Rep. parents worried about voter fraud and fundies

[cally]

A long time ago, I gave up discussing politics with my parents. My husband and kids discuss politics but when I do it just makes them furious. They are 77 and I just gave up after a lifetime fighting about it. For some reason, I decided to go for it this weekend. I brought up the electronic voting issues. My Dad designed some of the earlier computers and printers. He got very worried and just kept saying we need a paper trail. He kept pointing out how easy it would be to change the votes and how difficult it would be to find it.

Then I brought up the lines in Ohio in Dem precincts. That made them angry. My Dad then said that we could lose our Democracy if we don't fight for it. This is my staunch Republican Dad who refuses to hear any discussion on how bad George Bush is and how we don't need to be in Iraq.

Then I went after the Pastor who kicked out the Dems and their supporters. This one got them too. They are long time Protestants and completely understood how a young Pastor comes in and changes the church. They were outraged that a Pastor brought up politics but then acknowledged that many younger Pastors are discussing politics more often.

I guess my point is that I just needed to find the right way to approach them. Criticizing Bush didn't work but they are very concerned about some of the issues I'm most worried about.

Next time I'm bringing up the science issues. Both my parents are scientists and this will outrage them. :bounce:

[eleny]

1. What I take from this...

Is just how easy it is for smart people to be uninformed. If these subjects were dealt with in the news, your parents' ears and interest would have perked and they would have come to these conclusions on their own. The fact that they needed you to tell them what has been happening is part of this story.

And btw, a big congrats on finding a way to be able to discuss stuff with your folks!

[ray of light]

2. Cally, one size response doesn't fit all,

but at the Democracy Cell Project, there are experienced grassroots organizers who can talk to you and help you through this step-by-step.
http://www.democracycellproject.net (you can go into the irc to get real-time answers OR you can ask an expert each night at 9 pm est.)

But from my point of view, I think your parents sound like they are beginning to see the writing on the wall, but your continued patience is important. It's a little bit like a waltz. One step right, one step left...And they are resisting somewhat.

My own daughter prefers to deal with specific sources. But yours might like to meet some people who can explain things without a militant stance.

Come to the dcp and find out what others might say. you can really bounce your ideas off them. Or you're welcome to pm me. (that goes for anyone who wants more info on the democracy cell project)

[ray of light]

3. Cally, do you have the links for the Kansas trials?

Or are they interested in stem-cell research.

[cally]

4. I'm not going to approach it that way

I'm going to pull up the letter by the Nobel scientists and others about how Bush is bad for the scientific community. I'm going to approach it generally.

They just respect science and scientists. They used to tell us that you couldn't be intelligent if you didn't understand Chemistry and Physics. I was the only child who ever took any science in college so they changed their opinion. If they were aware at what leading scientists are saying then they would be concerned.

[ray of light]

5. Very Good Cally!

See!!! You should have confidence in your approach to them. You do understand them best and will recognise when to approach, when to give them time to "think about it", and when to push a little harder. You're doing a great job so far!

[fudge stripe cookays]

6. wtg girl!

Everybody has their own way of looking at things. What might work for converting some might not when getting others to see the light.

Good going! Keep up the good work!
FSC