point I was trying to make...in the midst of all this MUSH I've written (ha ha)....is that I admire you. Some people just have a really hard time seeing or thinking "outide their own little box". It's what makes OUR country great.... All the diversity. (at least to me) hee hee Have a great weekend!! BTW, there were SO many things I wanted to add to this....but I'm not as brave as you are, and I think I'd upset too many people. ha ha

Jen said...

Way to go for not letting them influence you! I love that about you. It drives me crazy when people change there views on things just because someone else doesnt approve! :)

tiburon said...

I heart you for quoting the Mayer. I heart you for posting the pic of the turkey and the weenie.

I will still heart you for jumping on that train and voting for that other guy - but he won't be the winner ;)

Chelsea said...

AMEN! I don't even venture into the off topic section of the soap board I frequent because people get SO heated there. It doesn't change anyone's mind, and no one is looking to understand someone else's point of view. I can't stand it.

You really need to move to Northern Virginia, where Obama supporters are a huge majority! :D

Heather said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Heather said...

So that's where the "things that must go" idea came from...

Anyway, I agree with you. I think those emails are stupid, especially if they're sent in an attempt to convince you. The thing that worries me is that people may make important decisions based on trivial things (I call it the dummy vote), like how to toss a football (though the picture did make me laugh). Kinda reminds me how some people make a big deal about how Sarah Palin can shoot a gun and field dress a moose, as if that's important to the position. WHO CARES?!! (yeah, that's going to be on my next "things that must go" list...). Let's talk about the issues, people!

Even though you and I don't agree politically (or at least on the same candidate), I think it's awesome that you stick to your guns about what you believe in.

P.S. - that was my deleted comment above. It had a glaring typo and, being the perfectionist I am, I deleted it. Sorry.

Corrie- said...

I totally agree with you that politics is a completely personal thing that should only be discussed with others who will be respectful of ones views, no matter what they are! I am so over political ads on radio & tv, the ever present 'I approve of this message' comment, and the constant bagging of each other while trying to climb to the top. No matter who the candidate is, I've been changing the channel. I'll do my own research and then come to a decision.

Christie said...

LOL - the funny thing is, I'm not a huge Obama supporter either - I just told my coworker that I wasn't sure who I wanted to win the election, but that I would probably vote for Obama because I agreed more with him. I'm totally like Carrie, in that I don't have a clear favorite either. But, since I think it is important to vote, I will. Not like it matters much in this state anyway . . . :)

Thanks for the comments!

Ruhiyyih Rose said...

I will be sooooo excited when the election is over! Living here in DC it gets nutty, for sure. Nevertheless, whoever becomes President, I will go to the Inauguration Ceremony and cheer on. It is a tough job. Great John Mayer quote!

Thanks for the running encouragement. I learned a lot this time around, I am feeling good about the 20 miler on the 11th. In the meantime, the race this weekend in DC (Army Ten Miler) is 36,000 strong, more than half military men. 'Nuf said :)

Have a great day!

Lynita said...

Classic! My cousin sends me a lot of things too, but I just take it with a grain of salt. Although it sounds like your co-worker is ten times worse and should definately take a happy pill! LOL! I find it interesting that so many people are so offended if you're voting for the opposing candidate from "their" choice. Are we forgetting all about free agency? Honestly these are some scary times and we are all entitled to our own opinions, so tell your co-worker to shove his mouse where the sun don't shine! I mean it, he needs to get off his stupid soap box before I come out there and kick it out from underneath him!

Jess T said...

Cannot wait for the election! Please please let's get this big ol' mess cleaned up! :)

Omgirl said...

If I'm with people who are democrats, I love to talk politics. If I'm with people who are staunch republicans, I just keep my mouth shut so I won't end up saying something mean.