this whole time. They're just upset right now that they can't do our union more harm.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

If I were you, the next time he calls and starts ranting, tell him you're hanging up on him, and then do it. You don't need to take his abuse.

Call your boss if you can and tell him what happened.

Yes, good advice!!!

My usual technique

Them: yelling

Me: you are yelling at me. Please stop yelling so we can discuss this. I can't keep talking to you if you keep yelling.

Them: continued yelling

Me: I'm sorry, you are still yelling at me. I will have to hang up ( or leave) if you keep yelling.

Then I follow through if they continue.

I would definitely tell your boss, so he hears it from you first and can't form an opinion before he hears your side.

It's unfortunate that there is a power imbalance in the situation, as it may not matter who is correct.

another RW, what is the point?

If you feel threatened by this man and he knows where you work, I would visit your local police department tomorrow and file a report.

This will cover your ass if you're fired....which I doubt.

If he brought you to tears, file a report.

Right down everything you remember about the entire conversation NOW while fresh in your mind. You don't know if this guy is some kind of loony who ends up waiting for you to leave work and assaults you.

Better safe than sorry...and esp. in with repugnant Texans.

Please promise me.

Thx

I think you should print it out (except the last line) and keep it handy. If the guy does call you employer, rather than stammering an explanation off the cuff, tell your employer that you took the time to document the incident and give him/them the copy. It will show that you're calm, sensible, intelligent and an asset for them. Of course we all know that because you're a Democrat!

Sign of no self confidence whatsoever when people need to surround themselves with yes people.

These people are paper tigers. Behind all that bluster, noise, arrogance....is utter terror.

They have a control issue. If they are not in control, they are scared shitless.

When I get really pissed off that that type, right or wrong, I pity them, but also am thankful that I am NOT them!

and get you in trouble.
I don't get it..what did you do wrong?
He's the one that started the violent rant and aggression. He kept pressing and pressing and you finally responded. You did nothing wrong. What's he going to "tattle" about? Did he say?

They are fully aware that the world IS NOT CONFORMING to their beliefs.

And therein lies the problem and the danger. They can't/won't change, which leaves bringing the rest of the world around to their way of thinking. BY WHATEVER MEANS NECESSARY. This is why Republican behaviour. "Virtuous" ends, justify all the dirty, imoral, even illegal acts; The voter caging and purges; the flipping machines; the noise and ultimately the violence.

If you have to deal with this guy again and he starts in on you, maybe the best way to respond would be something like, "Mr. X, you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I prefer not to argue about politics when I'm discussing business. Now, what can I do for you today?" Refuse to engage. There's nothing you can do to change his mind.

I should have just told him that if he didn't have anything other than politics to discuss, that I was going to hang up the phone - and followed through.

don't engage and remain professional


[link:|

but that dude is a dick.

Yes, refuse to engage is best.

But if you must or if you want to for sport or ultimate effect, ... then do so in such a way as to maintain your calm dignity while manoeuvering them to lose every shred of their dignity. It is most effective if they are in a cube in a large office at the other end of the phone, or in a public space surrounded by people who are wondering who the giant idiot is and ready to protect you if they get violent. Personal safety is paramount.

The ultimate effect can be if they completely shame themselves publicly so that they have hit bottom in some kind of way. It can be like the first step of a 12 step cure; that they recognize they have a big problem.

Very very few of the loudmouth right wing jerks are introspective in any way, and it shows.

you really can't argue with them; it's futile

But it's not a good idea to engage in political discussions with customers (especially those you disagree with) of a busines that you do not own and/or can afford them cancelling their business with you.

Just a word of advice ... These idiots, after you prove them idiots, will turn around and DEMAND that you be fired because YOU were rude/unprofessional to them.

Editted to add:

Sorry, I just read the discussion part and not the part where you recognize that the idiot will play the idiotic victim. My suggestion is to, either, get out in front of it by going to your boss(es) and coping to it and saying that you tried your best to maintain and attempted to change the subject several times, but he just went off and became personally insulting(whether that's true or not, unless the call was recorded, it'll be your word against his and he will most certainly embellish). Then, cry mercy ... saying "I realize I was wrong and will refrain from any political discussions in the future, even when goaded."

Or, you can wait a see whether the idiot calls and makes a stink ... if so, then, apply the above.

