After Hours

Politics and the work place.

Over the years I have come up with a simple set of rules I hope to pass down to my sons.   I learned these rules the hard way starting at age 6 and have kept the best ones.

#1:   Naps Are Good For You.

#2:   The girl you married at recess will marry someone else next week.

#3:   Don't get into a fight with any kid named Briggs, Biff, Or Rusty, you will probably lose.

#4:   As you get older, don't be surprised if your best friends are named Briggs, Biff, or Rusty.

#5:   No matter how fast your car is, you can't outrun the highway patrols CB radio.

#6:   When getting anything repaired, always get a quote first and if the person doing the repairs asks "How much you got?" Walk away.

#7:   If your 6 months pregnant wife ever asks for a towel to dry herself off with after showering, never...NEVER EVER hand her an extra large beach towel no matter how good your intentions are.   This one may save your life!!!

#8:   If you think you look good while dancing, have someone video tape you before going to a party to save yourself embarrassment.

#9:   If your wife says "I'm not laughing AT you...I'm laughing WITH you"  she's lying.

#10:  Your wife will probably wind up being your best friend, treat her right.

#11:  Always hold the TV remote close to your body.

I am now adding a new one:

#12:  NEVER discuss politics at work during an election year!

This week has been a politically charged atmosphere at work.   I am sure everyone's nerves are on end due to two years of campaigning by both parties and the current financial crisis.

Due to my job, I often have to visit MFG plants which are primarily populated by blue collar workers.   The majority of these workers tend to vote for the Democratic party and will not accept any view point which has any hint of conservatism.

During one break, I witnessed a heated discussion from a lone McCain supporter and an Obama supporter.   After a few minutes the Obama supporter slammed down a beefy arm on a table and thundered "I'm talking about the Democrats!"   I'm not sure what led to that outburst but he managed to clear that side of the break room in a hurry.

Most of my co-workers are up north and are scattered about in New York and Boston.  They are  staunch supporters for Kerry, Kennedy and Hillary but otherwise appear to be fairly intelligent :)

Personally, my political beliefs tend to be Republican but I have in fact voted for the Democratic party in cases where I honestly thought the Democratic candidate was better qualified than the Republican choice.

This fact came out during a recent email thread started by the other loan Conservative co-worker in my group.   I mentioned that I had voted for the Democratic party and someone asked would I vote for Obama.  I replied that I simply did not believe Obama had enough experience and did not want to turn the country over to him.   

Boy.  Did that start something.

One co-worker immediately pointed out Palins lack of experience.   I replied that Palin was not running for President.  That bought back a reply mentioning Biden's experience.  I replied back that if Biden was running for President I might be persuaded to vote for him.  Soon the insults began flying concerning the candidates.  I personally did not participate in the name calling, my other conservative co-worker handled that.

Grumpy Old Man!  (McCain)

Odumba!

John "McSame As Bush!"

Clinton Version X!

Palin Has No Experience!

McCain fired rockets out of planes!   Obama fired staples into telephone poles!

And so on and so on.

I for one will be glad when this election is over, I feel as if I have heard enough over the last two years and am ready for this to be over with and maybe we can all get back to work.

How is the current election affecting your job?