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Julian English

(434 posts)
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 10:45 AM Nov 2019

5 one-liners to fight back against your right-wing family members at Thanksgiving dinner

5 one-liners to fight back against your right-wing family members at Thanksgiving dinner from The Raw Story


1. There’s no first-hand knowledge. It’s all hearsay.

I mean, except for Mick Mulvaney, who admitted it on live television.

2. Attempted bribery isn’t in the Constitution as a crime.

Actually it is. You know what they call “attempted bribery?” Bribery.

The Constitution cites “high crimes and misdemeanors” as a guide for impeachment. Attempted bribery falls under that. In fact, so does speeding in a school zone, which is considered a misdemeanor in some states.

3. He wasn’t successful, so it doesn’t matter.

That’s not how the law works. As John Oliver pointed out, if a terrorist tries to blow himself up on a plane and the vest doesn’t go off, that doesn’t mean he’s innocent.

4. Presidents make deals all the time.

Presidents don’t make deals for their own personal benefit.

As “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver explained it, Teddy Roosevelt’s famous quote “speak softly and carry a big stick,” didn’t mean he wanted people to take all of the sticks for his own personal stick collection. Ronald Regan never mandated East and West Germany use his own private BobCat company to “tear down that wall.”

5. We should just let the election decide it.

That’s not how the law works, nor is it how the law should work. If you break the law, you face the consequences, whether you’re a child, a teenager, a Congressman, Felicity Huffman, a Vegas kick-line dancer, or the president of the United States. No person is above the law. At least, that’s what it’s supposed to be like. If we want to start handing out loopholes for the rich, famous, and elected officials, let the GOP put that up for a ballot initiative in all 50 states.

If a guy running for Congress is caught embezzling millions for his campaign fund for his own personal business that is in bankruptcy, no one would say he shouldn’t be prosecuted, and we should just let voters decide.


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5 one-liners to fight back against your right-wing family members at Thanksgiving dinner (Original Post) Julian English Nov 2019 OP
+1. Read another -- Change your WiFi password to "trumpsucks" or similar, so they have to enter Hoyt Nov 2019 #1
I like that! pandr32 Nov 2019 #12
That's the best thing ever! nt Ilsa Nov 2019 #22
Hahha! Love that. kairos12 Nov 2019 #34
None of these will work SCantiGOP Nov 2019 #2
There are also too many multi-syllabic words for Trumpanzees. CaptYossarian Nov 2019 #10
No, none of these will work. But it is better responding with facts than calling them ignorant SOBs. Midnight Writer Nov 2019 #39
How about: Here are some facts, SCantiGOP Nov 2019 #40
A compromise I hadn't considered. Midnight Writer Nov 2019 #42
just say "that's what limbaugh says all day but he's full of shit and has been helping putin certainot Nov 2019 #45
I just say "Russia. Russia. Russia." pamela Nov 2019 #3
Or just respond to everything with, "Your President is going down!" lunatica Nov 2019 #14
Aren't you supposed to click your red slippers and click your heels together too, when you say... SWBTATTReg Nov 2019 #29
Ha! Wrong movie. pamela Nov 2019 #30
Ha heh ha! Take care and happy thanksgiving!! nt By the way, Belushi scene was a great one! SWBTATTReg Nov 2019 #31
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! pamela Nov 2019 #32
To the tune of "Marsha Marsha MARSHA!"... druidity33 Nov 2019 #38
I just won't talk about it Amishman Nov 2019 #4
As long as you can stomach their conversation and eat at the same time,,, mdbl Nov 2019 #6
I'm pretty good at changing the subject Amishman Nov 2019 #7
It is sad that we are so misinformed and propagandized that we can't talk about issues mdbl Nov 2019 #8
You know what works? DENVERPOPS Nov 2019 #20
but not all politicians are crooks and that just validates their bullshit and suppresses voting certainot Nov 2019 #46
I just tell DENVERPOPS Nov 2019 #56
yes. barbtries Nov 2019 #21
Most of the Repubs I know DENVERPOPS Nov 2019 #54
it's so hard for me to get that. barbtries Nov 2019 #55
well flower beds would get me out of the discussion and started on my arm chair nap Captain Zero Nov 2019 #11
Same. Ruining Thanksgiving with political arguments is pretty low on my list Bonx Nov 2019 #23
Same here. Only exception I've made was when klook Nov 2019 #53
They also don't understand hearsay treestar Nov 2019 #5
I never talk politics TlalocW Nov 2019 #9
exactly what my brother would do. barbtries Nov 2019 #19
I had lifetime friends who were like a second family. DENVERPOPS Nov 2019 #24
How Many Times Would Jesus Vote To Repeal Obamacare? DanieRains Nov 2019 #13
Welcome to DU! lunatica Nov 2019 #17
I thought Thanksgiving was next Thursday! Richard D Nov 2019 #15
The answer to #2 needs work Boomer Nov 2019 #16
good. i'd add to number 1: barbtries Nov 2019 #18
Alternative Response to #3 DDySiegs Nov 2019 #25
Tell them also that they are using a defense Proud Liberal Dem Nov 2019 #27
The last one: we *did* let the election decide...in 2018. nt Baltimike Nov 2019 #26
They love to let elections decide things Proud Liberal Dem Nov 2019 #28
Not even close. You say bribery, they'll say Biden yes, trump no. 4139 Nov 2019 #33
I just say I don't understand them because I don't speak Russian. kairos12 Nov 2019 #35
I say OK COMRADE Skittles Nov 2019 #36
#1 - the POTUS, his personal lawyer and his chief of staff ALL admitted it lame54 Nov 2019 #37
My Dad would have turned 100 this year SCantiGOP Nov 2019 #41
5. It would be a little different if moondust Nov 2019 #43
+1, after this is all said and done we're supposed to trust Red Don with our election systems now uponit7771 Nov 2019 #51
So many Republican defense "lines" are just plain stupid. Beartracks Nov 2019 #44
Message auto-removed Name removed Nov 2019 #47
Thankfully, everyone in my immediate family is left sakabatou Nov 2019 #48
1. Sondland also admitted there was a QPQ. This was his first-hand knowlege. NCLefty Nov 2019 #49
I would just tell them to knock off the stupid and realize how duped they are bucolic_frolic Nov 2019 #50
The one i use - fuck off and pass the gravy. jk. :) Kurt V. Nov 2019 #52
 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
1. +1. Read another -- Change your WiFi password to "trumpsucks" or similar, so they have to enter
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 10:59 AM
Nov 2019

