Author Topic: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?  (Read 170482 times)

Maenad

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Like many here, I have extended family with a wide variety of political opinions. This may cause some problems soon (again, I'm sure this is true for many).

Here's the situation: DH and I want to expand our garage to add in some shop space and increase resale value in the future. I have a family member who works in construction, does good quality work, and always gives us the friends-and-family rate.

However, he's a die-hard Trump supporter, and I... am not. I'm someone who takes a very grim view towards those who entered the Capitol last week, while I suspect my family member supports it. I'm angry enough to not give him my business if my suspicion is confirmed.

Second however, when I talk with other family members who are more familiar with the construction companies in the area, they claim that all of those guys are the same, so unless we want to do all of the work ourselves (which we are physically incapable of doing), we'll need to hire someone with political views that, IMO, have crossed from "Yeah, we disagree but let's just get the work done" to "You're supporting seditionists. Why should I even talk to you, much less hire you?"

Other family that has worked with the Trump-supporter have said that they've agreed to not listen to the radio or discuss politics during projects, so pleasant work atmosphere can be achieved, I'm just... stymied and unsure of what's ethical to do here and fits my morals.

Do I try to find another contractor whose politics aren't abhorrent to me? How could I even do this? Have a conversation with the Trump-supporter that acknowledges that we'll never agree so let's not talk about it? I would love to hear your ideas/input/opinions, etc.

habanero

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2021, 04:07:28 PM »
I hope you realize how completely fucked-up this is given you even have to ask this question?

Expansion of a garage becoming a political issue. What's next?

solon

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2021, 04:14:48 PM »
If my uncle was good at building garages, I'd hire him. If not, I'd hire someone else. What he thinks of Trump isn't a factor in the equation.

habanero

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2021, 04:17:28 PM »
If my uncle was good at building garages, I'd hire him. If not, I'd hire someone else. What he thinks of Trump isn't a factor in the equation.

I've hired a few contractors. They do their work, we discuss whatever is relevant to the work they're doing for me. Apart from that I don't talk to them. I think they prefer it that way, after all they're busy people. I certainly do - I pay them to build stuff, not discuss issues with me.

What they vote? Don't care. But then again over here noone knows what the judges on the supreme court votes and noone cares.

Zikoris

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2021, 04:19:56 PM »
Maybe you should postpone the garage expansion and put some of that money into therapy? It sounds like you have some serious issues hindering you from doing day-to-day things that a mentally-well person would not be struggling with to this degree.

CodingHare

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2021, 04:33:05 PM »
I mean, my issue with hiring family is that if a bad job gets done it causes internal stink as opposed to a clean fire and move on experience, but maybe the friends and family rate is worth it.  But to the question:

We can't control what our family believes.  They can't control what we believe.  Where you draw the line on cutting people off is deeply personal.  Uncle who says racist stuff? Cut off.  FIL who is a die hard Trump supporter but is able to not force politics into every conversation? We coexist.  Sometimes you can influence them by living your values.  Sometimes you can't.

Mustache ride

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2021, 04:45:46 PM »
Maybe you should postpone the garage expansion and put some of that money into therapy? It sounds like you have some serious issues hindering you from doing day-to-day things that a mentally-well person would not be struggling with to this degree.

+1

Cranky

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2021, 04:58:39 PM »
So, my next door neighbors house caught on fire last summer, and there were workmen over there for 5 months repairing and remodeling it.

None of them wore masks and I had to listen to them discussing politics for that whole time, and I promise you that I wouldn’t hire any of them to change a lightbulb.

MudPuppy

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #8 on: January 12, 2021, 05:04:23 PM »
I try to vote in whatever ways are practical, and voting doesn’t end at the polls. You can vote with your money, your feet, and your online click$. This would count as voting with your money, IMO.

Only you can decide if it’s going to be worth the extra time and money to try and find a contractor more in line with your values.

Edit: OP, for the record, it is not at all ridiculous to avoid knowingly supporting or consorting with seditionists.
« Last Edit: January 12, 2021, 05:30:53 PM by MudPuppy »

American GenX

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #9 on: January 12, 2021, 05:04:53 PM »
I've dealt with many service providers, support people, etc. over the years at home and work.  Never once, has politics been a consideration.  Ridiculous.

Zikoris

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #10 on: January 12, 2021, 05:18:50 PM »
And honestly, you would also possibly drive away people who do share your political views. My partner is self-employed, very good at what he does and in high demand, and if a potential client asked him a bunch of political questions, he would most likely turn them down as a client due to not wanting to work with a lunatic. The self-employed people who are very good at what they do and are in high demand can be pretty selective with clients, and many of them learn pretty quickly to run at the first sign of crazy.

Dibbels81

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #11 on: January 12, 2021, 05:27:52 PM »
When I found out that the guy working on the sump pump in the basement once voted for Clinton, I quickly locked him in. Smartest thing I've ever done. I still hear him rapping at the door on occasion.

WanderLucky

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #12 on: January 12, 2021, 06:50:41 PM »
I've had an electrician do work on my house multiple times, and I'm pretty sure that he is a Trump supporter. But since he is not in my face about and I don't actually know, and he does great work and is polite and professional, I'm happy to do business with him.

I'm inherently suspicious of people who wave flags and believe ridiculous lies, no matter what side they're on. So that said, I would try my best to hire someone who doesn't do that or at least isn't obvious about it. And I certainly would not tolerate non-mask wearers in my home or having to overhear their political radio shows while they work.

But I agree with the sentiment of voting with your dollars. It's why I shop at the local co-op and not Safeway, or why I buy from Patagonia and not Gap. So if you have a choice, then absolutely go with giving your money to the people who you share common values with.

FIRE 20/20

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #13 on: January 12, 2021, 07:12:23 PM »
Before 1/6/21, I would have thought this was an overreaction.  I'm in a very different place now.  It's absolutely clear to me that the President incited a mob that invaded the U.S. Capital, murdered a police officer, and terrorized the U.S. Congress and their staff.  It also seems clear to me that it was absolutely apparent that the speeches would have that effect given the intel they had prior to the rally.  He did this in a bid to overturn a fair election.  I don't know what words precisely fit his conduct, whether it's sedition or insurrection (or inciting one of those) or something else, but whatever it's called our democracy as well as the lives of our leaders are at risk from his actions.  As far as I'm concerned, we all need to take more steps like carefully evaluating the businesses we support to make it clear that attacking democracy or supporting attacks on democracy aren't acceptable. 
I realize that there are people who would dispute my characterization.  That's fine, I'm not going to stick around and argue it.  My point is that if you think that's what happened then it seems entirely reasonable to not support businesses whose politics you think fit that description.  I don't think this is like disagreeing about tax policy and "fighting it out" using words and thoughtful arguments and agreeing to disagree.  I think that boycotting businesses - including family members' businesses - is a very reasonable thing to do if you agree with most of my first paragraph. 
Unfortunately, I don't have any advice for how to find someone to hire.  The only thing I can think of is to look at their websites and see if you can find someone who donates to causes that you think indicate politics you agree with.  I think the odds of finding someone this way are essentially zero, but if you found someone who supported, say, Planned Parenthood and BLM and put that on their website's "Giving Back" section of their website then you're probably not dealing with a Trump supporter.  But, again, I think the odds of that are essentially zero. 

LibrarIan

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #14 on: January 12, 2021, 07:29:54 PM »
I can't imagine wasting energy worrying about this type of thing.

NV Teacher

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #15 on: January 12, 2021, 07:33:15 PM »
I live in a rural area with a large group of Mormon polygamists.  They run several construction companies and do a good job for the most part.  I need the work done, they can do the work, we all keep our personal opinions to ourselves and treat each other politely.  It’s part of living in a civil society.

ixtap

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #16 on: January 12, 2021, 07:36:36 PM »
I have two rules for my contractors: wear a mask and I don't want to hear your political views. Even if we agree, I will probably say that this is not the time or place. If your family member is the kind of Trump supporter that is on a constant rant and can't get through the simplest conversation without bursting out with it, then I wouldn't even contact them. If they are generally civilized, I would go through the quote process to see how it goes. If we are ever going to rebuild, we need to start with the people in our families and communities.

