I'm going to widen my base. I'm now sending this info to Republcan friends

[BigBearJohn]

I have only been in contact with Democratic friends
(they're so much easier to talk to)

But now I am going to bite the bullet. I am going to
see if I can turn a few away from the Dark Side.

(and I WILL use the force, Luke)

DOWNING STREET MINUTES -- OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT MINUTES OF AN OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT MEETING

[politicaholic]

1. Wall...meet head. Head...meet wall.

Good luck. I had convinced two of my republican friends to hate the war in Iraq. But you know what? They voted for Bush anyway because Kerry was a "flip flopper and a traitor to his country." I have since stopped wasting my time on morons.

[Melodybe]

3. So did all those that disagreed with Hitler and look what happened

You can never give up.

[BigBearJohn]

4. You know, you may be right. You would HAVE to stupid or

emotionally deficient to be a Republican.

How could any rational, conscious, caring person
be a Republican? We all have eyes to see with.
Ears to hear with.

Sad news is, they are probably just too dumb
or pigheaded to see the truth... either that
or just plain evil. You pick.

[doodadem]

6. I have many Republican friends

and they are very good, long term friends. I'm also friends with some of their parents, have known some for 30+ years. From what I've observed, most of them are Repugs because their parents are Repugs, and their parents before them. It just doesn't occur to them to be anything else, because they've had it drilled into their heads since they were babies.
Hell, my own little brother is a flaming Repug, and was most certainly NOT raised that way. I think his inlaws turned him. I've argued with most of them till I'm blue in the face. They either send me Hillary jokes, or smile, admire my passion, and go on about their business.
You are not going to change any of these people until you start taking their children, ala' Viet Nam. I'd hate to see it, but maybe re-instituting the draft could be the best thing to happen here.

[Rebellious Republican]

8. Sending their kids may turn a few, but what is making the difference

is their dwindling financial cushion. Thats the only thing they truly care about, their god "Money".

It is disappearing at a rapid pace, I have conservative friends who are having to give up their toys and play things.

Ya know, so they can pay for their over-sized homes with high mortgage's and their over-sized H2's and SUV's and the high cost of running them, and it is hurting their over-sized ego's.

Thats what I hear them complain about, they are worried about their very materialistic lifestyles.

I told several of them during the last election, that if Bush is reselected, that they are the ones who are going to suffer the most.

Guess what, I got to say I told you so to them, boy it really pisses them off to!

But their anger is not directed to me, it is W that they are starting cuss. BWAAAHAAAHAAA!

:rofl:

[Jade Fox]

18. See if you can get your friends to watch "Going Up River".....

It sounds as though they have no idea of the context in which Kerry
opposed the war he volunteered to fight. Its important that those
too young to remember the times understand that history, especially
if they are opposed to the Iraq invasion/war.

[doodadem]

21. That's like asking them to watch Farenheit 9/11!

They don't care about Kerry's motivations--they've already been told what to think about him.
I think that's what I find more distressing than anything...these are some very intelligent people, that don't see how they're being led by the nose.

[Melodybe]

2. Remember, the force is with you.

[Tuesday_Morning]

5. A lot of moderate republicans are having doubts.

It's a good idea. And it'll get 'em talking about it!

[BigBearJohn]

7. I have to overcome my parent's brainwashing: Never Discuss Politics

especially with a Republican!!!

[KelleyKramer]

9. Start with gas prices

That seems to work the best for me.

Its pretty hard to blame it on Clintons penis.

All you have to do is ask ... 'so, you think Bush and Dick Cheney dont know anything or have any influence in the oil industry?'. That stops them in their tracks.

But you have to do it in small doses.. it takes time to wear off all the brainwashing and cognitive dissonance.

[Fire Walk With Me]

10. lol, they'll find a way :-)

[BigBearJohn]

11. hmmm.. not a bad idea... any more tips?

[KelleyKramer]

12. Look at it from their perspective ...

The 'gotcha' debating is only for the confrontational ones, and they aint going to convert anyway.

Go easy, and start out by talking about traditional conservative values.

One RW friend said I just hated Bush no matter what, because I'm a left wing commie...

Told him I dont like Bush because he ...

Is most fiscally irresponsible president in history.

Is for big govt, increased size gov by ONE THIRD in 4 years.

Bush never saw a spending bill he didnt like, 1st prez in history to finish term with NO VETO's

Is for nation building without an exit strategy (remember that RW talking point!)

He will not properly fund healthcare for military veterans.

.... I think you get the point.

Its a start, but even if they dont admit it then, stuff like that gets their attention and the next time you talk they are more likely to listen.

Just my .02 worth for suggestions.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

13. I'm my experience it depends on who your approaching

I use Social Security and Medicare as an ice breaker for the older crowd.


I use the war and loss of young lives for the mothers of young people.


Outsourcing of jobs when I know the person has been laid off.


In other words tailor your message to suit your audience. Read the person your addressing and pick something that they are close to.

I agree that you have to move slow and not spook them. If you hit them in full attack mode they either run like a scared rabbit or react like a cornered rattlesnake. Neither of which is productive.

It's up to us, the little guy on the street, to spread the word. That includes spreading it to the people who need an education the most.

Don't be discouraged when you get shot down, just mark them off your list and move on to the next person.

[BigBearJohn]

14. Great advice. We should post an article on how to approach the dark side

with good results!

Thanks for your tips. They're G-R-r-e-a-t!!!

DOWNING STREET MINUTES -- OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT MINUTES OF AN OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT MEETING

[FreedomAngel82]

19. I agree with your points

It all depends on who you're talking to. Make it hit home and make them think about what you're saying. That's what I'd do.

[Melodybe]

17. A good time to make people watch Fahrenheit 9/11

Worth for many reasons but the oil connections are the soooo valuable.

Also making people watch clips of Bushco saying what they said when they said it, is a real eye opener.

[corbett]

15. Keys To Impeachment

They might read this one:

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050601/the_key_to_impeachment.php

[tx_dem41]

16. We should all be doing that....

...I regularly have conversations with Independents and Republicans...
I actually make headway with some. It should be our "duty" as Democrats to open up lines of communication with the other side. Most likely, it will be the only counter-arguments they ever hear. How else do you expect some of them to change their minds?

[bpilgrim]

20. may the force be with you!

:toast:

i don't let my conservative friends get away with ANY rush BS any more and make sure they get an ear full of whats really goin on and none defend the chimp any more and are DISGUSTED by their lies that led to WAR!

humor is a good way to keep it light... you don't wanna lose your friends and acquaintances, of course ;->

peace