BlogBreak

By Sherri

October 24, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

I think it is just as appropriate as talking about religion and other highly-personal moral issues.

By Sherri

October 24, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

I think it is just as inappropriate as talking about religion and other highly-personal moral issues.

By Sherri

October 24, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

I think it is just as inappropriate as talking about religion and other highly-personal moral issues.

By tony

November 10, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

With the current state of media sometimes the only way to learn about candidates and the views of others is at work. When watching television or reading the newspapers there only seems to be criticism of Republicans. With 50 million voters choosing McCain and anothe 50 not voting, there must be something wrong with Obama.

By tony

November 10, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

With the current state of media sometimes the only way to learn about candidates and the views of others is at work. When watching television or reading the newspapers there only seems to be criticism of Republicans. With 50 million voters choosing McCain and another 50 not voting, there must be something wrong with Obama.

By tony

November 10, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

With the current state of media sometimes the only way to learn about candidates and the views of others is at work. When watching television or reading the newspapers there only seems to be criticism of Republicans. With 50 million voters choosing McCain and another 50 not voting, there must be something wrong with Obama.

By Regularjoe

November 11, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Please click the “post” button one time.

You should limit the political talk, unless you have employees or customers that are willing to lose.

They may not tell you upfront, because you have demonstrated your narrow mind and unwillingness to consider other points of view.

By Mark Almand

November 11, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

In my opinion, it’s up to the employer first, and if permitted, then common sense and decorum should prevail — as it should be with discussions between humans anywhere. But legislating this is not an option. The idea of the government mandating that any area in private society be a “restricted speech” area “for the comfort of the people” is dangerous and a step toward totalitarianism. When our forefathers envisioned a new style of government by and for the people, they recognized that you cannot have freedom without free speech. A little discomfort is worth it to protect the liberties of ours and future generations.

By Luv2Talk

November 11, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

I am an HR person and feel strongly that topics, such as politics, religion and sex should not be discussed in a professional workplace. If you are a small business, less than 15 employess this could be fine because you are not subject to following many employment laws. Eventually there is going to be an employee upset, filing a complaint, etc. Discussion of politics also often leads to racist or sexist comments. It is too much of a risk to legally allow this in the workplace. Law firms, from what I heard, are the best at violating these laws.

By Greg

November 11, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Americans don’t talk about three things, politics, religion and sex. And all through should be part of an open dialogue. Politics, because that is what runs this country, and we need to learn how to have civil discourse on it. Religion, because we claim to be religous, most don’t have even a basic understanding of religion, and sex, because we need to remove the mystery, and maybe our teenagers would think that this is something they should do, because it seems “forbidden.”

By Greg

November 11, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Americans don’t talk about three things, politics, religion and sex. And all through should be part of an open dialogue. Politics, because that is what runs this country, and we need to learn how to have civil discourse on it. Religion, because we claim to be religous, most don’t have even a basic understanding of religion, and sex, because we need to remove the mystery, and maybe our teenagers would not think that this is something they should do, because it seems “forbidden.”

By Greg

November 11, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Americans don’t talk about three things, politics, religion and sex. And all through should be part of an open dialogue. Politics, because that is what runs this country, and we need to learn how to have civil discourse on it. Religion, because we claim to be religous, most don’t have even a basic understanding of religion, and sex, because we need to remove the mystery, and maybe our teenagers would not think that this is something they should do, because it seems “forbidden.”

By Greg

November 11, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Americans don’t talk about three things, politics, religion and sex. And all through should be part of an open dialogue. Politics, because that is what runs this country, and we need to learn how to have civil discourse on it. Religion, because we claim to be religous, most don’t have even a basic understanding of religion, and sex, because we need to remove the mystery, and maybe our teenagers would not think that this is something they should do, because it seems “forbidden.”

By Greg

November 11, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Americans don’t talk about three things, politics, religion and sex. And all through should be part of an open dialogue. Politics, because that is what runs this country, and we need to learn how to have civil discourse on it. Religion, because we claim to be religous, most don’t have even a basic understanding of religion, and sex, because we need to remove the mystery, and maybe our teenagers would not think that this is something they should do, because it seems “forbidden.”