that when they use WiFi.

But, your suggestions are better if you actually want to try -- one more time -- to reason with politically ignorant relatives.

SCantiGOP

(13,856 posts)
2. None of these will work
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 11:38 AM
Nov 2019

because they are all based on facts and logic.
You would need arguments sprinkled with hate and racism to convince a Trumper.

CaptYossarian

(6,448 posts)
10. There are also too many multi-syllabic words for Trumpanzees.
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 12:18 PM
Nov 2019

Just say out loud, "It's called Turkey Day for more than one reason."

Midnight Writer

(21,548 posts)
39. No, none of these will work. But it is better responding with facts than calling them ignorant SOBs.
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 08:26 PM
Nov 2019

Which for me is the natural impulse.

Midnight Writer

(21,548 posts)
42. A compromise I hadn't considered.
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 08:49 PM
Nov 2019

Luckily, there are only two conservatives expected at our Thanksgiving Dinner, and they are too scared (oops, I meant to say respectful) of their wives to act up. So for me it usually goes pretty good.

 

certainot

(9,090 posts)
45. just say "that's what limbaugh says all day but he's full of shit and has been helping putin
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 11:39 PM
Nov 2019

since he forced mccain to pick palin in 2008"

pamela

(3,469 posts)
3. I just say "Russia. Russia. Russia."
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 11:42 AM
Nov 2019

As in. .. "Please, stop promoting Russian propaganda. We are Americans and patriots. Russian talking points are not welcome here." Then, we all get out our kazoos and start playing God Bless America.

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
14. Or just respond to everything with, "Your President is going down!"
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 12:51 PM
Nov 2019

Be sure to smile broadly and do a thumbs up when you say it. It’ll be a ridiculing impression of Trump.

SWBTATTReg

(21,859 posts)
29. Aren't you supposed to click your red slippers and click your heels together too, when you say...
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 01:42 PM
Nov 2019

this? Ha, couldn't resist the joke! Take care.

Amishman

(5,541 posts)
4. I just won't talk about it
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 11:50 AM
Nov 2019

Family is more important than politics.

