The New Catechism of Keeping One's Blood Pressure Low

[jazzfish]

(With apologies to Kieran Healy)

What will I not do?

Argue politics on the internet.

With whom will I not argue politics on the internet?

Those with whom I disagree about consequences, also known as idiots.

Whom else?

Those with whom I disagree about first principles, also known as evil bastards.

And?

Those to whom I am related, on the rare occasion when they do not fall into the previous categories.

In what circumstances may I argue politics?

When I am talking with people I respect and who respect me.

When will these circumstances arise on the internet?

Not at times when I feel an urge to argue politics.

What will I not do?

Argue politics on the internet.

Comments

[plumbob78]

Good plan.

[jazzfish]

Works better when I take my own advice, but in my defense a) he came into my place to say stupid shit, and b) if you're going to say easily-debunked stupid shit I'm going to call you on it and treat you like an imbecile for doing so.

(Facebook drama, nothing worth getting excited over.)

[plumbob78]

There is even more stupid on he internet than usual, lately. Some from people who I otherwise considered to be intelligent and reasonable individuals. It bothers me, despite the fact that I fully expected it. I couldn't even muster sadness when I heard the news on Friday. I could only jump straight to anger against that which I knew was coming. How horrible is that?

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

I've discovered that arguing politics in the office is hard on the blood pressure, too.

[jazzfish]

Ugh, that sounds even more unpleasant. Luckily when I still had an office we were all pretty careful to keep that kind of thing out of the conversation.

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

I try really hard not to take the bait my boss drops. Politics is his favorite past time. He LOVES arguing politics, and will do anything to start that argument. I've never had this happen anywhere else I've worked.

[jazzfish]

And there is of course a limit to how much you can potentially disagree with him out loud, seeing as how he's the boss. Yeesh. My sympathies.

[merseine.livejournal.com]

"Those to whom I am related, on the rare occasion when they do not fall into the previous categories."

Oh my that made me laugh!! Thank you!

[jazzfish]

Happy to provide. :)

[silmaril.livejournal.com]

Amen.