sui generis

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #17 on: January 12, 2021, 09:42:54 PM »
I agree with others that say it's totally reasonable to vote with your dollars, especially when it comes to someone who has just incited an insurrection.  I also would prefer not to support businesses that don't care about the environment or... (I'll skip the list) on a day to day basis, but this was wholly different and the people that still support this madman are dangerous to our country.  I hope your relative has moderated given the past week and that you might be able to take the temperature if you reach out to inquire.  If he's the type (as he sounds like) that can't keep his trap shut, then it seems like it might be pretty obvious even in a brief interaction where he stands, if he's still standing with the maniac.  In which case, I'd try harder to find someone that is better (as suggested by FIRE 20/20) or will at least keep their trap shut.  You might also try reaching out to friends in minority communities or even to Minneapolis City Hall (where they might have a minority owned business list?) to see if they have people that are less likely to support that maniac (with appropriate caveats that demo is not destiny and sure, someone of any race in that industry may lean right if that's the way the local industry leans).

You are neither ridiculous nor crazy to not want to put money in the pockets of people that support overturning our democracy on the basis of a preposterous conspiracy and please don't let the people in this thread tell you you are. 

In fact, being conscientious with your "little green men" is the most mustachian thing you can do and a constant theme in Pete's writing, so kudos for also being super on-point to this forum.

park10

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #18 on: January 12, 2021, 10:05:32 PM »
Like many here, I have extended family with a wide variety of political opinions. This may cause some problems soon (again, I'm sure this is true for many).

Here's the situation: DH and I want to expand our garage to add in some shop space and increase resale value in the future. I have a family member who works in construction, does good quality work, and always gives us the friends-and-family rate.

However, he's a die-hard Trump supporter, and I... am not. I'm someone who takes a very grim view towards those who entered the Capitol last week, while I suspect my family member supports it. I'm angry enough to not give him my business if my suspicion is confirmed.

Second however, when I talk with other family members who are more familiar with the construction companies in the area, they claim that all of those guys are the same, so unless we want to do all of the work ourselves (which we are physically incapable of doing), we'll need to hire someone with political views that, IMO, have crossed from "Yeah, we disagree but let's just get the work done" to "You're supporting seditionists. Why should I even talk to you, much less hire you?"

Other family that has worked with the Trump-supporter have said that they've agreed to not listen to the radio or discuss politics during projects, so pleasant work atmosphere can be achieved, I'm just... stymied and unsure of what's ethical to do here and fits my morals.

Do I try to find another contractor whose politics aren't abhorrent to me? How could I even do this? Have a conversation with the Trump-supporter that acknowledges that we'll never agree so let's not talk about it? I would love to hear your ideas/input/opinions, etc.
The Urban dictionary offers up a definition of TDS: - A mental condition in which a person has been driven effectively insane due to their dislike of Donald Trump, to the point at which they will abandon all logic and reason.” Stage 3 of this TDS is said to have reached when the afflicted lose the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality.”
Mental illnesses are officially classified in a dense and dry book published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). There was some talk that TDS should be included in sixth edition). we will have to wait and see.
Its probably best that you do not hire him for work. Whats ironic is he might bend over backwards to accommodate your wishes and make you comfortable (such as no radio or no political talk etc),while doing a good job.
« Last Edit: January 12, 2021, 10:17:46 PM by park10 »

Bloop Bloop Reloaded

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #19 on: January 12, 2021, 10:38:11 PM »
I couldn't care less what a service provider's political views are, as long as the views don't affect the service and as long as the person doesn't get in my face about the views.


fat-johnny

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #20 on: January 13, 2021, 07:29:58 AM »
Try and find a different contractor that fits more with your morals and standards.  Like the young kid down the street.  He does shoddy work, but at least he's not a Trumper!!  Besides, he needs the money:  his girlfriend needs an abortion...... 🙄

FJ

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #21 on: January 13, 2021, 07:38:02 AM »
I agree with others that say it's totally reasonable to vote with your dollars, especially when it comes to someone who has just incited an insurrection.  I also would prefer not to support businesses that don't care about the environment or... (I'll skip the list) on a day to day basis, but this was wholly different and the people that still support this madman are dangerous to our country.  I hope your relative has moderated given the past week and that you might be able to take the temperature if you reach out to inquire.  If he's the type (as he sounds like) that can't keep his trap shut, then it seems like it might be pretty obvious even in a brief interaction where he stands, if he's still standing with the maniac.  In which case, I'd try harder to find someone that is better (as suggested by FIRE 20/20) or will at least keep their trap shut.  You might also try reaching out to friends in minority communities or even to Minneapolis City Hall (where they might have a minority owned business list?) to see if they have people that are less likely to support that maniac (with appropriate caveats that demo is not destiny and sure, someone of any race in that industry may lean right if that's the way the local industry leans).

You are neither ridiculous nor crazy to not want to put money in the pockets of people that support overturning our democracy on the basis of a preposterous conspiracy and please don't let the people in this thread tell you you are. 

In fact, being conscientious with your "little green men" is the most mustachian thing you can do and a constant theme in Pete's writing, so kudos for also being super on-point to this forum.
This. I am absolutely astonished at the responses here.

Bloop Bloop Reloaded

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #22 on: January 13, 2021, 07:59:41 AM »
Someone being pro-Trump doesn't mean he or she supports everything Trump has called for.

Out of the two major Australian parties I agree with about 40% and 30% of their platforms respectively...so I wouldn't want to be pigeon-holed one way or the other.

No need to be so judgmental. Unless someone's saying to your face "Here's the invoice for the work I did for you. By the way how good was the storming of the Capitol last week. Shame we didn't shoot more cops"...


PJC74

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #23 on: January 13, 2021, 08:07:54 AM »
let me get this right, you would rather hire  a non trump supporter who may do inferior work than a trump supporter who would do better work on your home?

sui generis

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #24 on: January 13, 2021, 08:11:48 AM »
let me get this right, you would rather hire  a non trump supporter who may do inferior work than a trump supporter who would do better work on your home?

Wow, the commenters on this thread are over the top.

Nowhere is it implied by OP anything about sacrificing quality.

DadJokes

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #25 on: January 13, 2021, 08:35:06 AM »
This "us vs. them" ideology that politicians and the media have helped fuel is not a good thing. It's that very ideology that leads to events like storming the capitol or attempting to shoot congressmen at a softball practice.

Arbitrage

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #26 on: January 13, 2021, 08:49:30 AM »
Also agree with others that it's not bizarre at all to consider voting with your dollars.  Not sure why so many are up in arms about the concept.  People do that with investments (socially responsible investing, for example), stores (some may avoid stores that openly support political views/candidates or policies that they disagree with), etc; why is it so ridiculous that someone might do that on a micro level?

I do concur that the family conjunction makes it a bit more dicey.  I also don't target my own dollars based upon political beliefs myself.

Still, if it is that important to you, you're just going to have to consider the price you're personally willing to pay for it.  You'd also have to consider if you want to specify why you're doing what you're doing - more impactful, but potentially a much higher cost in relationships.  Again, I wouldn't do it, but I'm not you.

FIRE 20/20

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #27 on: January 13, 2021, 08:58:36 AM »
I agree with others that say it's totally reasonable to vote with your dollars, especially when it comes to someone who has just incited an insurrection.  I also would prefer not to support businesses that don't care about the environment or... (I'll skip the list) on a day to day basis, but this was wholly different and the people that still support this madman are dangerous to our country.  I hope your relative has moderated given the past week and that you might be able to take the temperature if you reach out to inquire.  If he's the type (as he sounds like) that can't keep his trap shut, then it seems like it might be pretty obvious even in a brief interaction where he stands, if he's still standing with the maniac.  In which case, I'd try harder to find someone that is better (as suggested by FIRE 20/20) or will at least keep their trap shut.  You might also try reaching out to friends in minority communities or even to Minneapolis City Hall (where they might have a minority owned business list?) to see if they have people that are less likely to support that maniac (with appropriate caveats that demo is not destiny and sure, someone of any race in that industry may lean right if that's the way the local industry leans).

You are neither ridiculous nor crazy to not want to put money in the pockets of people that support overturning our democracy on the basis of a preposterous conspiracy and please don't let the people in this thread tell you you are. 

In fact, being conscientious with your "little green men" is the most mustachian thing you can do and a constant theme in Pete's writing, so kudos for also being super on-point to this forum.
This. I am absolutely astonished at the responses here.

Me too.  Comparing incitement to insurrection and attempting to overturn a free and fair election to standard political differences is astonishing.  It's almost as if the events of the last week didn't happen.  I initially wrote more, but I think I'd better just log off.  I'm really shaken by what happened last week, and the blase attitude about it here is really upsetting. 

Arbitrage

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #28 on: January 13, 2021, 08:59:05 AM »
Also, this concept is not necessarily a Trump thing.  Yes, it is in this case, but my parents did the same thing against organizations with liberal politics they disagreed with, spurred on by the religious media they followed.  As another example, they would preferentially take their business to other members of the church, who did not necessarily do superior work. 

If it's valid to take your business to people who agree with you, I submit that it's equally valid to restrict your business from people who disagree with you.  These claims of OP's psychological distress or anti-Trump bias are absurd.

bacchi

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #29 on: January 13, 2021, 09:02:16 AM »
If it's valid to take your business to people who agree with you, I submit that it's equally valid to restrict your business from people who disagree with you.  These claims of OP's psychological distress or anti-Trump bias are absurd.

Word. We vote with our dollars. In a capitalist system, that's one of the great powers we have.

Sibley

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #30 on: January 13, 2021, 09:22:51 AM »
OP, the best option I see right now for you is to shelve the garage plans for now. Just, don't do the work. Yeah, it's avoiding the problem entirely, but sometimes it's best to avoid one problem while you're dealing with a different problem.

I understand your dilemma. I live in a pretty red area, most of the contractors are probably Trump supporters. Its tough. These are real people, with families, and they are deserving of respect and compassion. But at least some of them are ok with sedition and insurrection. My solution for now is just to not start projects requiring contractors, while we hopefully work on the bigger problem.

ontheheel

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #31 on: January 13, 2021, 09:39:02 AM »
What is your aim in withholding business? Is it to punish him?

To what end? So that he will change his mind? To make a statement?

I can see not hiring someone who would be in my face the entire time and make it a miserable experience, but otherwise, I'd hire someone to do a good job at what they do, not what personal beliefs they have. I'm going through multiple surgeries for Melanoma right now and really don't care or want to know what my surgeon's beliefs are, or who he supported in the election. I want to know if he is good at what he does, if he can prevent the cancer from spreading, and if he can minimize pain and scarring.

Generally, people are most swayed by kindness and respectful engagement. If you really want to change someone's mind, spend a lot of time listening and respectfully engaging with them, regardless of how repugnant you find their politics. This is backed up by data and also experience as a counselor. The harder you push on people, the more they push back and get defensive. If you can "be like water" and try to listen beyond conspiracies and anger, you can often get to the core issues and have real opportunities for rapprochement and change (however small). You don't have to approve of or agree with anything someone is saying, but you can be kind, listen, and engage.




partgypsy

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #32 on: January 13, 2021, 09:46:50 AM »
I was going to say you can find contractors who are african American or Hispanic, prob not Trump supporters. I don't know what the right answer is. If they were one of those really vocal supporters, esp one who excuses what trump just tried to pull (self coup), pass him by. Otherwise, hire based on the job and do NOT talk politics. Last thing you need is someone walking off the job halfway through or worse (getting physical, trashing the job site).
« Last Edit: January 13, 2021, 09:49:16 AM by partgypsy »

sonofsven

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #33 on: January 13, 2021, 10:00:31 AM »
Ok, just to be clear, there do exist non trump contractors, carpenters, etc. I'm one, and I know lots of others.
I wouldn't hire some asshole Trump supporter myself, if they were an asshole!
Talk about a red flag.
Now, how they vote I don't give two fucks about but they're not bringing their shitty politics to my jobsite. I'm a professional.
Talk to your friends who share your political values and get names from them.
If you don't want your jerk uncle to work on your place because of politics then don't hire him, it's your money, your place, and your perogative.

ericrugiero

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #34 on: January 13, 2021, 10:03:16 AM »
I personally make some effort to avoid companies who actively push agenda's I disagree with.  I intentionally support companies who push agenda's that I agree with.  If they don't make their beliefs known I use their services without a second thought.  That seems like the other contractors you are talking about.   

You have to decide what line you will set.  I don't think there is a wrong answer.  It's your money, your garage and your choice.  Calling around to find a contractor who agrees with you politically sounds like a lot of work and many of them will think you are crazy.  It it's worth it to you, go for it.  Asking them not to listen to political radio while on site seems easier but you really have to decide what's right for you.   

Jon Bon

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #35 on: January 13, 2021, 10:04:32 AM »
My Plumber HATES Trump.

He is also bat-shit crazy. Something about 7 Jewish bankers controlling the world type crazy.

But he's a good plumber so I keep hiring him.


MudPuppy

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #36 on: January 13, 2021, 10:04:48 AM »
Absolutely. We’re not talking about OP lighting a bag of dog poo with “no job 4 u, MAGA” on their uncle’s doorstep. It probably won’t even come up in conversation. We’re talking about OP choosing another contractor who will likely do the work just as well.

nirodha

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #37 on: January 13, 2021, 10:07:43 AM »
This is a good opportunity for the enterprising contractor. Throw a little donkey on some advertising and upcharge as the market will bear.

Directing work towards minority and/or women owned businesses seems like a good strategy for the OP.

Jon Bon

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #38 on: January 13, 2021, 10:12:55 AM »
I feel someone should point out there is a world of difference between someone who voted/supports Trump, and those who pushed their way into the capitol building.

They committed crimes, generally hiring people with active arrest warrants is a bad idea. I would assume 99% of trump supporters were not at the capitol that day. Painting them all as secessionist and evil is wrong.

I think in about a week we can all calm the hell down. Just in case anyone is curious:

2016: Johnson
2020: Biden


Rhinodad

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #39 on: January 13, 2021, 10:28:51 AM »
I guess you have to be able to live with how you direct your money...and what level you find to be support?

Is it, "I voted for Trump because I thought his policies would be more positive than the alternative", ...or is it "I am brainwashed and will do what master Trump wants me to do"...or is it so far as "I've donated to him, and the whack job organizations that helped storm the capital, and actively do his bidding".

I don't feel I "support" any politician or political party, as I don't send any of them money, and don't spend any of my time stumping on any of their causes on their behalf...so that's where I personally draw the line on what I define as support. To me it's the difference between saying to a kid "Good job sport" and feeling that's actually support, and actually providing food/roof/clothing.

Cranky

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #40 on: January 13, 2021, 10:42:27 AM »
Someone being pro-Trump doesn't mean he or she supports everything Trump has called for.

Out of the two major Australian parties I agree with about 40% and 30% of their platforms respectively...so I wouldn't want to be pigeon-holed one way or the other.

No need to be so judgmental. Unless someone's saying to your face "Here's the invoice for the work I did for you. By the way how good was the storming of the Capitol last week. Shame we didn't shoot more cops"...

There are lots of politicians I don’t agree with, but... eh.

A politician who encourages neo- Nazis, old fashioned racists, and evidently is willing to end democracy in America is a teensy bit different for me. If you support Trump, you are okay with those things. We’re no longer debating economic policy.

So yeah, I would prefer to hire a non Trump supporter, but acknowledge that that may be difficult to do.

J Boogie

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #41 on: January 13, 2021, 10:44:04 AM »
Second however, when I talk with other family members who are more familiar with the construction companies in the area, they claim that all of those guys are the same

Do I try to find another contractor whose politics aren't abhorrent to me? How could I even do this?

No, this is not how the local industry is. Perhaps for a good chunk of them who gravitated towards towards construction to avoid office dynamics, having to be well-mannered and such, but so many people working in the trades locally are just far too professional and smart to wear their politics, if they have them, on their sleeves.

The key is to go for higher end builders who clearly have put effort into building a brand. For these folks it is beyond obvious that advertising and evangelizing any potential MAGA views go over like a fart in church among the white collar Minneapolis client base.

I'll throw out one name, Terra Firma and lead carpenter Casey Knips. Follow him on insta. There are tons of carpenters using instagram to allow potential clients a window into their work ethic and quality standards.

Scandium

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #42 on: January 13, 2021, 10:49:04 AM »
Also agree with others that it's not bizarre at all to consider voting with your dollars.  Not sure why so many are up in arms about the concept.  People do that with investments (socially responsible investing, for example), stores (some may avoid stores that openly support political views/candidates or policies that they disagree with), etc; why is it so ridiculous that someone might do that on a micro level?

I do concur that the family conjunction makes it a bit more dicey.  I also don't target my own dollars based upon political beliefs myself.

Still, if it is that important to you, you're just going to have to consider the price you're personally willing to pay for it.  You'd also have to consider if you want to specify why you're doing what you're doing - more impactful, but potentially a much higher cost in relationships.  Again, I wouldn't do it, but I'm not you.

I also don't understand why some many here are outraged by this idea. It's a pretty common practice. Heck, nation states do it in form of economic sanctions (e.g. Cuba)!

Perhaps could argue no longer relevant, but I never went to Chick fillet (sp) since they directly spent millions on the campaign to ban gay marriage. I gave them a dollar, part of that would go to gay-bashing ads. No thank you! Would it affect me personally? No (I'm not gay, and only know one who is). Would I personally crash their finances? Obv not.

I'd argue Trump supporters are a special, extra-strength crazy, hateful breed. Especially at this point. I'd certainly avoid anything that gives money to him/GOP. His voters is a bit trickier. I don't think it's that outlandish an idea, but a bit hard to implement. If a store was very loud and upfront about Trump support I'd probably avoid it. If the owners just happens to have voted for him (and I happened to find out)? Not sure I'd bother, but that's just IMO.

Scandium

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #43 on: January 13, 2021, 10:52:04 AM »
I live in a rural area with a large group of Mormon polygamists.  They run several construction companies and do a good job for the most part.  I need the work done, they can do the work, we all keep our personal opinions to ourselves and treat each other politely. It’s part of living in a civil society.

Now if only we did..

Proletariat

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #44 on: January 13, 2021, 10:58:58 AM »
Maybe you should postpone the garage expansion and put some of that money into therapy? It sounds like you have some serious issues hindering you from doing day-to-day things that a mentally-well person would not be struggling with to this degree.

Suggesting someone is mentally ill because they don’t want to support a certain group of people? Wow. Why are you so passive-aggressive over this? OP isn’t having a super uncommon thought.

I don’t personally give a shit what people believe as long as they do good work, I’d hire them...but I’m not about to judge someone who doesn’t want to work with someone who may try to bring up some stuff you’d roll your eyes at. Generally though people are people and you can learn to get along.

CodingHare

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #45 on: January 13, 2021, 11:20:23 AM »
Yeah, the more i think about it, setting aside the family issue, I don't see why conservatives are upset that liberals are redirecting their business to companies and organizations in line with their values.  Conservatives have been boycotting (canceling, even) organizations for yeeeears based on things like showing gay people positively in media, presenting history critical of Christianity, etc etc.  Not sure why so many posters in this thread think its TDS when people don't want to direct their dollars at companies, even small businesses, that are publicly supporting the sedition part of the right.

Luck12

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #46 on: January 13, 2021, 11:27:40 AM »
LOL at anyone thinking the OP has mental illness.   I applaud the OP.  I wish more people voted with their dollars.  If you have to have service done might as well get it done by someone who is much more inclined to share your values. 

jehovasfitness23

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #47 on: January 13, 2021, 11:35:17 AM »
I hope you realize how completely fucked-up this is given you even have to ask this question?

Expansion of a garage becoming a political issue. What's next?

actually it is not. People who support the end of democracy here should face the consequences.

jehovasfitness23

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #48 on: January 13, 2021, 11:35:58 AM »
Maybe you should postpone the garage expansion and put some of that money into therapy? It sounds like you have some serious issues hindering you from doing day-to-day things that a mentally-well person would not be struggling with to this degree.

Bullshit, OP is spot on and it's people who still support Trump that need therapy.

jehovasfitness23

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Re: Contractors/Service Providers and Political Views - how to navigate?
« Reply #49 on: January 13, 2021, 11:37:09 AM »
I can't imagine wasting energy worrying about this type of thing.

yeah, worrying about the end of democracy and those that support it, silly OP how silly