I would say don't let the door hit your dumb ass on the way out. I can't do petty and small.

Hannah,

Wow, at this point, I think we need to think like a musical!  How about, the song from the sound of music, "hello, farewell, auf wiedersehn, goodbye!"

Damn that is so stupid!  A

      Sorry you feel that way, family member.  I will be here when you return to your senses.  Goodbye for now.

So unfortunate that people can't have differing views and still respect one another as people (and family).  The question isn't silly, the ultimatum is.

Is this person in Kindergarten?  Its a very childish mindset ..  I would be a little stunned as well, but if that's what they choose to do. I would consider it their loss...

Bye..Bye!!

That is so sad. I work with many clients and have friends and family members with opposing views. I respect how they feel and do not discuss touchy subjects. I have to caution my husband to do the same. My stepson is ultra liberal and so much so he thinks the world is coming to an end. I try not to get him worked up and we talk about other topics.

I would not recommend returning their disrespect with some of your own; that will damage you.  Regardless of whether you speak or remain silent, you can tell the truth to yourself:  You are blaming me for things that I have not done wrong, and I am not going to attack myself just to "make nice" with you.

If you wish to speak, you might say, "That is a valid choice.  As for me, I'll stay open-minded about the views of others."  It makes a point.  It doesn't attack.  It doesn't defend.  (Attack and defense are two sides of the same weak coin.)

I would let them know that I do not want to be associated with them. I have family members with oppsoing views but for us blod is thicker than politics and I would say that a relative who says that needs medicationa and therapy.

I would have to ask them what they think has substantially changed from the person they have known through the years?  It's a shame they can't see the person they have shared laughs with, family events with and a lifetime of memories.  

In my opinion, they may think they are a person of the world, but there is a world of short sightedness in their views.  

Family soap opera politics.  Take the moral high road.

I'm stunned because I keep politics so far out of sight. I would ask the seller wants to only sell to people whole believe in your ideals, you might have just cut your pool in half.

Next! You started the conversation nicely. Too bad they are so short sighted - different views or not, you are family!

How pathetic and narrow minded they are and I'd let them know. How dare they disrespect your right to your opinion.  They are the loosers here.  

Hannah, Seeing and hearing a lot of the same.  People have put their labels on and it's all that matters to some.  A real shame that it has gotten to this point.

This is the first year my wife and I agree politically.  We've been married for 49 years next month. 

I might say, "Why do you think we can't get along if we have different opinions about something? We like different foods, different beverages (or whatever) and we've been able to get along just fine" 

If they insisted, I'd open the door for them. 

Wish them well.

Candice A. Donofrio nailed this one!

I would just listen. I noticed not a lot of people actually care what you think, but they are very happy to share their opinions:) 

My wife's youngest sister, a mellennial snowflake, has basically shunned us since the election because she is so distraught over politics. We don't even talk politics with her but she refuses to associate with anyone that didn't vote the same as her. I think it's a mental illness to treat people like that over something so petty.

I am amazed at the way this last political season has impacted the rational thoughts of people. There is a reason I don't share my personal political thoughts on social media. If this person does not want to work with someone who is a professional and an expert on real estate, it is their loss. So sorry for you.

Well, wioth that attitude I would tell them I have plenty of other realtives to associate with...good bye!

Just say, "I am sorry to hear this, give me a call when you are ready to rejoin the family".

Empathy is tough to achieve in these times of polarization, and it will only get worse as we now live in a world with "Alternative Truths" where depending on which news you believe, both sides may be right.

tell them to not let the door hit them in the a$$ on their way out....

I just don't go there .... at all.  I just say it is not a topic for discussion.  I am very careful not to say anything that would expose my political lean. 

I'll speak for me, take what you want. To The World: I don't care who you vote for, sleep with or pray to if you pray at all. Just be honest & kind and don't try to compromise my... or my family's ...health or happiness and we'll get along fine.

Ultimatums get two things from me: The answer is always NO and I typically distance myself from you, depending on the severity of the offense.

Anyone that shallow and ignorant needs to be cut out of my life, and is quite often. I have family members I never see or talk to because of their ultimatums.

" if you do not share their political views they no longer want to associate with you"

"Praise be to God! I was wondering how to make this happen!"

That should work.