And believe me, I remained as calm as I could for as long as I could. But there comes a time, when it's just "enough".

Write a memo to 'self,' to save facts you may forget, should it be useful/necessary next week. Sure are a lot of crazies around.

There sure are a lot of crazies. And they are coming out of the wood work because this election didn't go their way!.

Write a transcript of the conversation as best as you can remember. Keep it in your desk. For all you know the client may call you up later an apologize for their bad behavior. Assholes often do. He may also never mention it to your boss which wouldn't surprise me.

If your boss asks you about it, whip out your transcript. It makes your side of the story far more convincing.

That's what I'd do if I were you.

There WILL be violence over this election; who knows where? IMHO, there will be ugly events all over red America. Look at what already happened at the University of Mississippi on election night, and nobody was even hurt there. Just wait till these freaking gun nuts decide they want a piece of the action.

It's just as bad as being harassed by an employer. If your bosses have any integrity, they should talk to the guy. Th one thing I would have done differently, however, is try to steer the conversation to the business at hand.

And I will be ready for the dude next time.

But this time, I was simply amazed at the intensity of his anger. I firmly believe that if this man had a gun in his hand when he was yelling, he would have used it on someone. He was not in control of himself.

He simply could not accept that anyone would not agree with him.

via email or voice mail or phone call so he is not surprised by the call. Stay calm when repeating what went down and good luck!

Laugh at him, he'll get real angry and scream some more. Give a few more laughs and say, "hey, dry your tears" then hang up.

Immature maybe, but you have to fight fire w/ fire and it's safer than calling him a (insert expletives here)

Then call his boss
Then call his boss's boss

Unless your business is politics, politics has no business in a business call.

Step out in front of him and define the conversation before he has a chance. It will put him on the defensive and most likely get a black mark put on his record.

That kind of crap can get you fired. Better him than you....

I remember years ago where I worked, someone called into the GM's office and started swearing at the secretary. She told him that if he did not stop, she would hang up. The GM fully supported her.

did the secretary START the tirade? No.

If someone calls you for business and then abruptly goes into a non-business-related rant, your reporting it to your boss and then their boss is within your right. Allowing yourself to be drawn into that conversation is your fault, but provocation has much to do with it. If you allow them to get the upper hand in describing the turn of events, your hand is severly weakend.

to get it on tape.

They're getting so angry because they're desperate. Their world is crumbling around them, and they know it. The most dangerous animals are one that are wounded and in pain. So you are right to be wary, because I suspect a we're going to be seeing a few of these loons on the evening news soon.

But just remember that they are on their way out. The country is changing. They know it, and they can't stand it.

I think you are right! And I will happily be a bystander as their world crumbles. That may sound mean, but IMHO, it is time for this country to move forward and stop with all of the hatred and ugliness like what I experienced today.

I only ask because, if you have and the conversations remained civil, you could always point that out to your boss. Remind him how polite and agreeable you've always been, and tell him how this person was abusing you on the phone. This way he'll have an image in his head of just how calm and respectful you have been talking politics with him in person. It'll be harder for that other guy to shake that.

If you haven't discussed politics with them, then just call him before that guy does and head him off. Put the truth out there first. Heck, do that even if the first paragraph is true, too!

I am friends with the owners of one company (one Democrat, one Republican, both millionaires), who are very understanding in the HR department. Once, when one department head "got religion", he sort of went off the deep end (wife left him, and then he started trying to convert everyone int his company to evangelical Christianity), they told him they had to let him go, as he was just being too disruptive. BUT--they kept him nominally on the payroll at a minimum salary (on paper--he was not welcome at the place of work) so that he would have health insurance for the first six months while he was looking for another job.

It won't help your situation, but there are nice employers out there, even in Texas.

I really appreciate you guys "talking me down". I'm feeling much better already. I won't be surprised by this man again. If I have to speak to him again, I will be prepared, will not engage with him, and will hang up if it comes to that.

No employee ANYWHERE should have to take verbal abuse.

speaking out of fear and ignorance. It's best to just be as kind as you can as if they are mentally out there because they are.

Think of DU and all of us behind you saying They will get better. Give them so space.

you can never convince a die-hard Republican or a die-hard Democrat or Libertarian. It's a waste of time and only creates anger. It can also hurt your career if your boss is fiercely on the other side.

If someone OWNS the business and they can afford to lose the customer and said customer is an asshole RWer...by all means, have at it! Go soup Nazi and ban them from your establishment.

If you don't own the business, I just would avoid discussing politics...esp if your employers are also RW assholes.

No good can come of such a scenario IMO

Not trying to be cold, just being honest!

It is the wisest course of action.

I have been there. They just lie in wait to berate people who will pay attention to them.

When he complains about it, I would have said that I didn't hang up on him, he must have gotten disconnected. It would keep up and I would just keep telling him that perhaps there is something wrong with his phone line, cell reception, or something, until he acted like a human being, and treated me as such.

the President again just stop him and say for the sake of our friendship I don't want to mix politics at work. If he talks tell him a customer just walked in and you have to get off the phone. When he calls again and starts talking about it say nothing until he finishs then again say I don't want to talk politics and immediately change the subject.

Don't let this shit drag down your employment. Your boss will probably prefer that.

You're not going to convince any of these assholes anyway.

They, ARE the biggest threat to America....not alquieda.

No one should have to put up with that sort of abuse.

You have my sympathies!

Julie

I tried to explain this potential danger not too long ago to someone else. He insisted in minimizing the danger that the threats are real, and deserve real attention. He said they're all talk. PFUI. You know better now. I'm not sure if a Texas Jury would convict him for harming a Liberal. They're all crazy.

They're all dangerous, mentally unstable. Unwilling to deal with the reality that we won. Nobody knows what they're do.

Your boss should defend you. Personally I would have told him you were recording the call. It would have shut him up.

I am truly sorry that happened to you. Hope nothing bad comes from it!

about your unpleasant experience at work. Do not know how long this will last but do know they are furious about this loss. I too have been blasted and called all kinds of profane names in the last couple of days. I am going to just stay mum for a bit. and in the future if this happens just tell them you have a different perspective on the events then they do. No need to elaborate any further this seems to appease them and quiets them down.
You seem to have good communication skills and should do well with your bosses.

But you need to move to the northeast where you will be appreciated.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021755768

that you had to go through that! But, you sound like you did an excellent job rebutting him. I would have been a big ol melt down mess.

I'm glad DU is here for you and for everyone for all kinds of reasons. Especially when they need to vent about the brainwashed rwnj they encounter in America.

He is a jerk and needs to the hear the truth! You were the one tried set him straight, but there again he is a right winger! To me, he had no right to even tell you how felt? It is bad business and he is nuts! If he should call you back , ask him, if he knows Obama care covers his mental problems? Just trying to light up the message. Remember, no job is worth the headaches of a few jerks. My prayers go out to you, so you won't loose you job. You sound a good person and will find a job if something should happen. Good luck!

When he diverted the conversation away from a business issue he was likely trying to bait you.

I would suggest you should have kept bringing the conversation back to the business matter. You should be polite and business like but give him two or three nudges to bring it back to business. If that fails I would have said, I'm sorry Mr.(whatever his name is) this is a business telephone line and I am currently at work. If you have no further business matters to discuss with me I will end the call. Then I would have simply politely said, Goodbye and hung up.

Don't let them bait you. It isn't worth getting into trouble or losing your job. Had you been polite and kept trying to bring him back to the reason he called and when it was clear he was taking your time to discuss non-business matters, it would have been reasonable to terminate the conversation. Your boss(es) could still have been angry but I think you would have stood on much more solid ground.

Yes, they are going off the deep end. People in the GOP demographic are seeing the country change underneath them. I think many of them know, deep down inside, that their policies and beliefs are not going to survive in a democracy where the composition of the population is rapidly changing.

I just remain calm and extricate myself from situations where someone is trying to goad me. I purposefully purchased magnetic bumper stickers so that I could place them on my vehicle when I got into the car to drive somewhere and remove it when I arrived at my destination. I would risk road rage if some nutcase didn't like my bumper sticker while driving but at least my vehicle would be less likely to be damaged by one of them in a parking lot or parking deck.

"People in the GOP demographic are seeing the country change underneath them. I think many of them know, deep down inside, that their policies and beliefs are not going to survive in a democracy where the composition of the population is rapidly changing."

it's gotta suck to be on the wrong side of history. they say misery loves company and i guess it's true. they can be successful at making others as miserable as they are for a long time, but they will fail at changing history. history is happening and it's happening fast.

i am so happy to be at DU during these historical times.

That jerk was WAY out of line, and if he has an ounce of decency, he'll apologize (don't, of course, hold your breath). That was harassment and he should have to answer for his disgraceful behavior.
You did nothing wrong-- except, instead of O'Reilly, you should have said Limbaugh!! (kidding)
We're here for your rant, otherwise there wouldn't be this:


Hang in there and don't let it spoil your weekend and just be glad you're not him.

Even though 41.4% of your state is Democratic, it is still sufficient for people to think Texas is a Republican state, to the extent that many of my relatives are talking about moving there.

I do hope that progress catches up with them eventually.

and if your company records conversations please use that as back up. I've been a CSR but politics should not be used in a place of business like that. I'm so, so sorry you had to go through that.

When talking to such idiots, I would either just hang up or put the phone down on the desk and let him rant on. When the conversations is just one way and the other person is hopeless , why bother.

I once worked for a wealthy 'Democrat' who was a big right-winger. He had his office manager invite me to her house to "fix her computer", but there was nothing wrong with the computer and the visit turned into me being asked lots of questions about my personal life over dinner (the boss obviously wanted to know if I was gay). I actually overheard the boss debriefing her about it a couple days later.

I was already applying for a position in another department at that point, which turned out to be a good career move because it eventually got me out of that company.

On Edit: Just wanted to add that it sounds like you are an intelligent, diplomatic and skilled person. If you are ever scrutinized over that very one-sided exchange, don't forget that you bring value to the company too and any intelligent boss would recognize that. If they do something rash, then your talents go to another boss who is more progressive.

Living in the Faux News/Rush/Free Republic cocoon has left them unprepared for losing, and they just can't accept it. Look at Romney and Ryan - they didn't get it, either.

I agree, there is danger of violence.

I'm just kidding about Texas. We have an overabundant supply of those here in Ohio too.

I have a new favorite query for the wing nuts I encounter over the next couple weeks. I'll just ask if Obama came by to pick up their guns yet. I'll quickly add that they're probably going alphabetically.

There's no way I could remain silent when he went off on the auto bailout. I worked 30 years for GM before I retired. When the company failed, I knew the union contracts would be shredded along with my pension checks (as Romney hoped). I faced a drastic change in my life because I assumed the govt would never in a million years loan the money to save the company. I owe Obama for my pension and my dignity.

Screw that hotheaded RW asshole. They lost, get over it.

I wish I was there.

Please remind me that there are nicer people in this world! I just don't live or work around many these days.

You should be happy. You're now surrounded by fellow DU'ers. We support each other all the time. I'm so proud that we voted for the right guy for the job. The GOP is just freakin nuts over the Rmoney loss. Yeah, so what. We won, and thank GOD for that. All my right friends are flipping out. I say let them go. It's a losing battle. We WON. That's all that matters. I use the "accept and move on" philosophy. There's no more fighting. They'll be all chilled out in a few weeks.

"Insanity is knowing that what you're doing is completely idiotic, but still, somehow, you just can't stop it."
Elizabeth Wurtzel

I am sorry for what this person did to you.................but I doubt they will fire you,........ no they will probably keep you on so THEY and their customers can have someone to yell and take their lunatic rantings out on. (Can you say whipping post?) Good luck to you!

I noticed too that these right wingers get extremely angry. They resort to name calling with the most derogatory of words and claim to be Christian. THEY ARE THE ONES WHO DON'T GET IT! The president wins twice in landslide. HELLO, RIGHT WING NUTS, WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS MEANS? It is really hard to remain calm around these idiots and maybe the best thing to do is just laugh at them. Don't waste your precious energy or breath on these people.

...I am on the clock here to take care of your business with us. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

I run my own business, have no idea what my assistant's political views are, if any, and she has worked with me for twelve years.

There have been a couple of occasions where, for whatever reason, someone has given her some kind of guff on the telephone. My posture in these situations is that she has pulled my ass out of the fire on more occasions than any client or prospective client ever has or ever will. I don't care "who shot who", if anyone gives her a hard time on the phone about anything, they are not going to be doing business with me. Period.

