"They're not interested in being informed, they just want to be affirmed."

[Nevilledog]

A call to the Stephanie Miller show just said this. That's it... that's the whole ballgame. RW's don't want to learn anything, they just want to be told they're right.

[magellan]

1. And that's why opinion passed off as news works so well for them. n/t

[Nevilledog]

2. Exactly.

It was just such a succinct phrase for describing them that it made me sit up. It also supports the notion that we're just wasting time trying to educate the true believers.

[magellan]

3. It's worth testing those who repeat the memes, though

...to sort the true believers from the merely misinformed. There are many weak individuals out there who do nothing but follow the strongest voice. The Repubs have known that for some time and have used it to their advantage.

I was shocked to discover the truth of this recently. I now suspect that "true believers" are really a very small minority. They've just been allowed to hold the mic for far too long.

We know the truth. We must become the voice to those around us who are simple followers.

And most important we must concentrate on electing people who are equally acquainted with the truth and aren't afraid to pry the mic back from those running the RW Wurlitzer.

For example, while I have several concerns about Obama, his ability to make himself heard over the inanity from the right isn't one of them. I'd like to hope he'll continue to use that power more for good than evil, but only time will tell.

[Nevilledog]

4. You make some good points.

The problem I have is that hearing people spout the bullshit they pick up from FOX et al makes me so angry that I find myself biting my tongue because I know if I open my mouth that I will find it difficult to maintain my composure. As an example... last night my hubby (one of the best people in the whole world, but not into politics) and I were watching some show that had a segment that was pure nationalistic bullshit, you know....red white and blue USA USA USA USA drivel. When I commented that I hated that shit and it was so un-American he said "I'm sorry you're such an unhappy person". I went OFF on him. I told him that just because he was content to being blind to what was going on... I WASN'T, and the fact that I was informed enough to have an OPINION about what was fucked up in this country, that did not make me an unhappy person, it meant I gave a shit. He was extremely apologetic and I kinda even felt bad about the puppy dog look he had for the rest of the night...LOL

[magellan]

5. Are you sure we aren't married to the same man?

lol

I hear you. People who don't take it seriously get my goat more than those who do but are just seriously misinformed. At least they're paying attention, albeit to the wrong people.

Funny enough, biting my tongue and maintaining composure has proved counterproductive. The few times I've let my anger show and told people in no uncertain terms that I won't abide their ignorant, parroted talking points, it pulls them up short. I swear most of them have never had to defend their positions; they just swaddle themselves in voices of agreement. Challenge them on the facts and they crumble.

Mind you I'm not big on confrontation. But I'm so infuriated at this point with the general state of things that anyone who says something stupid around me is very likely to get an earful.

[Nevilledog]

11. I selectively mention things in ordinary conversations.

And to give him some credit, even though he's pretty apathetic about the scope of the totally screwed up state of things, I have heard him bringing up things I've told him when he's talking to his parents or other friends. He'd never go looking for information on his own though.

[babydollhead]

17. "If you aren't going to pay attention...

that's fine. I am, and when things get too bad, I'll fill you in on what you missed, as we go." that's what i say when people are telling me that I am alone in watching the empire go.

[crimsonblue]

8. I went off on my family during the 4th

my mom and sisters attacked me for actually reading and researching and I was somehow the robot. I went ballistic and bolted. I still have refused to apologize about it.

[Mnemosyne]

10. "Where did you 'hear' that? The Internet?", is what I get

hit with. Yet if my funnymental and *bot sisters use the internet, they are brilliant researchers!:crazy:

I had 4 "half"-sisters until 2002, but since early 2003 I have ended up with only one. I am "trash and NOT their 'real' sister".

You owe no one any apology, except for loss of temper. If they are anything like my "family", they would never dream of apologizing to you for denigrating your intelligence and research.

:hug: from a fellow 'black sheep'! :hi:

[Nevilledog]

13. I have to tiptoe around my parents.

However, they're starting to wake up some. They're pretty fed up with how things are going in this country, but their level of awareness is superficial at best. My dad did express interest in watching Sicko though, so I'm gonna bring him a copy at Christmas. After I see how he responds to that I'll send him some others like Iraq for Sale and No End in Sight.

[Nevilledog]

15. That's just so wrong.

Why do people try to make us feel bad because we take the time to read about and research things that are of importance?

[crimsonblue]

19. Exactly...

Why am I the stupid gullible one because I actually care enough to know what the fuck is going on in our country? My mom actually still likes Dubya and thinks he is a good person... My dad is at least smart to know that Bush is "the worst president in our history"... Both are Obama leaning, but will vote for McCain if Hillary is VP. WTF

[onethatcares]

6. any time the state of things comes up, just ask if

they've seen the unemployment numbers, ask if they feel safe in their job (will it go offshore), how do they like the educational opportunities for thier children, and other myriad questions. Jeez, they get this look about them and the subject changes immediately. (I don't let it drop)

[Nevilledog]

14. Those are great things to say.

Unfortunately, I get so instantaneously furious that the only thing that pops into my mind to say is, "How can you be so fucking stupid?."

[RNdaSilva]

18. That's my problem...short fuse.

But, I have gained a few listeners and converts.

I have one major prejudice...STUPIDITY.

[mojowork_n]

7. The guest dude on the Daily Show the other night...

What was the name of the book, "The Big Sort"?

The author's name is Bill Bishop.

Here's the link:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=178004

Anyway, his idea is you can tell the two types of Americans by their geographical proximity to one another.
Look at any electoral map -- the "red" areas all have closely-packed demographics. People who live there
may or may not have anything in common, but they probably have to make an effort to get along.

As opposed to all the "hey you kids, get off my lawn" s.o.b.'s in the burbs, and rural areas, where physical separation makes fewer demands on the patience, and tolerance, of the residents.

The other way I've heard this expressed is:

In any exchange of ideas involving differences of political opinion, the liberals are the ones hunting for "information", while the conservatives are always looking for "ammunition." ("Shoot-to-kill" identity politics.)

[Nevilledog]

16. Always looking for "ammunition".

That's one of the best definitions of the problem I've seen.

[MadrasT]

9. Very astute

My sister has been brainwashed by the neocon crap they spout in her fundamentalist church. We almost really got into it during a family vacation. Thing is, she's intelligent enough to research the facts and understand them... but I think it's easier and more comfortable for her to believe what her pastor says. If you even HINT that there might be "another side", she goes all ballistic and defensive. Eeek.

No more talking politics with my sister. The rest of my family's Obama votes will cancel out her McCain vote (and then some), anyway.

[ColbertWatcher]

12. Hallelujah! Oh, wait...m/t