It's not like I'd have any chance to change their minds anyway

Amishman

(5,541 posts)
7. I'm pretty good at changing the subject
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 11:57 AM
Nov 2019

All I need to do is bring up anything car, home DIY project related, or sports related - and we are safe for at least an hour. Home improvement ideas are best as it gets the ladies involved too. We've had proposed back yard flower beds modeled with stuffing before during Thanksgiving dinner

mdbl

(4,972 posts)
8. It is sad that we are so misinformed and propagandized that we can't talk about issues
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 12:04 PM
Nov 2019

These thing severely effect our futures yet right wing hate radio and television have turned what should be a discussion on what's best for our country into a bickering fight at the dinner table over why we should protect russian oligarchs and criminal behavior in the senate and white house. What a shit place to be.

DENVERPOPS

(8,679 posts)
20. You know what works?
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 01:12 PM
Nov 2019

When some right wing Trump Humper brings up his shit, I just say: I quit paying attention long ago, Politicians Are All Crooks.
they think for a second, nod agreement and leave you alone.

Comment to writer on his statement: If we want to start handing out loopholes for the rich, famous, and elected officials, let the GOP put that up for a ballot initiative in all 50 states.

Forget that, Trump merely issues a presidential decree in a tweet and steam rolls ahead. Republican Senate, DOJ, and The U.S. Supreme Court have his "six" all the way, no matter what he declares..........no matter how illegal, corrupt, or un-constitutional...

He has proven for three years he is a master of this, he doesn't even need loopholes for the rich and oligarch donors, his Republican Senators, all his ass lickers, and for what has become the entire Republican Party........

 

certainot

(9,090 posts)
46. but not all politicians are crooks and that just validates their bullshit and suppresses voting
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 11:55 PM
Nov 2019

altruism and selflessness is real and democracy was designed to get money out of politics, but every time dem politicians try to regulate it limbaugh and sons lead 1500 invisible radio stations in nationwide bullshit to stop it - and democrats ignore it, then blame the politicians for wanting money in politics, for being crooks

DENVERPOPS

(8,679 posts)
56. I just tell
Tue Nov 26, 2019, 02:38 PM
Nov 2019

that to Repubs and Trump Hummers that bring it up, not to everyone else........It is either that, or whipping up a big portion of WUP ASS and kicking their asses royal for being to un-educated, ignorant and stupid to be allowed to vote in America.......

Ignorance should indeed be painful......

barbtries

(28,702 posts)
21. yes.
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 01:14 PM
Nov 2019

what a shit place to be.
i feel as if the right is happy to be here, because they thrive on making "libruls" suffer, even if it means it increases their own suffering in reality.

propaganda.

DENVERPOPS

(8,679 posts)
54. Most of the Repubs I know
Tue Nov 26, 2019, 02:34 PM
Nov 2019

Are getting royally fucked just like us others, and don't even realize it and what their Republican Party is doing it to them.

Captain Zero

(6,714 posts)
11. well flower beds would get me out of the discussion and started on my arm chair nap
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 12:26 PM
Nov 2019

so I think you have a good point.

klook

(12,134 posts)
53. Same here. Only exception I've made was when
Tue Nov 26, 2019, 12:19 PM
Nov 2019

a particularly noxious relative (known to wear not only a MAGA hat but also an NRA hat — not at the same time!) spewed his BS around younger kin at family gatherings.

I felt obliged to respond to these teachable moments a couple of times. Though it could be tense, I just was not going to let some things pass. I want the youngsters to know I’m not an idiot, and I want them to hear some truth to leaven the moronitude.

The happy ending is that this person is an ex-relative now, thanks to a long-overdue divorce! This year will be the first holiday season without him.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
5. They also don't understand hearsay
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 11:51 AM
Nov 2019

Even if they are lawyers, they have forgotten the basics if they are in a field other than trial litigation. I've actually seen this.

It is not hearsay if not offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted. If it is offered only to prove that it was said, then it is not hearsay.

TlalocW

(15,359 posts)
9. I never talk politics
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 12:09 PM
Nov 2019

Or at least bring anything up. My sister's mother-in-law got re-married several years ago to a holy roller with an insufferable holier-than-thou smirk (that side of the family is very Christian and conservative but without being assholes about it), and he tried to start something with me when I was just wanting to doze and digest. It was something about Obama so I gish-galloped him with actual facts. He tried to respond to one of my points with more BS, and I shut him down. His shit-eating grin disappeared - I had just successfully argued against him and thus God (that is his attitude). My sister warned him that you can't beat me on facts so he tried again later on on abortion (which just made me roll my eyes - I mean, c'mon, the most divisive topic out there, and you want to argue about it on a holiday?). He tried to argue things from a Christian worldview so I derailed the discussion into being about religious freedom, which he lost because he can't think outside his personal God-centric viewpoint. He left me alone in a huff the rest of the holiday.