Then, with every assurance possible, let them know any space shared with them will result in expression of 'Glory to God.'

Imagine the spot they have put themselves into.

I would refrain from politicswhen speaking and if they persist, they can use a cooling down period. You are not alone as the world is finding those who preached for tolerence, are the ones least likely to practice it.

I'd wish them a nice life... what can you do about people like that? Nothing.

Hannah Williams - any which way you lose! So keep quiet and lose!

Hannah I find it that if you loose a family member over politics... well let's just say good riddance....

I bet I know which side they fall on!  I'd tell them "in four years from now, you'll be thanking me for taking you back because I was right.  Until then, that's one less christmas/birthday present to buy."

I have that right now & that's how it is. You have to be a bigger person & just let it go.

An 'assumed' opinion is even worse. Pretty narrow minded & that's how it is. There was a guy in our office that tried to start a fight about Hillary loosing just a few weeks ago. Just now on his FB page he reposted something about Trump being like Hiter in numbered ways.  

Now this guy is a realtor & should figure out how other people might view this & stay out of the frey.

It's never OK to push your opinions on others & use the familial relationship as a bargaining chip to manipulate or punish... their politics- a reason for them to end the relationship? Try 'their toxicity'- a reason for YOU to end it. It does sound however, from what you say, like you introduced the subject of politics into the conversation. In that case you may have provoked the over reaction. Best to keep it minimal.

Hannah Williams My extended relatives are conservatives with conservatives and liberal with liberals for financial benefit. Therefore, I always stay away from my relatives. Excellent blog.

Hannah, hard on some many points. Thank God, my family, even the ones who live away all felt the same. If they did not that's ok.... Hopefully, this will all pass. 

Tell them that nothing is more important to you than your relationship w/ them ,they're family ! Stand your ground BUT tell them -hey don't give up on me , you might convince me yet !

I would be stunned too, as family is family.   Conversation can happen without politics.

I would be shocked too Hannah. I never mix business with opinions.

I actually had a close friend tell me this years ago. We are no longer friends and I'm not sure why politics had to come between us. It's a shame.

As Candice A. Donofrio wrote. These folks need to move forward and become productive members of society.

A friend you could 'un friend'' but not sure you can do that with a family member. Can you un-family someone?

I'd say that's your choice and I hope one day you will come to your senses. I'll be here if you ever need me.

Hannan for pete's sake - that's ridiculous but I know it happens. It has happened in my family and with a few friends.  And hey - if they want to go to extremes that's their choice.  Why they do it - I have no idea as it's crazy to me.

We live in a period of strong political views and differences.

To keep the peace, don't discuss politics. Give them a little cooling off period and eventually, they will come around. We all have different views and to expect everyone to see their point of view is just dangerous. We are not robots, we have a mind and opinion. I shy away from negativity, so if they are constantly negative...time to move on to other family members.

I'm sorry this is happening to you, Hannah -- there remains certain topics that are not discussed even in some family situations.  I hope this passes soon.   

Wow . . .  that is harsh (to me) Hannah Williams.  I would say, "I'm sure gonna miss ya!"  HA!!  Seriously, I would not fall into this trap, and with their emotions running high, would not even discuss politics, becaue it's obvious they cannot, but change the topic.  I could see this in Roger's family, being Italian.  I would not be part of that discussion, since I still have to live with (even from another state away!) these people.  I'm not looking to alienate them, and that's whether I like them or tolerate them!  

I have that problem in my family also.  I just do not discuss it with them.

A family member? Wow, no comment on your family!

Oh well move on not changing my views and values

I wouldn't care. I don't initiate or participate in political discussions.

Hannah Williams I am rather stunned too. It was probably nice knowing them.

Fred Griffin and Candice Donofrio have it summed up well!

The unknown issues that lay hidden within a person when stirred by different dynamics surface via the different  channels, ideas, so-called beliefs and circumstances. For the enlightened, that opportunity is a chance to be rid of them.  For the unsuspecting, they are pawns held captive and manipulated. In your situation, politics has nothing to do with it. Much deeper issue driving that bus. Q & A might solve it if both willing. Start with why, how, when where and what to probe it out. Its not politics!

See you at the next reunion!  :-)

Someday they will become very lonely!

I too am stunned.