are you disappointed by longtime friends or family members

While not exactly friends/family members, I am surrounded by deep red people on a daily basis. I've always given thanks that my own family members are largely rational, sane people who have been a constructive part of my life. When I leave the metaphorical house, though...

One of my housemates is a Limbaugh listener and neocon who is going into police service, and mentioned out loud that police academy was awesome, because now he'd "be able to walk around all day packing heat." His brother is ex-military and just signed up for a second term, and while discussing the cultural ramifications of why someone would think throwing a shoe at President Bush was an insult, said "Of course they think feet are dirty, that's cause they never wash 'em."

One particular day at work an old fart took me aside and started talking about how 50 or 60 years ago the area we were standing on was nothing more than tall grass and fields. "You could pay a darkie a quarter to lay her down in the field," he whispered conspiratorially. I don't think he recognized shocked abhorrence when he saw it, but I cut the conversation short anyways.

Frankly it's always bothered me that I don't call people out on their shit more often, but I try not to burn bridges if I can help it. It's kept me in a job, at least, and my housemate is still paying his rent, so if they're of some use to me while they're breathing, fine. Otherwise, fuck 'em.

Jam it back in, in the dark.