By Wayne

November 11, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I have always maintained that discussing topics such as religion and politics in the workplace is bad form, however, we must engage in open dialogue at this point. I find it ironic that we are only broaching this topic after the Nov 4th outcome. There have been many reports of tense workplace environments since the election, without discussion. Since this is a pivotal point in our country’s political landscape, it may serve everyone’s best interest to address the white elephant in the room tactfully and diplomatically. Only then, will we respect our differences and build corporate unity.

By Wayne

November 11, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

I have always maintained that discussing topics such as religion and politics in the workplace is bad form, however, we must engage in open dialogue at this point. I find it ironic that we are only broaching this topic after the Nov 4th outcome. There have been many reports of tense workplace environments since the election, without discussion. Since this is a pivotal point in our country’s political landscape, it may serve everyone’s best interest to address the white elephant in the room tactfully and diplomatically. Only then, will we respect our differences and build corporate unity.

By Martin

November 11, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

What an ironic question from the AJC. AJC had the gall to send out a memo to all employees right after election day to “be tolerant of the opinion of others”. AJC writers need to read it and comment on it.

There is nothing wrong with fair discussion and opinions at work.

By "Gunny"

November 11, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Politics are a part of every citizen’s daily life and should be discussed by all citizens. At work there is aplace and time and that would be on breaks and lunches where work efforts are not in jepardy. work is apoint where you are oding a job for income from your emploter and should not be disrupted by politics, religion, family, dating or anything else, BUT to restrict such discussions during free time is not in the realm of the employers control. such discussions are covered by the first amendment. If, however, there arises conflicts of a disrupting nature, the individuals involved should be warned not to “carry their beliefs on their sleeves” as so many, especially the more radical persons in our society do. Politics and religion are individual beliefs but not to discuss them is to remove reasonable intercourse of life and learning.

By Ms. Done done it all

November 11, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

UNFORTUNATELY, PEOPLE ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT RELIGION AND POLITICAL PREFERENCE THAT IT HENDERS THEM FROM DOING PRODUCTIVE WORK. JSUT AS YOU LEAVE THE DRAMA FROM YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE AT THE DOOR BEFORE COMING TO WORK, SO DOES YOUR OPINIONS AND VIEWS. NO ONE WANTS TO BE DISRESPECTED AND MOST DO NOT CHOOSE TO DISRESPECT ANYONE. THERE ARE MANY CASUAL CONVERSATIONS TO TAKE UP DOING BREAK AND SMALL TALK. LETS FOCUS ON MORE ON WORKING AT WORK AND KEEPING OUR JOBS. THE MORE POSITIVE AN ATMOSPHERE IS AT WORK WITHOUT DEBATES AN ARGUEMENTS THE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND A VALUABLE ASSEST YOUR ARE TO YOUR COMPANY. LETS WORK AT WORK PEOPLE AND BE NICE TO EACH OTHER!

By Jeff

November 11, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

One of the biggest problem I see is that people judge you on your religion or your pollitics. People never get to know the person , they are to busy putting a lable on you.If we could “disscus”politics and religion,that would be fine however most people think that they are right and everyone else is wrong and that is that. Too bad ….there are some really good people out there if we would take the time to get to know them! We are all in this together folks!

By Mister

November 11, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Do you debate politics at work? No!!! At no time should one discuss the topics of politics, religion, and sex. The reason for this is that these topics feed on the time of working and completing projects that eat into the cost of running a business and making money for the company. The second reason is that you do not know the intent of the individual that you may be working with. Just as there are predator lenders in the Banking and Mortgage Industries, there are predator coworkers, management, and executive personnel at job sites. One must be cautious with the state of consciousness of others we work with. Their intent is sometime dishonest and untrustworthy and will not be about the discussion of the subject matter. With the economy of your country and the world in this state of imploding, one should make sure that these talks are with Friends that have Unconditional Divine Love in their hearts. The heart of many companies have written and unwritten policies against these activities, so be stealth when these subject are raised for discussion.

By zeke

November 12, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

NO NEVER-TOO CONTROVERSIAL!

