How to Ask a Conservative Friend a Question Without Starting an Arguement?

[fjp999]

I am an Independant Liberal and only have one Conservative friend around here. Whenever I ask a question she gets very upset and just yells that I hate Republicans and stops the conversation.

I try to explain that I am really an Independant and dont support either the Dems or Repubs and vote independant whenever I can - voted for Perot and then Ralph Nader.

Did I ask my question wrong or impolitely?

Me: I just learned that 7 of the 9 Supreme Court judges were put on the bench by Republican presidents and still the conservatives are complaining that judgements are not coming down their way. The current nominee is getting a lot of flack for being an unknown by the conservatives as they dont want someone who will "turn".

I wondered if once Judges who are conservative got on the bench realized that they couldnt decide on the conservative side after a study of the law or the constitution. That is what makes them "turn".

Friend: Its all politics.

Me: I dont understand that. What do you mean?

Friend: You just hate republicans, I know that.

Me: No, I am really trying to understand the conservative agenda and how they are so disappointed with the rulings of 7 out of 9 appointments.

Friend: ttyl

Was I rude or does my friend have a difficulty explaining herself? Is it like a religious belief? "Gods Will Be Done" meaning no explanation is possible.

Any kind of answer to my problem would be greatly appreciated. I truly want to understand conservatism.

If you wanna try to answer my original question and help me understand the 'turning judges" I would be really appreciative.

frank

[freeplease]

The only way to avoid an argument with these friends is to avoid politics. Plain and simple. Some folks just can't handle a differing opinion. Remember the adage, never discuss religion or politics.

Find other things to talk about, or settle yourself in for fight after fight.

[Bliss]

I would avoid chit-chatting about politics. Like Freeplease said, "Some folks just can't handle a differing opinion." A lot of people take politics to personal - they get their bloomers in a bunch when your view doesn't match theirs.

[tngirl]

This has nothing to do with the fact that your friend is a conservative. It has to do with the fact that your "friend" is not very good at discussing politics. To be honest, if you were to ask me the same question, and I am conservative, I wouldn't be able to answer the question without checking the facts on the judges in question.

Most of the SC was appointed when I did not really have much interest in politics (back when I was a bit younger). Just earlier I was discussing how it seems like the Democrats and Republicans used to have so much in common and has only recently that the differences have become more apparent to me.....one so far to the right and the other so far to the left, that there is barely any similiarity between the two.

[fjp999]

I think youre all right. but I just think that it is really strange that intelligent folk cant speak of their convictions intelligently without getting upset.

My friend is highly educated and can speak and argue well on many subjects but it just bugs the hell out of her that I just dont get it immediatly! Strange.

tngirl, I so agree with you. but not about her inability to discuss politics. I am starting to think that she just hates the fact that her good friend just doesnt get it so gives up in frustration. I may be asking this question because like you I came to politics later and was living in Japan for the past ten years when these folks were put on the bench... now all I do is watch C-SPAN especially Washington Journal. Three uninterupted hours of political debate and discussion from all sides - Bliss!

So I am not sure about your thinking that they were so close to each other. If you listen to the discussions about early debates there were shots fired and full out duels back in the days and there always has been. I guess that with Clinton being so loved and hated that would be the beginning of our latest political incarnation and it is just fair that the sides have the same feelings for the current administration.

thanks for the good debate
frank

[tngirl]

The only way to avoid an argument with these friends is to avoid politics. Plain and simple. Some folks just can't handle a differing opinion. Remember the adage, never discuss religion or politics.

Find other things to talk about, or settle yourself in for fight after fight.

I have to agree with this statement. I can't understand it...but agree. I have always liked discussing differing opinions on politics and religion. Unfortunately there are people that cannot see beyond their own beliefs. Such as admitting when they are wrong or when possibly someone else's statements are actually correct. There is a lot of people out there that can't admit when they are wrong

I am an intelligent person also, but at times I find it difficult to find the correct words to get my point across. I also do not "bother" myself to remember "itty bitty" details that some people like to nit pick. I guess in some ways you could say...I just don't care. But actually I do care and I believe what I believe and feel how I feel, just can't explain it to anyone. I know there are others out there just like me, the difference being that they get "frustrated" and "flustered" when put on the spot.