They are very angry and vocal. It is displaced anger but they have been so indoctrinated in that shite that they are completely brainwashed! Just know that they only make up 47% of the voting American public. Ironic that Mitt's vote total came to 47%!

I found out when I was 17 that one can never win an argument against a fuckin' Republican and since then I've walked away from any conversation before it ever starts......

GOP businessmen have to be total idiots. The GOP almost brought down the global economy and they STILL support these fools. Paste this on your desk next time for reference. Or as fliers to hand out.

i just posted it to FB. i think i might just print it up for future reference.

Write him a letter. Leave it on his desk so it's the first thing he sees when he arrives at the office Monday morning. Or take it to his house and leave where he will see it as soon as he returns home. Preempt the client's complaint call.

I'd start by apologizing for getting upset at a client, then explain the sequence of events. Promise to not discuss politics (or any other sensitive subject) with clients in the future and ask for advice how to handle the situation if a client rants on and on like this one did.

Request that your boss establish a policy so if a client does repeat his verbal abuse you have a predetermined way to handle their irrationality. Should you hang up, transfer the call to someone else in the office, or what?

Good luck!

if one, or all, of you bosses confront you about it look shocked and say: "He told you about that? I'm surprised. Na, but don't worry, you don't need to apologize to me. Next time I will just hang up on him when he gets abusive." Look all sweet and innocent and a bit confused.

If the boss says: "he said you yelled at him or you told him this or that" you say: "Well, yeah, I was trying to get him off the subject but he was screaming so its possible I raised my voice. And yes, I might have told him what he was saying was not true."

Act at all times like you did NOTHING wrong. You are the aggrieved party here and they, your bosses owe YOU and apology for having to put up with people like this.

He is a client, after all.

Second, I would not let him know that I voted for Obama. My civics teacher always replied, when asked who he voted for "I voted for the secret ballot".

Third, even if I did vote for Obama, it matters no more in Texas than it does in Kansas. Romney won those states handily, so you and I really had nothing, nada, to do with Obama's victory.

right wingers can NOT say he didn't win the popular vote. your vote was important! actually mine was too, since i'm in NC, the only swing state to go to romney.

some of these people are just bullies . you did the right thing by remaining calm and not engaging. hope your bosses are understanding.

have your job, an investment in a handheld,quality recording device might be in order.

Definitely give the bosses a heads-up that this guy became unhinged and had a full tantrum/meltdown.

"People like this man are ... so used to using intimidation as a successful tactic" is the heart of the matter.

The good news is that you don't have to live with him. Can you imagine what his family puts up with?

Anyway,

I work in a very red workplace too. I regret letting anyone there know how I think about anything to do with politics. I have also been subjected to all the screaming instead of rational arguments. I have to hear daily about the n****r in the White House, the Jheri Curl stains on all the furniture, the Great Depression that is around the corner, and how it is all my fault. I have stopped even trying to have a discussion....I just ignore it because you are right, they are scary.

I hope that you are not in trouble over this asshole. Don't let it ruin your weekend.....you can deal with whatever happens, if anything, Monday.

Bosses hate to be surprised with a complaint, and it gives you a chance to get your side (the guy lost it) established first.

In June I was at his and my sister's home. He started telling me awful crap that he thinks about Obama, screaming as you said that guy was doing. I won't EVER go see him again. He lives in VA...not Texas. When he started talking about Obama not being a citizen because he wasn't born here...bla, bla...Saying he was incompetent. etc. I said, You just hate black people and you call yourself a Christian? I hope he remembers that comment every day of his life.

please let us know if there's any fallout on this. how is your relationship with your boss? if you are certain that he will hear about it from the client, might it be better to get in front of it and go to your boss yourself and let him know what this man did TO you? that sounds like verbal assault to me.
i'm not suggesting that you do that because i don't know your situation at all. i am suggesting it might be something to consider. if you do decide to let your boss know about the encounter, i do suggest that you make it very clear who was the aggressor. ie it was not you.
i'm sorry you had this happen to you. i'm almost shaking for you. i know that feeling of being so pissed all you can do is cry.

And say I do not speak of politics in the workplace. Please respect my request. Thank you very much.

What really pisses him off is that Obama pretty much ignored genuflecting before his demographic and still handily.

