The NRA promotes the idea that carrying a gun confers protection from whomever one fears most.

As to economic fear, it is easier to blame blacks, Mexicans, Chinese, Arabs, women for stealing the good jobs that God created for white males.

...matter-of-fact way, with calm and reason. I purposely try to approach in a way that is not confrontational or threatening.

For example, I had someone ask me the other day what I thought about tRump. I said (paraphrasing), "Well, a lot of people find him entertaining. And he plays on the fears of people and insults people and is brash and loud and pompous and crude and is politically incorrect and exhibits the very meaning of racist. Some people cheer him on because he says the things they are feeling and validates their fears. But is he someone we want running our country, interacting with other nations and world leaders, having access to the nuclear launch codes, being Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, appointing judges and justices, and all the other vitally important things a president does? Not for me, he isn't. Will he look out for you best interests, or his? It is Donald Trump, after all. I want someone that will make my life better, your life better, my kids' and grandkids' lives better. Trump will only be interested in making his life and the lives of the oligarchy better. Nope, I am supporting Bernie Sanders. Sanders wants to make our lives better, not help rich millionaires and billionaires get and keep all the money."

At that point, I'm hoping for two questions: "What is oligarchy?" and "Who's this Sanders guy?" They didn't come but at least he got some food for thought. His response was to nod. And then the subject was changed and that was that.

I would think a lot would also hinge upon what might be suggested as an alternative. People are averse to change, even if their current situation is crappy.

...any less powerless. Indeed, the more who know the truth, the less likely the lies are able to live and propagate.

This is a very frightening epiphany to come face to face with the truth about being Working Class or Poor in America.

1. I've got a family that needs to be fed, housed, clothed. It's an immediate need, and has to be met on a daily basis. That takes most of my time and energy. Fine, there's inequality, and the rest of us are getting screwed. So what else is new? I've got to make dinner and pay the rent tonight.

2. What can I do to change all that NOW, not some day in the future, but when I can see it make an immediate positive impact for myself and family?

You can rant all you want about inequality, and I would agree with you, but unless you can answer these two questions, I've got more important and immediate issues to me that matter more than hearing "the actual truth".

...seeking and knowing the truth. Being engaged and a willingness to understand and know is why we're here on DU where we learn and we research things and validate and confirm and require references, etc.

But you're definitely right, many people are too busy to go to the extra effort and finding to time to be engaged in matters outside their own spheres where their own successes and failures, joys and tragedies, and tranquility and drama are playing out.

neither do the Conservative Democrats that want to support the corruption in government that allows Corps like Goldman-Sachs to trade cash for political favors. Why would Democrats support the Oligarchy that has brought us here? They are either in total denial and pretend they don't know about the 50,000,000 Americans living in poverty, or the worship the wealthy.

but,we have our freedom.

Facts are useless for political persuasion if you don't first understand where the person's values lie. You have to talk for a bit, establish some common ground.


An example:
"Yeah, terrorism is really scary. I worry about it to. I worry that my family isn't safe, what kind of world my kids are going to inherit. What would make you feel more secure?"

Listen to what they say here. Frame your answer so it addresses their concerns. Don't tell lecture or tell them why they are wrong. Let's say it is something bigoted about Muslims. Find any common ground in their statement that you can first. Then maybe something like the following:

"Well yes, a few Muslims do the things you mention, no denying that. And I find that upsetting too. But many are deeply religious and family oriented, just like us. They just want to make a living, worship god and raise their families in peace like the rest of us. They hate the bad apples just like you hate the Oklahoma City bomber and that guy in Charleston. Those so-called Christians are not representative of all Christians are they? No. We hate them! They are evil and against what makes America great! Maybe those Muslims who did evil things are not representative of all Muslims either?"

They are unlikely to agree with you at this point. And they probably said things you think are wrong and vile. But agree to disagree. Leave the door open to different thoughts in the future.

Here is an article. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/15/opinion/sunday/the-key-to-political-persuasion.html

I have heard that this book is good, although I did not read it yet. But great quote: