Arguing with Freepers or Freeper-types.

[Archae]

Just posted to my LiveJournal my own experiences.
(It's in the sigline)

What happens when any of you try arguing with them?

[Ellen Forradalom]

1. Also known as "banging your head against a wall."

Feels so good when you stop, doesn't it?

[DIKB]

7. The experience is simply

like this: orz

A Japanese emote in which the o represents the head, and the r and z represent the man's legs and arms. It indicates a person on their knees banging their head on the ground in frustration.

It is used by some geektypes as an alternative to cussing or to saying "doh!"

Simply: orz

[Hatalles]

10. Ah... did not know that.

Pretty cool, actually.

[FrankBooth]

13. orz is pretty cool.

I like your sig line as well, had never heard either.

[joefree1]

2. Apply the three minute rule

When I get the chance to argue with a freeper I challenge them with the three minute rule. They get to speak for up to three minutes then I get to rebut for three minutes, and so on. If they break the rule I immediately declare they've lost and start to do a victory dance. Rarely can a neo-con argue logically and factually.


Download the free poster/sign here:
http://ediablo.com/eDiabloGallery.html

On edit: Beware of conservative stalking points, i.e., "bait and switch," Rethuglican attempts to divert any logic based discussion of politics with inflammatory non sequitur.*

This technique forces the opposing debater to "stalk" the rethug through a wilderness of inflammatory insults, labels and accusations with no pause for factual debate.

* Following a statement with totally unrelated statement.
http://ediablo.com/rethugdictionary.html

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

15. Deleted message

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[gordianot]

4. Don't argue.

Find something to agree with them about, then pose whatever point you want to make in terms of a question. Never argue or show your real position. I have actually worked on this and used it on my brother and his friends, my wifes family, the idiots at the shooting range, etc.. You can get some fascinating results, I have successfully turned one friend, and planted huge doubts in others.

There is almost a Zen like quality to this endeavor. Not for the faint of hearted.

Actually the coming collapse of the dollar will make all of this moot. Freepers are ultimately headed for the ash heap of history much the same as their polar brothers and fellow despots the Communists.

[KG]

5. got better things to do with my time than pointing out the obvious

to the willfully obtuse.

[Arkana]

6. It's near impossible

I gave up long ago trying to argue with their types--nothing convinces them that they are being lied to, because most of them are either too stupid or too proud to admit it.

[DawgHouse]

8. At first they argue

and then when I start countering their arguments, they turn condescending. They remark "you really don't BELIEVE that, do you?" or something similar. They resort to bullying, actually.

[Left Is Write]

9. I don't.

Arguing with freeper types is a pointless waste of my energy and not good for my mental well-being.

[FrankBooth]

11. If you argue actual policy or ideology ...

... it is futility.

If you try to look at the psychological forces at work - in both yourself and the freeper - it can be illuminating (in moderate doses.)

[gordianot]

16. Yes absolutely correct.

A little Rogerian therapy and active listening goes a long way. Pose a few questions.

Confrontation does not work.

I am not an expert, but I am convinced someone needs to learn to do this. I will admit I am/was not a Howard Dean fan but he is correct there needs to be persons who can approach these voters. It is not in the best interest for most freepers to parrot the talking points of the Bush neo cons. After a few mistakes I generally use this strategy.

1. Do not argue.
2. Listen to what they are saying. Analyze it to determine where they are getting their information.
3. Don't call them names. (Think what you want)
4. Listen for an opening, hide your comments in a question.
example: Democrats want to raise taxes! response You know that is probably right there were huge deficits during Democratic administrations (these types want you to agree with something), but look at what is happening now with deficits. Where and when is this going to end?
5. Remember they cannot stand the truth and most of them are in major denial. They like slogans and listen to sound bites.

To change their point of view they have to undergo some deprogramming. This takes time and investment.

[El Fuego]

12. Honestly, it's like talking to a bright 9 year old.

They really think they understand the world, but they don't, and can't, because they do not have the intellectual capability.

[proud patriot]

14. I don't have to argue with them anymore

I just walk by or drive by and their blood
pressure goes through the roof .

They don't like arguing with me :shrug: