We can defeat Republicanism without violence, but not without discomfort

[troublemaker]

Like so many others, I feel that American civilization is on the brink of destruction; not the destruction of our homes, but of our ideals... the destruction of a century of progress. I assume the hard-core anti-Republican population is at least 20% of the nation. It's clear from history that a motivated 20% is more than enough to drive the agenda of a nation. Our form of government, however, is brilliant in the way it thwarts such passionate minorities. (And that's usually a damn good thing!) But still... a passionate 20% is nothing to sneeze at. But what can we do? Voting is nice but the results haven't been so great lately... voting isn't enough. And violence is out.

Social pressure is what drives society. Everybody speeds and cheats on their taxes (crimes) while few people pick their nose in public (not a crime) People avoid using "bad" language or dressing certain ways simply to get along with their neighbors, not because of any governmental interference. Our Civil Rights struggles were won socially. Discrimination became equivalent to picking your nose. Racists were not 'educated,' they were embarrassed into changing their tune... they had no choice because espousing racism made their social lives untenable.

So here is what I propose. Ostracism. We must have the courage of our convictions in social interaction. Don't be rude or confrontational or angry with Republicans. Never argue with them about anything. (They need that confrontation to survive)

Simply make it plain, once, that they are morally deviant. And then don't speak to them. Most people go with the herd so don't give any Republican reason to think the herd is going his way. Exchanging pleasantries with someone suggests they are within mainstream social boundaries, so stop exchanging pleasantries! You may lose some friends, but why do you have Friends that you genuinely believe favor the destruction of American civilization? You will have some uncomfortable interactions at work, but if that's the penalty of your principles it sounds like a small price to pay. Most people who have changed the world suffered far more for their convictions.

[Abbalon]

1. troublemaker

I agree with you. Contemptable behaviour should be held in contempt.

[Az]

2. The Herd

Yes, most people do go with the herd. Unfortunately the Herd has disdain for government. Thats why the bulk of them do not vote. This feeds into the right however. The right is the party that hates a strong central government that protects your rights. Therefore if we give the right the cold shoulder they will not even notice. They have the bulk of society ready to listen to them complain.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

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[Beam Me Up]

4. I'm with ya.

I have nothing to say to Freeper types. What could possibly be the point?

I will speak with Republicans but how could they possibly be my friends?

I REFUSE to watch televsion--ANY television. So called "news" is mostly brain washing. So called "entertainment" is equally a means to "entrain social consciousness" as to what is 'normal' and 'acceptable' behaviors. Most of it I find completely abhorrent.

I also try not CONSUME more than I need. I avoid both corporations and bureaucracies as much as possible. I let people within those systems know that I do not appreciate it when they interact with me in a completely "machine like" way.

[Gman]

5. The right wing already has a working strategy to counteract this

They call any attempt to ridicule them "intolerance" and they become very vocal about this. The truly absurd "intolerance" accusations are usually coupled with accusations of "hypocrisy" because liberals are, by nature, supposed to be tolerant of other views.

[troublemaker]

6. Stop tolerating them. Stop speaking to them.

Simply stop talking to Republicans.

Look at it this way. If they were wearing a Klan costume would you talk to them?

Well, what's the difference?

(While we're on the topic... 20% of American women are Democrats having sex with Republican men. Stop it! In occupied France a woman would be killed by her neighbors for having sex with the Nazis, or she would be shorn, tarred and feathered at very least. But here we call such collaboration a 'gender gap.')