TlalocW

barbtries

(28,702 posts)
19. exactly what my brother would do.
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 01:12 PM
Nov 2019

i hit him with facts and he just goes "hmph" and shuts up. actually by now we don't talk much. he's no religious fanatic but he is a foxbot for decades now.

DENVERPOPS

(8,679 posts)
24. I had lifetime friends who were like a second family.
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 01:21 PM
Nov 2019

During the Cheney Rumsfeld tyranny, the older man and his wife would start forwarding me horrific anti-obama shit every single fucking day......

Most ironic and un-believeable was the fact that they both were Jewish, and their elders died in gas chambers and were incinerated.

My last email back to him, after an especially despicable and nasty anti-obama email was this:

"You do know that the assholes that supplied you with this shit, hate Jews worse than blacks and mexicans, don't you?"

And sadly, that was the end of a 60 year friendship..............

 

DanieRains

(4,619 posts)
13. How Many Times Would Jesus Vote To Repeal Obamacare?
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 12:42 PM
Nov 2019

If he was in congress?

They will then try to change the subject.

Don't let them.

Answer the question Uncle Dumbass. Gimmee a number.

Then say the worst kind of Christian is a pretend one.

Boomer

(4,159 posts)
16. The answer to #2 needs work
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 12:55 PM
Nov 2019

If you're refuting Republican talking points, you don't have to argue that bribery falls under "high crimes and misdemeanors" because bribery is specifically called out in the Constitution as an impeachable offense.

"The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors."

barbtries

(28,702 posts)
18. good. i'd add to number 1:
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 01:10 PM
Nov 2019

and except where the WH released the direct evidence in the phone of the call summary.

DDySiegs

(253 posts)
25. Alternative Response to #3
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 01:26 PM
Nov 2019

Alternative answer to #3 (“He Wasn’t Successful, so it doesn’t matter”)

Does that mean that that the Shoe Bomber shouldn’t have been indicted and convicted? Should he be released from prison with our “sincere” apologies?

Proud Liberal Dem

(24,355 posts)
27. Tell them also that they are using a defense
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 01:35 PM
Nov 2019

intended as joke from "The Simpsons" in a episode about Sideshow Bob

Proud Liberal Dem

(24,355 posts)
28. They love to let elections decide things
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 01:37 PM
Nov 2019

unless it's things they don't like. I mean, they ignored the 2008 and 2012 Elections and what "The American People" (who they love to reference ad nauseum) wanted.

SCantiGOP

(13,856 posts)
41. My Dad would have turned 100 this year
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 08:36 PM
Nov 2019

I sure wish he was still around to argue with.
When I would come home from college we would usually be arguing politics, mainly Vietnam and Nixon, within five minutes.
Later, he got tired of the hassle (and he knew I had been right on the War and his crooked President), so he would just respond to my provocations with, “You’re just confused.”

That is now a meme in my family. Whenever there is a story of someone’s truly bizarre behavior, someone will usually remark, “Well, he/she/they are just confused.”

moondust

(19,917 posts)
43. 5. It would be a little different if
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 09:45 PM
Nov 2019

the impeachment case didn't involve election meddling that will likely continue in the next election so as to likely give an unfair advantage to the individual facing impeachment. You don't leave justice up to rigged elections. There may be a good reason why Moscow Mitch refuses to beef up election security.

uponit7771

(90,225 posts)
51. +1, after this is all said and done we're supposed to trust Red Don with our election systems now
Tue Nov 26, 2019, 09:26 AM
Nov 2019

... knowing he was going to cheat.

Beartracks

(12,761 posts)
44. So many Republican defense "lines" are just plain stupid.
Mon Nov 25, 2019, 11:36 PM
Nov 2019

So of course a lot of them will find such positions to be totally legit.

It's too bad that pointing out to Republicans how stupid they are just makes them double down on the stupid to "prove you wrong."

==================

Response to Julian English (Original post)

bucolic_frolic

(42,676 posts)
50. I would just tell them to knock off the stupid and realize how duped they are
Tue Nov 26, 2019, 09:23 AM
Nov 2019

but it's ok they can crawl back to reality anytime they stop the self-delusion and admit they are thinking too rigidly

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