Do I Tell My Wife That I Might Be A "Little Marxist Puke?"

Roger Fallihee

Location: Seattle, Washington,
Birthday: September 29

Title: Writer/Producer
Company: Falling To Grace

Bio: Father, husband, project manager, screenwriter, blogger, and cancer survivor. Life is good

MY RECENT COMMENTS

Roger Fallihee's Links

New list: Traveling Boy; Falling To Grace

« Back to Posts

NOVEMBER 6, 2009 2:45PM

Rate: 31 Flag

Joe Flanagan, who I don't know and don't care to know, recently called me a "little Marxist puke," a "POS," and a "pee brain."

Mr. Flanagan obviously doesn't know me.

First of all, "Duck Soup" is the only Groucho Marx movie that I've ever seen, so I'm hardly what you'd call a Marxist (or a puke for that matter). Secondly, being called a POS (Point Of Sale??) doesn't make any sense at all. And finally, if I had urine on my brain, I probably wouldn't be sitting here typing, now would I?

So what gives, Joe Flanagan?

* * * *

Following is a pared down transcript from a recent Facebook exchange.

Kirby Wilbur (well known Seattle based conservative talk show host and former high school classmate and friend).

"An amazing event last night. Thousands of you came to the Tea Party Express rally in Puyallup. An incredible, amazing event. The Fire Marshall threatened to shut it down, too many people in the Exhibition Hall. WE will take our country back."

Roger Fallihee

"You can't "take your country back" without persuading millions of people, like me, to vote differently in 2010 and beyond... so quit complaining and start persuading."

Kirby Wilbur

"Roger, the President is helping us persuade a lot of people, we thank him for that. Hopenchange isn't working out so well...must be Bush's fault..."

Here comes the good part.

Joe Flanagan

"Roger little marxist pukes like you and obozo want to turn this great country of ours into some third world crap nation. This country I fought for this country my father fought for in WWII and was awarded a purple heart this country my uncle died for in WWII and this country my son is serving for right now. We all served so little POS like you have the right to say whatever comes out of those little pee brain of yours. And hell yes the movement has started and we will take this country back."

* * * *

Okay, I reread this three or four times and I think that I finally figured out what Joe was trying to say. He meant "Marxist" as in believing in the political philosophy of Karl Marx. "POS" means "piece of shit," and he probably meant "pea brain," which, ironically, indicates a lack of the necessary brain power to know the difference between "pee" and "pea," but I digress.

* * * *

Am I a "little Marxist puke?" The lovely Mrs. Fallihee isn't going to be very happy if this turns out to be true. Should I tell her? If I don't, she'll figure it out. Just this morning she asked me to make breakfast, because I make better eggs than she does, and I replied, "From each, according to his abilities. To each according to her needs." She gave me that look like she knew something bad was up.

I've got a potential firestorm on my hands and I'm not sure if there's anything I can do about it. I don't even know how the hell it happened. Somehow, apparently oblivious to the insidious influences that surrounded me, I became brainwashed. Was it hearing those kids singing that dang "Obama song?" Did it happen when Obama called for more volunteerism? Was it Glenn Beck's skillful use of his chalk board?

I don't know, but this isn't good news. This will affect my job, my friendships, and most importantly, my family.

Am I going to start selling products at cost? Am I going to start carrying Chairman Mao's Red Book in my back pocket? Am I going to advocate the rounding up and killing of political dissidents? Will I start guzzling cheap vodka? If any of those things happen, I'm screwed big time.

Mrs. Fallihee thought I was, at worst, a progressive Democrat.

She never would have said "I do" to a "little Marxist puke."

* * * *

Kirby Wilbur is a popular, conservative, talk radio host (KVI570) in my home town of Seattle, Washington. He's done very well for himself, building up a large and loyal following of independents, mainstream conservatives and the "birther, tea party, Obama's a scary socialist from Kenya," members of his party.

Kirby on the far right (pun intended), hobnobbing with Newt Gingrich.

I went to Queen Anne High School, in Seattle, with Kirby. We both belonged to Young Americans for Freedom (YAF). Kirby was a true believer (he had a picture of Spiro Agnew on his bedroom wall, I kid you not), whereas I was just looking for friends that my mother would approve of. She didn't care too much for my hippie, pothead buddies.

Eventually (pretty quickly I think) I lost interest in the Yaffers and migrated back to both my pot smoking pals and the smoking of pot. Less focused but more fun. Sorry mom.

