What would you have done?

Question

In the company of 6 non-American colleagues dining last night the conversation turned to politics. Whilst to a man and woman they were in awe of the USA and our achievements, they were very very critical of the President. I wasn't sure what to think or do... except quietly agree.

edit.. not THINK or DO.. but SAY or DO

Boston Mark... Me too, but they are bringing a lot of money to my business.. that normally has a quietening effect on me.

Drew Blood.... You know very well that to have argued in favor of Bush's policies would have left me with arsenic in my gut. I would have been prepared to lose money if they had attcked America.

Answer 1

I'm in business and I've had the same thing happen to me. You can't put your own 2 cents worth in cause you might lose your customers. You did the right thing. I've had to bite my lip on several occasions but there are those few whom I've thrown out of my business for what they've said. I don't need their business that bad. Knowing is half the battle. I had this one guy come in my business who was putting down a certain religion. I wasn't of that religion but I don't like people talk the way he was so I ejected him from my business and told him never come back.

You have to weigh out all of the issues and make a rational choice.

Answer 2

Assuming that they were being critical of President Bush due to the situation in Iraq - I would defend our president. I came across some old newspaper articles while cleaning out my office yesterday - they were on the war. One picture showed the Iraqi people dancing & cheering while the statue of Saddam was being taken down, another showed the people cheering on our troops as they entered a city many were trying to hug our troops. You must look at both sides - not just media, talk to our troops. President Bush is doing what he was elected to do.

Answer 3

Sounds like just another day on planet earth, my friend. the only place in the world that I have been where this administration and it's policies have fans, was being unfortunate enough to find myself standing in the middle of aryan skinheads on a tube in Austria.
They like George W Bush, but the REALLY like Dick Cheney...remember what Cheney called Nelson Mandela?

Answer 4

So foreigners from another country were critical of our president, and instead of insisting that they change the subject to something less offensive you just hung your head and quietly agreed? Here's the deal............as much as I disliked Bill Clinton, he was STILL the leader of our country. And like him or not I would have been DAMNED to sit at dinner with foreigners who felt the need to bad mouth the president of MY country. You disappoint me.

Answer 5

Well, you certainly couldn't have defended the President if you don't believe in what he's doing. But, yes, probably best not to get too passionate will collegues on political issues. You did good.

Answer 6

I think that Abe Lincoln said it best - "Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool - than to open it and remove all doubt!"

Evidently they had their reasons why they were critical of the Idiot we have in the Oval Office!

Answer 7

I would have debated any points I disagreed with them about, and agreed where I felt they were right...

Answer 8

Hey everyone is entitled to their own opinions is the way I would see it.

Answer 9

I find it hard to believe you were quiet! Did you have a moment of clarity?

Answer 10

If I were you, I would count myself lucky to have colleagues who are educated.