So true... [View all]

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My wife and I went to the grocery store last evening just before sundown and saw an older couple, I'd say they were in their late 80's, struggling to get their groceries loaded into their car, so I told my wife to go on in, I'd catch up, and I went over to help them.

I offered my assistance, they kindly accepted. We chatted about the lovely weather and I finished the task.

As I closed the back hatch on their SUV I was greeted with a "Trump 2024" sticker.

The husband noticed me pause, looking at the sticker, he smiled and asked if I was a supporter.

Without inflection I said, no I wasn't. In an instant he got visibly angry and responded: "Well I wish you hadn't helped us, now I've had filthy lib hands all over my groceries."

His wife called his name and asked him to get in the car saying, "come on, he's not worth it."

He points at my Navy ball cap and says, as he's getting into his automobile, "I bet you didn't even serve, you piece of shit!"

I responded - "I did serve and I wish you both well."

He yells, "Fuck off," as he slammed his door.

That's where we are folks. I was shocked at the transportation.

The one thing I feel good about, and something I'd like you to get from my experience (during this encounter and prior ones), is that there is tremendous power in not returning their hate and vitriol.

Leave them being the only bad person in the interaction instead of giving them anything they can use to justify their hatred of us.

Model the right behavior. It's hard, sure, but it's great for your mental health (later as you reflect on the event), and there's another benefit . . .

The kinder you are, (the more you maintain control) the angrier they get. Maybe that dichotomy will help them see who they used to be and what they have become.

Bottom line - Hatred never defeats hatred, it only justifies more hate.

#DemVoices