Pretty soon, minorities won't even have to get mad at redneck racism anymore, and instead treat it as amusement while we go about our business.

for my husband's job. I smile and nod a lot.

I take solace in the fact that over 3.2 million Texans voted for Obama. I know 4.5 million voted against him, but at least we do have folks down here who are moderate or left. Quite a few in fact.

I'm going to keep quietly advocating for my positions (and encouraging my husband to move us the fuck away from here!) ... but please know you are not alone.

and I will tell you that I long tired of trying to have a reasonable, rational and intelligent exchange with the right wing, bigoted, religious zealots that comprise the Rethug party in Texas. I'm sure there must be at least a handful of moderate, informed Rethugs within the state, but I can't recall having met one since I was child in the late '60s. I don't discuss politics with people unless I've firmly determined that it's safe to do so. I don't put party-affiliated bumper stickers, signs or logos on my car, in my yard or on my person. It's not safe to do so. I have been concerned - actually more than concerned - about the safety of my residence, my car and my pets by any outward display of personal political ideology. Some of these people are out of control and irrational. I suppose it's because their number is dwindling and they see everything slipping out of their control. But make no mistake: there is nothing more dangerous than a zealot who is feeling that everything is slipping away from them. These folks have surrounded themselves within their own protected echo chamber for decades. They've had an entire entertainment-driven "news" network reinforce their bigoted, misogynistic world view for years on now, and they got a rude awakening the other night. They won't take this lightly and I they won't let this go. Make no mistake about it. I fervently pray for the safety of POTUS and his family and for VPOTUS and his family, and the next twelve weeks or so is going to be the most treacherous period in the country's history since the repeal of slavery. Prudence and safety first and that extends to everyone.

People are afraid to display support for Obama but in the privacy of the voting booth they let it out. And this is a "blue" state.

People inject politics into conversations where it doesn't belong. It's the culture.

Learn to respond with humor, not baiting, anger, or being dismissive. People will respect you far more if you take it in stride. If you get into one-up, things get nasty -- as you observed.

I shut them down quick by stating that I'm not religious. I'm an antheist. No problem thereafter, but politics is another matter. I won't engage with anyone I know that keeps his radio dial on A.M. channels or his television set permanently fixed on Faux Spews. It's just not worth the wasted breath. You can't argue with stupid. And you certainly can't argue with crazy.

and that seems to work ok. They still invite me to their churches so that's where I smile and nod some more, and try to change the subject. Not to politics though ... because they are crazy.

I am stuck in suburbia right now though, it is probably better in the cities. And I have met a few other democrats - it seems that some are starting to come out of their shells. That may not be the case in the small towns though.

Sounds harsh but think about it, you wouldn't want to set off a crazy person in ANY way would you?
These people are basically crazy with rage - as some crazy people are - and you must tread likely.
Let them ferment in their vile brine - nothing will every ph balance them.

"for quality control purposes." That might tone him down. If not, remain polite, let him rant, and if your bosses give you any grief play them the recording, to demonstrate what a jerk this guy is, and also how cool you are under pressure.

Any business owner with anything on the ball should appreciate your skills handling this abusive lout, and that you are representing the business in a professional, controlled manner.

Just a thought. Best wishes.

at all costs, if I were you. I work at a university and never bring up politics unless I know someone is an Obama supporter, even though I suppose the vast majority are.
I understand he circled you on this, but I would recommend not engaging and sticking entirely to the business issue at hand.

I work with em too. Try the "I'm a moderate" route. You can kind of elipse away from them on that. I posted on a thread yesterday, "I'm an Eisenhower Republican." That always shuts em up. Todays Dems are all fiscally Ike's Republican, with his 90% tax rate and a booming middle class. Actually, that confuses em, which is fun. It's probably the best line I've come up with yet. Then you take em to "I don't quite get all the right turns that led to the disproportionate amount of wealth at the top - you know, we CAME from there, a long time ago. I'm for a strong middle class."

You don't want to enlighten em on the most recent studies showing the 15 point difference in IQs' between lefties and righties. Ya wanna go there, but ya can't.

Sorry about this - I'll bet your boss knows he's a dick, too.

People are all screaming and crying about Obama. Meanwhile...there's ice caps melting, water rising, temperatures soaring. While these people are whining away, there's a puddle of water lapping at the cuffs of their trousers.