* * * *

In the interest of fair and balanced reporting I must point out that two people came to my defense on the thread. One, Wally Nash, I don't know, and the other, Kirk Fechter, was also a classmate and is a friend.

Kirk is a career Army officer who served in the first Gulf War, fought for our country, supports conservatives, but is a thinker, reader, and philosopher, who understands the concept that you can be a liberal Democrat and still be a loyal American. Kirk is a nice guy and I appreciated both him and Wally sticking up for me.

The rest of the thread:

Wally Nash

Let's not have name calling now. That is their game, and Roger has been polite so far. There always should be "loyal opposition" to any viewpoint. Keeps people on their toes or supposed to. What really surprises me is that many, like Roger, seem to actually believe what they say. Do they see what we see? Do they hear what we hear? If so, how can they believe what they believe?

Just a thought

Roger Fallihee

Joe, to question Kirby makes me a "little Marxist puke?" It took 56 years on this planet to finally be accused of being a "Marxist puke."

Wally, I didn't actually say anything about what I believe other than to say that if you're going to "take out country back" you need to make me and others believe that you have a plan that is more than just "No to everything that is Obama."

Thank you for your civility.

Kirk Fechter (friend, patriot, former QAHS classmate)

Roger, I am upset Joe called called you a Marxist puke. I am happy to see you on Facebook after all these years. I respect and value your perspective.. that is what free speech is all about for me. Joe doesn't know that you are compassionate and caring. Your ideas should be considered. Just like I am always very happy to hear what Kirby has to say... Read More...another friend I have known for years. I hope to see more of your comments to Kirby. I assume Kirby loves the challenge of discussing your ideas and thoughts and trying to persuade you respectfully.

Roger Fallihee

Thanks Kirk, I appreciate the comment very much. I'm not a conservative, as you know, but I like and respect Kirby and will always listen to his and others opinions. Thanks again for your kind words. RF

* * * *

Yes Kirby Wilbur, it is George W. Bush's fault.

That doesn't mean that President Obama is making all the right decisions, but it does mean that he walked into a perfect shitstorm of problems left to him by the very people that you support. The idea of giving control of the government back to those people makes me sick to my stomach.

Do you want to "take our country back," so you can finish the job that Bush started? Are you one of those folks who brags about how Bush kept us safe since 9/12/2001 while ignoring what he didn't do on 9/10/2001 and before?

Do you think that branding President Obama as a socialist, Marxist, pal of terrorists, makes me and others pine for the good old days of Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld?

I have voted for Republicans in the past. I even voted for the most overrated President in modern times, your beloved Ronald Reagan. I could vote for a Republican again, but not if the only rationale is that Obama sucks.

What have you got to offer other than more of what got us here in the first place? Obama listened to an "evil preacher?" Obama knows William Ayers? Obama's dad is Kenyan?

If you want to give me good alternatives to the mess that we're in, I'll listen, but if anti-Obama rhetoric is all that you've got, count me out.

Joe Flanagan, visciously attacking me for questioning Mr. Wilbur is Marxism at it's best. I'll stop short of calling you a "puke," or a "pee brain," or a "piece of shit," because even though it seems like you are those things, I really don't know you.

What do you say we keep it that way.

Author tags:

facebook, kirby wilbur, intolerance of conservatives

Your tags:

TIP:

Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!

Comments

Post a comment

Isn't Facebook fun? Now that Marxist remark is the craziest thing I ever heard. ~R~

Chuck A. Stetson

November 06, 2009 03:05 PM

"Marxist puke, pee brain, piece of shit, then so be it."

See, the thing is, I don't know whether or not you are any of those things, even though I strongly doubt that you are. I don't know, because I don't know you. That is the problem I have will all the name-calling that goes on with both sides...Liberal and Conservative. I will listen to what any man has to say right up until he starts calling others by vile names and labels, then I shut it down.

This country will never accomplish anything by name-calling. Oh and btw....I love ALL the Marx brother's movies so I guess that makes me even more of a "Marxist" than you are.

Rated.

Torman

November 06, 2009 03:09 PM

Yes Chuck, Facebook is "fun."

Torman, it's the name calling that bugs me too. I'll discuss anything with anyone but as soon as it becomes a pissing contest, I'm gone.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 03:17 PM

Roger, your responses to outrageous statements were measured and civil. Good for you! A lot of people (on both sides) need to revisit their lessons from kindergarten.

AtHomePilgrim

November 06, 2009 03:24 PM

Roger, you have given this person who called you names way too much ink. When a person resorts to name-calling, that is living proof they don't have a clue why they believe what they believe. That should end the discussion. One cannot argue or reason with fools.

You're a liberal. I'm a conservative. Big deal. We're both Americans and can probably agree on something, if only to agree to disagree. I believe folks are spending entirely too much time fixing blame and not early enough time fixing problems.

Rated

Harvey Gardner

November 06, 2009 03:36 PM

Well, it's good to know that I am in good company in the Marxist, Pea (pee) Brain, POS corner! I was beginning to think I was all alone.

Frankly, I would rather be a Marxist, Pea (pee) Brain, POS, than a hate spewing war monger any day. I want to throw my lot in with people who think, question - even if they disagree with me (GASP!) than someone who spouts jibberish, just because he can.

Glad to have you!

dvorasnell

November 06, 2009 03:39 PM

Roger,
I think this line may come in handy. One day, Florence Kennedy was confronted by a not-very-enlightened male who asked her, "Are you a lesbian?"
Without skipping a beat, she replied, "Are you my alternative?"

See? When you get asked if you're a Marxist puke, simply ask, "Are you the alternative?"

fingerlakeswanderer

November 06, 2009 03:41 PM

Way to take the high ground Roger. I, too, like to hear the other side of things, if it does nothing more than sharpen my own viewpoint -- occasionally I actually do reconsider something.

As for people who attack, just having gone through one of these myself, I don't even pick up the bait. That's my take on it, not that it is any less insulting.

I love how you broke down his words though...too comical. ~R

Kate Bishop

November 06, 2009 03:41 PM

That kind of crap is why I simply have disengaged from getting into too many political discussions. Maybe it is my age talking, but it just *feels* so much more vitriolic and hate filled, and that is not my bag. Good to see some reasonable righties, you lily-livered liberal loon, you.

And I say that with the deepest of respect. :)

Gwool

November 06, 2009 03:42 PM

AtHome, thanks. I try to be civil, even to people that don't deserve it.

Harvey, I can always get to the place where we agree to disagree, and remain friends. Not sure about Joe. I'm not trying to give him "ink" as much as the situation "ink"

Dvorasnell, Thanks. Yeah, I try to keep my hate spewing to myself.

Thanks all.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 03:43 PM

Great one, Fingerlakes. I love that comeback.

Thanks Kate. I certainly don't always take the high ground but I try.

Gwool, I avoid more and more of this stuff too. Sometimes it just happens.

Thanks.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 03:45 PM

That Joe fella is probably a spineless punk in person. It's pretty easy to shoot off your mouth online when you don't think there is a chance of meeting the person in real life.

RicTresa

November 06, 2009 03:47 PM

Very true Rick.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 03:48 PM

This Joe Flanagan is really into bodily excretions, isn't he? To call you a puke, piece of shit and a pee brain all in one paragraph - that's a real trifecta!

Jeanette DeMain

November 06, 2009 03:54 PM

Haha, Jeanette. I didn't think of that. Thanks.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 03:57 PM

Did you get a reply? Or is he still trying to translate his teeth-gnashing and flag-waving into word form? Your maturity is commendable.

Cocoalfresco

November 06, 2009 04:06 PM

No reply Cocoalfresco. I'm not too surprised though. Thanks.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 04:19 PM

Very, very gently. With cake.

Deborah Young

November 06, 2009 04:23 PM

Yeah Deb, cake is a good idea! Thanks.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 04:27 PM

Roger, you are, as always, lofty and well-reasoned, and SO not a Marxist Puke. Just sayin'.

aging hippie chick

November 06, 2009 04:41 PM

Plus, I just posted a bit o' fiction, if you're interested. The first of a serial of unknown length.

aging hippie chick

November 06, 2009 04:42 PM

Hmmm.. Seems like you had your share dealing with name calling, and ignorance. I lived a cyber drama just reading how a similarly intelligent and articulate post (link below) on OS was turned into a bigger battle field than yours by the resident Vitriarch J.K, the patron saint of vitriole and ignorance. Take a look, if you wish.

http://open.salon.com/blog/nanatehay/2009/11/05/the_idiot_bastard_child_faces_of_modern_conservatism

Rated

FusunA

November 06, 2009 04:54 PM

I love this title!!!!!!!!!!!

Kathy Knechtges

November 06, 2009 04:56 PM

#1 - Do not resort to cheap Vodka!
#2 - I went to Sacred Heart in Belleview!
#3 - Facebook is the surest and fastest way to get called a "Marxist Puke!" I would tread carefully on FB. Or, "Facebook Lite" as I have come to view it with caution and infrequently so.
#4 - Tdoay's definitions of liberal and conservative or so far off from what they were 30-40 years ago. Redefined to suit the efforts of the politician/party of the month club. Or the year, decade...whatever. I do not trust any definitions pertaining to government or politics any longer. It's all a lie.
#5 - I guess I am a liberal conservative or a conservative liberal. Take your pick. Or I am nothing.
#6 - This name calling individual is nobody to you. Both sides of the political arena are given to name calling when pressed, but it does nothing but make things worse for the whole lot of us. Far lefties and far righties are equally to blame for this divisive, ignorant behavior. They need one strict Dominican Nun to set them in a corner and let 'em have it with a ruler, stick gum on their noses for the rest of the period or have them write, "You are NOT a Marxist puke," 1000 times on the chalk board!

Just Cathy

November 06, 2009 05:01 PM

Roger, there isn't one sentence in your post I didn't love. I got in a small thing on Facebook this morning and then backed off when the responses that came back were condescending and dismissive. Who needs that! I do enough of that in my own internal dialogue! Love the new picture...your newfound conscious and present living (I hate the word "sober") is working for you. Highly rated.

marytkelly

November 06, 2009 05:06 PM

Roger, glad to know others get attacked on F.B. too! Seriously, I'm sorry you had to be subjected to such ignorance. I'm taking Cathy's "Facebook Lite" approach lately. Too many people like Joe out there. It's too bad people can't have a good debate without going off the deep end.

donnastreet

November 06, 2009 05:41 PM

Thanks agingHippie, and I will read your post.

FusanA, I have seen that post. Very good.

Thanks Kathy with a "K"

Cathy with a C, I didn't really get upset with Joe. I thought it showed how lame he is. No vodka for me. Most of what I use Facebook for is to stay in touch with relatives, and to cross-post my blog. It's an interesting and weird site, but so far I like it better than Twitter.

MaryT, you always have the nicest things to say about my posts, and I always appreciate it.

Donna, I think some of those folks go off the deep end because they are so angry. Their party fucked everything up, but they refuse to admit it, so they blame Obama.

Thanks all!!

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 06:28 PM

Well, you could go back and call him a POF (the F is the important part here), but personally, I would defriend this person. You are not going to change his way of thinking any more than he is going to change yours. I have been called worse by far worse people. And I can promise you, none of them is a "friend" of mine, virtually, or in reality. How do you think I keep my girlish looks? ;)

O'Really?

November 06, 2009 06:53 PM

O'Really, he isn't a "friend" on FB but he commented on another friend's post. My guess is that he might not have a lot of friends. Thanks.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 06:59 PM

Hey Rog, one more pass.
I too, use FB like you do, mostly for my kids, family and friends and occasionally for posts.
You will come to learn that much of what I comment is in jest, unless a very serious subject and I'll get real. My sister is a brown noser. I tend to be a know-it-all! Just a little more joshin'!!!

Just Cathy

November 06, 2009 07:12 PM

Read and rated 'cos it's you Roger, but I have to say, I hate this shit!

Kellylark

November 06, 2009 07:24 PM

Cathy, both you and your sister are great. Both very different and both great.

Kelly, you hate this type of post, or this subject, or the way I presented it, or what? Just curious.

Thanks to both of you!

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 07:27 PM

It could be worse. He could be a member of your family.

Umbrellakinesis

November 06, 2009 08:13 PM

Good point UK. (I hope that he isn't)
Thanks.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 08:37 PM

Points Of Sale like you sicken me you Groucho loving maggot I didn't briefly consider going in the Navy right after high school for the signing bonus and a college education then back out 'cause they wanted to put me on a sub just so poopy butts like you could dis this great nation you pink o or maybe fuchsia o Harpo hugging endocast daguerrotype wainscotting yodeller

nanatehay

November 06, 2009 08:51 PM

Well. we "Marxist Pukes" have got your back, Roger. =o)

Shiral

November 06, 2009 09:45 PM

I like to think it's reading my blog that turned you into a Marxist puke, Roger. Although, in all fairness, it might have been the fifth of Scotch that you drank beforehand that led to the "puke" part.

Floyd Elliot

November 06, 2009 10:32 PM

nanatehay, I knew I could count on your empathy.

Thank you shiral.

Floyd, your blog is responsible for so many changes in my life, not all good ones though:)

Thanks all.

Roger Fallihee

November 06, 2009 11:44 PM

poor man is too fat to fuck. no wonder he lives in his dreams.

Ben Sen

November 07, 2009 12:54 AM

I think I might resemble these remarks! xox

Robin Sneed

November 07, 2009 01:12 AM

rounding people up to kill them has no more to do with marxism than torturing people has to do with democracy.

but generally, a good post.

except, i cant stand what an incredibly ignorant country we have become. i am no longer scared of those people who talk about taking our country back.

but i WOULD round them up and....

jane smithie redux

November 07, 2009 08:46 AM

Don't you just love it when friends of friends on Facebook decide to attack you? You handled it with dignity and respect. If that makes you a Marxist puke, then sign me up too. Well done, Roger!

Lisa Kern

November 07, 2009 09:05 AM

Ben, yes he is a big fellow.

Thanks Robin!

Jane, you are right. I made the leap from Marxism to Lenin/Stalinism and that's not correct. Thanks for pointing that out.

Thanks all.

Roger Fallihee

November 07, 2009 10:56 AM

I'm waiting for Mrs. Fallihee to join OS and write a blog titled "The Heartbreak of Being Married to a Marxist Puke - One Woman's Story".

Or is "Mrs. Fallihee" just a front for your Marxist, POS, pee-brained organization?

Jeanette DeMain

November 07, 2009 11:05 AM

One of my standard rules of Mike is to never have a battle of wits with an unarmed person. I had many a good chuckle from the chuckle heads. Just when did electing a new President the way we've done for the last 230 years become so unpopular? I flies in the face of logic that these who haven't read the Constitution past the second amendment feel free to lambaste a man that was elected by the rules laid down in that very document. You lost, dude. Show some grace and dignity.
I want my country back too, but I want it back from corporations. I sure don't want control to fall back in the hands of those who nearly destroy it.
I had some vicious attacks on a recent post about Carrie Prejean that I did. One dude was over the top irate, though it sounded like he didn't even read the article. He accused me of being a journalist, too! As if. Another guy joined OS just so he could reply to my mailbox and insult me. Now that's power. I just hope they stick around awhile. Maybe they can learn some new insults.

Great Post, Roger. Hope you can find a cure for PeeBrain. I've searched the internet. Not much out there on the subject.

Michael Rodgers

November 07, 2009 11:18 AM

Lisa, I think this was a first for me on FB, but I don't think that Joe has both oars in the water.

Jeanette, I will show her your comment and she may just do that... but I fear that could open the floodgates of all long-suffering Fallihee wives.

Michael, what you said is on the money. Suddenly, to them, elections don't mean anything? My point to Kirby was, "sure, go ahead and take it back... you do that by winning elections, not smearing the current president.

Thanks all!

Roger Fallihee

November 07, 2009 11:39 AM

My quiet Dan man ran into something like this on Facebook too, from a local Country Councilman who told him how sorry he was for him over his support of reproductive choice. What a condescending bunch of intolerant prigs.

Dan had an ERA sticker on his VW Rabbit during the 70's and someone took it off his car. I don't think that these people think that anyone has a right to their opinion other than themselves. Dan had a new sticker on the car before the end of the day.

My condolences to Mrs. Falihee. It can't be easy being married to Marxist, but I am wondering, are you also a Stoogist?

Dr. Susanne Freeborn

November 07, 2009 11:56 AM

The marx brothers, yay!
They make me giggle too, rog,
puke is hard to clean

Sandy Bottom

November 07, 2009 12:26 PM

Wait.... someone stole our country?
I bet it was that damned David Copperfield. He keeps making bigger and bigger things disappear!

apache savage

November 07, 2009 02:33 PM

Susanne, I am a Stoogist, as long as it isn't a "Shemp."

Thanks Sandy.

Apache, I never thought about Copperfield. He did make the Statue of Liberty disappear once. Hmmm.

Thanks all.

Roger Fallihee

November 07, 2009 02:42 PM

Sorry Roger, to clarify - I hate the behaviours and the attitudes, theirs, not yours, you remained so calm, that made this post possible!

Kellylark

November 07, 2009 04:57 PM

It's okay, being a Marxist Puke is actually quite fun, the parties are the best!!! Little red drinks and readings of grand poetry about the workers' rights to a fair wage so their family can live without resorting to robbing banks and such.

:)