By Tami

November 12, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

i think that talking about politics at work should be up to the discretion of the person. In my opinion, it would be best not to. There is already so much discrimination on so many other levels why add to it. People don’t talk about their pay at work. Those same people should treat politics like a paycheck and keep it to themselves. Furthermore, if the compnay decides to implement a policy i’m all for it, but a law is really not necessary.

By M

November 12, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Yes, we should talk about anything we see fit to talk about because, as far as I know, this is still the United States of America and NOT a socialist state…yet! This is only one of the freedoms our brave young men and women have fought for, beginning with the Revolution. Why should we be afraid to voice what is in our hearts as long as it is voiced with diplomacy (a word lost on most people)? Why should we keep quiet about those things that make us the free nation we are? Speak up - it is your right and honor to do so.

By John Hayes

November 12, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

It’s a shame that politics and religion have become taboo topics today. Not only was our country founded by people who constantly and openly discussed both subjects regularly, even with disagreements, but I think it’s impossible to truly get to know anyone without knowing their political or religious views. Our fear of these types of discussion only exposes our desire not to know or understand one another.

We should all be capable of having healthy conversation, even disagreements, without it deteriorating into single-minded debate. Let’s remember to talk with and listen to one another.

By BobbieG

November 12, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Great idea to be able to do so but due to recent conversations or should I say intense fellowship I am no longer friends with a co-worker. Probably best left alone at work.

By bmchast

November 13, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I think it should only be discussed if you have level-headed people who can agree to disagree in a normal tone without calling each other names or making unnecessary comments such as “that so stupid or that’s so lame”, etc.

By Bill

November 13, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I DO NOT think politics should be discussed at work. The McCain Vs Obama election has stirred racial problems where I work. A lot of inappropriate behavior as well. We have enough problems here racial wise to have to add this sensitive subject with it. I’m very close to going to human resources over this matter! I’m totally fed up!

By mar dan

November 13, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

We have always talked politics at work. I believe that it has become an issue because an African-American was running for the presidency, not only was he running he WON. Barack Obama is now President Elect Barack Obama, so we must not talk politics anymore in the workplace, give me a break. When Bill Clinton was going through his stuff everyone everywhere was talking about him. Now black people cannot talk because it might upset the whites in the area. When have whites every cared what they say to or about blacks. Now we must keep quiet give me a break, get over it Barack Obama is President Elect and after January 20th 2009, he will be President Barack Obama of the United States of America, are we not Americans. So continue to talk politics in the workplace, it is good for the soul.

By Patricia

November 13, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t think it should be discussed because people say’s rude things not realizing they are hurting your feelings. I was at work and an associate was on the phone and she was saying things like we are getting our passport ready to move out of the country for 4 years,she was in class saying things and her teacher told her to be quite and she said i have a right to freedom of speech and he said not in my class, she said fine i will wait until i get out in the hall then. When she got off the phone i asked what is her problem and she said some things she did not like that the president elect said, I asked why are you so afraid of us? She said i was making it racial the whole conversation she was having on the phone was racial. The things she was saying was hurting to those that was hearing it, no one else said any thing.

By Mellow

November 14, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

I personally only talk politics to like minded people, except for an occasional friendly banter. I don’t think my employer or any OTHER should have the right to tell me when I can & cannot speak about it, unless it is interfering with my work. Freedom of Speech - not big brother - should be in the forefront of every American’s mind!!!

By Renee

November 14, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

I do not think politics should be discussed at the office. Everyone has a different view of policital issues especially when there are parties on each side of the equation. As I’ve seen with the recent election, the discussions between Dem’s and Rep’s have led to several arguments and others not respecting each other’s opinion. I believe as with religion, the office is not a place for those type of dicussions.

By Perplexed

November 14, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

You have to be careful! I made an innocent statement and it was turned into a racial thing. I was dumbfounded. Never again!

By Paris

November 14, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT WHETHER TO DISCUSS OR NOT TO DISCUSS POLITICS ON THE JOB BECAME AN ISSUE WITH THIS ELECTION.

By Paris

November 14, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT WHETHER TO DISCUSS OR NOT TO DISCUSS POLITICS ON THE JOB BECAME AN ISSUE WITH THIS ELECTION.