I agree! I saw my dad physically fight someone 1 when i was a kid thanksgiving day because of a foot ball game. There's never any thing on tv or a topic more important than the person next to you. Unless you are next to a negative creep. I'm in love this thanxgiving! I've newly moved from Phoenix to Spokane Washington and I'm riding with my brother and his wife up north Idaho to see bald eagles near a salmon dying place where lots of eagles nest. It will be lots of fun. Have the best thanxgiving ever everyone!

I don't think there's any reason to get belligerent about it and turn the gathering into a pissing contest, but I also feel that silence equals assent. Even in discussions of divisive topics online, I tell people that I consider it a sign of respect to speak openly and honestly about issues. The purpose is not to flip people per se, but to offer a rationale for holding the views you do. You never know who might be sitting on the fence and too timid themselves to weigh in for fear of dealing with the backlash.

I do not mind talking about politics or anyone else for that matter. What I do mind is someone telling me what to do. Religions do that too.

Part of me doesn't want to let them off the hook.

This has been a rule in our family gatherings forever. And it works. We are a happy family, though we do not always agree politically or religiously. We find other things to talk and laugh about.

You've gotta love Bill Maher.

I used to like bill Maher but after what he said about stan lee he can go fuck himself

I'm the only liberal at the table this year. I plan to keep it zipped.

Man, I really hate bill Maher. I won't be bringing up politics this year, but if someone else dies, I won't give silent assent. Not going to happen.

Love, love Bill Maher! Saw him in Denver a few years back, what a hoot!

Me to stepdad (who loves my mom but is a fucking Trumper): Please peel the potatoes in the morning because Mom's arthritis.
Him: I don't peel potatoes, never peeled potatoes, will never peel potatoes.
Me: Weren't you ever in the military?
Him: Nope.
Me: Bone spurs?
LOL Sorry Not Sorry.

Saw a cartoon meme that said "I saved a ton of money this christmas by talking politics at thanksgiving dinner". I, as the only liberal in my family considered this but chickened out.

Just stayed home this year and enjoyed the day with the kids. Not interested in political drama with the family!

What's good for the goose;
Good for the...pass the gravy

Watch Maher's Religulous ahead of time and use keywords from the film to make a game of "Religulous bingo". So when people ask you whether or not you are having a good time and/or trigger one of the keywords, you can then, with a smile, say "bingo" .

No that is what religion wants you to sit down and shut up. While they push their crap onto you you are to just shut up and sit down. I have done it enough. Religion is the world accepted mental illness.