|
Most people don't know how badly they've been lied to. They grow up, especially those in religious homes, to respect authority and not question it. It takes a great leap of faith to do that...especially amont those with strong Repugnican ties. The concept of questioning is difficult enough and voting against a Repugnican is beyond sight for most.
However, I've been finding that, if done subtly, minds can be enlightened and rational thinking occurs. Instead of beating these people over with facts and 4 years of this regime's dirty laundry (that's way too much for most), I've found a gentle coax gets some interesting results.
First step is to engage and listen. Let the person feel they're telling you and trying to convert & convince you (warning: this is for only true believers...don't try this after too many shot or bongs) and get things out of their system. When they're talked out (and most will...I say most), then it's question time. A simple question about a simple point. Like "you say Kerry's a flip-flopper...how is that?"...let them restate what you've probably heard a million times. Then ask them if you can show your cards. Just simple steps at first. I suggest going to a Snopes or Disinfopedia...sites that are straight forward.
Step Two: find out if they've seen the sites and see if they can counter. Again...careful. Don't dismiss a link to a Newsmuck or WorldNet out of hand and play along. Soon, if you've been patient, you'll see the first elements of doubt creep in. Try to have them reconcile what you found with what he/she found. Now you've put the onus on them to back up what they say in an intelligent way. Watch the wheels turn.
Step Three: Compare & Contrast. Now, providing the person is willing to go give and take with you...it's time to sneak in the old Devil's Advocate. Yep...you get to play Bunnypants...but then they get to play Kerry. When they try to go outside the boundries Kerry has to play, you then say "gotcha". Yep...be Rovian as all hell. Lie, deceive, divert. Watch the person get frustrated. And then watch them start to see how this is happening to Kerry...and watch a light go on.
Step Four: Once they're open to examining this regime's record and question...bring 'em here!!! Yep, DU! If it's a freeper, they're probably familiar with this place anyway. Start 'em with LBN and the Editorials...swing 'em into the State section and Lounge. Let them find these forums on their own (LOL).
I've done this with several people...and it takes time. Usually several weeks, and the first couple are living hell. But I've always found that if you give a person a chance to have their say and feel you've listened, they will take the time to hear you out as well.
Congrats on your hard work, Nancy...and to the many, many other DU'ers who are helping spread truths where lies and deceptions lie. No matter how this election turns out, you may have opened up a mind that could mean more understanding ahead.
Cheers!
|