Just wait a few years, and see what kinds of liberties they lose.

Man, talk about priorities.

But I do so because its a matter of survival. These people are totally over the edge tea bagging nut cases when it comes to politics. It's truly a shame, these people are otherwise hard working, extremely smart, its just for some reason the truly bought into the bullshit.

When they asked me who I voted for, I said I voted straight zombie party.

Zombie party they asked?

I said " sure! Steve mcqueen as prez, Keith Moon as VP!"

"Isn't Keith moon from the UK?" Someone asked.

"Yes, but it depends where he becomes a zombie at. If he becomes a zombie in the usa, he should be an American citizen by then."

They leave me alone now.

What's even better is little do they know I was taking my proceeds from a second job and donating it to the Obama campaign and several other of my favorite congress critters.


On edit: I'm in Texas as well

That jack ass's reaction was to be expected. If your bosses try to give you a hard time defend yourself by saying that no one should have to put up with someone screaming at them. Turn your defense into an attack on the bad manners and offensiveness of having someone try to humiliate you personally.

That's my advice since evidently your bosses probably hate President Obama too. Don't get on the defensive. Turn it into an attack on the rudeness of the client. It's not like you'd be making anything up.

Sorry you had to endure this asshattery, hope things are okay!

As soon as he wants to talk politics tell him you have other work to do

and not a wrinkled old white guy. Because you know as well as everyone else that if a white dude passed and did everything Obama has done, they would be just fine. Those people are the bigoted percentile of the populace, they love to hate.

I really am sorry you're in this difficult situation, but I have to wonder why you would discuss politics with a client at all. You say you want to just be left alone and be allowed to do the job you are paid to do, so I assume that engaging in political discussions with clients is not part of your job. It also sounds like this isn't the first time you've had a political discussion with this individual (. . . "as usual, steered the conversation to politics&quot .

The old adage of not discussing politics or religion at the dinner table applies equally well to the workplace. Though it may grate to not speak your mind, it is often better to simply say "I prefer not to discuss politics at work" and then follow through by not discussing it. You are not compromising your principles by not engaging with someone who, as you stated, will not consider alternative ideas - you're simply maintaining the workplace peace that you want.

You shouldn't have to put up with any crap like that at all, but when it happens, staying professional put you in control. They can't report you for being rude, AND -- bonus -- it frustrates and infuriates them when you don't descend to their level. Feel free to be a little patronizing as well -- the grownup in the conversation gets to do that.

But this is dysfunctional behavior. Someone is angry about something, and looks for someone to take it out on who can't (they think) fight back. I think it happens a lot to people in the position of answering a phone for a business.

Your bosses MUST have your back. Whatever anyone's point of view, no one should put up with anyone harassing an employee.

just like a man I had to deal with the day after the election. He was absolutely raving, with an edge to his voice that was really scary. Part of my job is dealing with angry people so I viewed this guy as just another challenge but have to say I was both alarmed and amazed at the extent of his rage. Oh, and though I deal with elevated calls relating to clothing orders, this guy wanted to talk about politics. Incredible. Jackass.

I've never been happier. I was happy just to make the point. They had to hire 3 people to do my job and pay 3 times more. Now.. I am not as well off, but am a hell of alot happier. I don't need a bunch of $$$$ anyway. I'm a simple person more concerned about the important things in life. And the more you make, the more you spend and you have to spend all of your time worrying about maintaining your lifestyle. You can have it.

just start ignoring people like this, don't even engage. Stick to business, if possible in your capacity. One thing about this election is that the mental health of these people has been revealed. You are right to fear violence from incapacitated and irrational haters of our POTUS'S skin color such as these. Their rage is real and dangerous. Be careful. Best place to vent is here. Most understand. Keep up your spirits.

Best off to vent in a safe environment. Work however is not safe one bit.

I speak with a lot of our customers over the phone - I do essentially "call center work" albeit at home these days. My employers strictly prohibit us from engaging in political conversations and urge us to steer the conversation to business affairs. The language I use is something like "I understand your feelings in this matter, however I am here to help with your concerns regarding [insert relevant business related situation here]." If the matter progresses I state that I cannot speak about my employers' stance on xyz political issue, especially if it has not been made public. If raised further, here's the phone number for public relations.

Fortunately so far I have never had to deal with a billing issue over a political campaign where a customer calls in and says that they didn't donate to xyz political campaign. I de-politicize it quickly by likening it to fast food burger joints e.g. "I would feel upset too - like if I knew I visited McDonalds for my lunch, only to be billed by Burger King for it". The only concern I really had was more personal - seeing someone had sent in a donation to such-and-such political campaign, for a candidate that I am personally opposed to. I worry that it does bother my judgment in my work environment which is to be apolitical, and non religious.

and she called me to vent. Hang in there!

This is what they say.... "must be real nice to be liberal. Liberals sure do seem to have all the answers, free healthcare, free obama-phones, welfare, WIC, Medicare and Medicaid, Social security no problems with any of these programs because the people already pay for them it's your money that you put in and the government owes you that, so what if it runs up the debt, lets give more unemployment extensions, lets help all the poor, how about free internet, how about more subsidy for student loans, lets give more grants for education, we need more teachers and more schools and hell they need to be paid more and lets unionize all the city and state workers so they can force taxpayers to pay more for their salaries and pensions, etc, more inner city and youth social programs, more spending to help the homeless, lets help all the people, lets heal the planet lets have government issue carbon taxes and we can just replant the deforested areas, living wage for all, and we will do all this by taxing the rich, those evil rich don't pay their fair share now so by having the government tax them we will make sure they pay, right? and those rich won't find other ways to get the money back that government takes in taxation no they are evil but they know when they are outmatched by the government, they wouldn't dare increase the costs of the goods and services that they own the production of no, those costs will never be filtered down to the middleclass never, they wouldn't dare lay off workers or move jobs overseas to lower their costs and increase their profits, no certainly they will sit right here and eat the tax increase because they also must be taught that this will make us all a nice caring and loving society.

Then this ....

"You really don't have a clue that this country is 16 trillion in debt and the trajectory of the debt due to social spending is going to destroy our currency in the next 10-15 years, complete collapse of the American economy, you live in your liberal talking points that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is what caused the debt but you don't have a clue."

Then they tell me to go to some website usdebtclock or something and say see for yourself what is happening.....

So they pretty much are set in their ways and won't be trying to come together for the greater good anytime soon, I mean as far as supporting any type of social programs go... In fact one of them was spouting off how they think Obama is about to make a hard right turn politically to create some kind of Presidential legacy and that he is going to do exactly what the Republicans want him to do to deal with the debt....

All I said is don't count your chickens you were wrong about the polls too.... LOL

he wouldn't have stopped his rant for that either - would've been to say 'did *I* act like that when W won?'.

That's an excellent response.

"Can you give me one example of guns being taken away?"
"Can you give me one example of christian churches being closed or your religious freedom being taken away?"

...crickets....

asap. Be honest too. Don't try to make yourself look better, or you'll lose credibility.
Most of all, don't take it personal. The man is a bully and coward. Don't be surprised if he lies. That's what bullies do. Hang in there.

I dont know if you are in a situation that you are trapped in. But money isnt the most important thing in the world. Peace of mind is the most important thing in the world. I have walked away from many situations that I did not like being in. I have left money on the table. I have walked away from stress, and you cant buy that feeling. I am poor, I live in poverty. But I am happy and that is all that matters.
Stick it to the man jill.

I have some of those in my family!

I'll call back later when we can discuss whatever-I-called-you-for." Then hang up.

Even clients don't get to use you for a punching bag. Write this up and keep a paper trail. Do not engage this asshole at any time. Keep it 100% business. You don't owe him any explanations for anything that isn't related to business.

Those four rich Republican men are going to find themselves doing their own cooking, cleaning and laundry if they keep unloading on the help like that.

They won't like it, either.

If in any way your employers know that you're a Democrat, then you're safe because if it was such an issue, they would have fired you already. If they didn't tell you how to vote, you're also probably okay.

Some rich white Republicans are very happy with their stock portfolios and realize that they are doing just fine under the leadership of the President.

In fact, for some rich white Republicans, if they are rich enough, who the president is does not matter all that much.

I understand your fears, but not all Republicans are nutcases. Treat them with respect for having a different political point of view, and things will go well.

Sentiments but am concerned your employer will use it against you

We won and it is their problem and they will be left behind if they don't accept the will of the people