Simple statements to keep any political discussion on track

When having a political discussion, it is easy to lose footing and get off track. Here are a few simple strategies for keeping the conversation productive and calm.

1. Always stay calm. If you fly off the handle, you immediately lose credibility and you can be accussed of being irrational and emotional. Yes, it is hard to stay calm when some idiot says '911, it is why we fight'...count to ten, twenty...if you can't remain calm...walk away from the discussion and resume it later.

2. Do not let the discussion become about the mythical liberal & conservative. If the person you are discussing the issue uses the word 'liberal' or 'left wing', simply state that your concerns about whatever issue you are discussing transcend political party affliation. Stick to the topic. If they refuse to listen to you because you are one of those left wing nut jobs, end the conversation. There is no point. Most people, however, will listen to you, if you state facts and legitimate concerns. If they like Bush (I know, I know), don't attack him, personally. List what policies you disagree with and why. Yes, Bush is a moron. Jerk. Liar. Mass murderer. But, you will never gain any ground insulting him.

3. But...but...Clinton. Defuse this effort to go off topic, by stating that you are not discussing Clinton, and steer back to topic. Another good way to cut this off is to say something YOU did not like about Clinton (Media consolidation was one stupid Clinton move). This catches them by surprise since they would NEVER in a billion years admit any problem with the leadership they support. Then, state - this discussion isn't about Clinton...this is about....If Clinton did have a hand in the current problem (sanctions in Iraq were brutal to the people, for example), acknowledge it and move on. Do not get trapped in the 'what he did was far worse' banter.

4. Cite sources. If you can't remember a particular source, tell the person that you will e-mail them the article, poll, statistic later and then follow up. Often, the government's own reports can be used to expose falsehoods and they will not be dismissed as just propaganda from the 'liberal' media.

5. Remember your objective. You are trying to educate and inform. Condescending tones and ridicule will immediately destroy any possibility to do so.

6. Tell them your ideas that could make things better. One often repeated (and usually false) statement, 'Liberals just like to bitch, but they don't have any solutions'. List some. Tell them solutions proposed by democratic leaders to current problems.

7. Be empathetic. No one likes to be wrong. If they start to give some ground, credit them for it. Tell them that you appreciate them listening to your side, and that you were really glad you could have the discussion. Tell them you are fed up with this ridiculous divide and that we are ALL Americans. And, if they enlighten you to something (as simple as why they held on to false notions), acknowledge that and thank them. And, listen to them when they tell you what they don't like about US. Liberals can be arrogant and condescending (how stupid are YOU), I know people like this. Just remind them that people who are inconsiderate or rude are just that way. Tell people to make judgements on the merits of a specific policy or issue and the facts around it. Don't let a bad experience with one person become the means of judging people.

8. Realize when you are fighting a losing battle. These tips are only for engaging dialogue with people who will have a discussion. Some people just want to argue and prove you wrong. Don't be drawn in. Tell them that it is clear they do not have any interest in a real dialogue, and you will not waste your time and energy playing their game.

:toast:

:kick:

K & R for reminding us to practice good form...which is important to do even if our opponent does not.

Not that I always have!O8)

But I try...most of the time! :dilemma:

That is when I blow it! I have no tolerance for people who will abide by the corporations stealing our treasury and the wealthy getting every advantag, yet, blame the poor and struggling for the financial woes of the US.

I have to walk away.

Just be open and willing to meet the person you're with on their own terms,
listening to them with love and compassion for what they are experiencing in their lives.

No need to carry a book of rules, but the willingness to put one down, can be quite transcendental.

Also, find some common ground - something that you can both agree sucks or is great.

On Christmas Eve I had a discussion with 3 conservatives; my brother-in-law & a couple I didn't know. They were complaining about the economy. I mentioned that spending $1.5 billion per week in Iraq would be better spent fixing the problems & infrastructure in our country. The woman looked at me, stunned. "We're spending 1.5 billion a week there?" she asked. I nodded & said, "Yes! You won't hear that on Fox or CNN so go online & check it out." I told them I had just spent an hour driving on I-25 & my life was more at risk from hitting a pot hole at 70 mph & flying off the road than it was at being bombed by a terrorist. The man laughed at that & agreed that the highway is in terrible condition & not capable of safely handling the amount of traffic on it. He commented that our highways, bridges, power grid, all of our infrastructure was old & badly in need of upgrading. "I had no idea we were spending that much money over there," he said, shaking his head.

These people are not stupid. However they are grossly uninformed & gullible in their belief that our 'elected' officials & the press would not do anything to harm this country. We must overcome our anger & be kind in waking them up.

That said, I could have kicked those two in the butt, I was so mad at their ignorance!

:banghead:

...and when they complain, I tell them it's no more than they've been doing for the last 16 years.

George masturbates to pictures of Carville's bald head. George is a convicted felon. George's wife killed a man and got away with it. George met with a gay male prostitute several times in the Lincoln bedroom.

Of course, most of the above is true, but they won't know which is and which isn't.

:evilgrin:



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