Common characteristics of the North American Republican:

Over the years, they have tended to become more extremist. They see everything in absolute terms, right and wrongs, good and evil, etc. So, if they believe something and we think differently we must be wrong, or evil, or both.

They can ignore anything, war, torture, scandal, etc since they feel the party is furthering their core beliefs. (Military dominance, state's rights, Fiscal responsibility... snicker)

If pressed on condoning rising budgets, torture scandals, they will respond with "I support the troops" (translated to mean "I am holier than thou") or the people bringing those issues up must hate America. I talked to one guy who when asked about the film Fahrenheit 911, could only keep repeating, "Moore hates America," over and over like a little kid yelling, "Nahnahnah, I'm not listening."

Greed and selfishness. Paying taxes really ticks them off. Putting money from each check into Medicare or Social Security drives them crazy. They feel the money is wasted. When I was little, people talked about your responsibilities as a citizen. I don't mind the small amount of my pay that goes into these programs. I feel it is my responsibility. These programs have improved our country greatly, and are a bargain at the cost.

They like approval. This explains the Hannitys, Coulters, and Limbaughs. They want someone to tell them it is right to be selfish and to give approval to their greed.

When I confront these people, rather than mention scandals or the poor performance of the White House, I question their core beliefs. "Why vote for Bush, you've always promoted Fiscal responsibility. Do you know how large the deficit has gotten?" Or "I thought you wanted smaller government. Why should the government get involved in a single person's right to die issue." I find that this throws them more off guard than called Bush a chimp. Sure, they respond with, "But 9/11 changed everything" but hopefully it plants some seeds of doubt in these closed minds.

Now if the seeds can just grow throgh that incrediably huge layer of rock.

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