What would you say when someone isn't going to vote because...

"We don't decide, we have nothing to do with it. It's the electoral college. It's useless."

Keep in mind that I've already engaged someone who said Obama frightens her because of his "terrorism." Yep, she said, "He was RAISED in a terrorist camp!"

And, another who said he would raise their taxes by 75%. They make well under $250k, btw.

What the heck does this voter thinks decides the state she lives in! Her vote!

I'm still gonna call them out on it every single time and not let them hide behind other bullshit they've been spouting cloaking the racism and bigotry.

I'd sneakily encourage them not to vote. :lol

If there's any possibility they'd vote Republican, better they don't vote.

Why bet on the worst possible explanation, when there's such a small personal cost for betting on the best?

NGU.

If these folks have made it this far without learning their ass from their elbow, I'm guessing you're not going to be able to help them.

My suggestion would be to talk slowly, use small words, and keep your expectations low.

:hi:

don't waste your time

In a democracy, people get the government they deserve.

i'd tell that person to pull their head out of their ass and come join us in the REAL world.

I'd like to see a requirement that folks take a high school examination every 4-5 years and be required to pass it or have their diploma revoked.

One of the TV shows that chaps my ass big time is "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth-Grader?" The notion that an adult who cannot easily answer those questions is, in some perverted sense, entertaining is a commentary on how abysmally ignorant we've become.

with them that their vote won't count and not to bother...

but when our side has been telling them for 8 years the electoral college blows and working to pass legislation in the states to institute a defacto popular vote it shouldn't be surprising to run into a few of these types of people.

Personally, when I run into those types of people, I point out to them that they should be voting for their local candidates anyway since local politics tend to have a much greater effect on their day to day lives.

The problem is getting that type to the polls, not in who they pull the lever for.

Personally, I've given up on trying to educate them or direct them to the facts as I have yet to talk to one that is really interested in knowing. We have replaced "ignorance is bliss" with "ignorance allows me to avoid any responsibility" and it may well destroy the country.

If we were more willing to listen to what people have to say, and acknowledge the aspects that are quite accurate, we would do much better.

That's what "community activists" learned a long time ago.

It's time to relearn it.

and the electoral college question was, believe it or not, the most rational question or thought posed.

Bottom line for the vast majority I have encountered: they're either blatant or subtle racists and bigots.

There is nothing to be done with that, IMHO, other than call them out on it and encourage them to be honest so we can bring this hatred to the surface to shed some light and fresh air on it, and perhaps by some miracle, work toward some healing. Without them being honest about it, it's futile.

What would you suggest I would have done with regard to the OP? In that case, I did only listen. I was too tired to respond. LOL

I always listen first and, if they seem amenable to listening (even if it most likely won't sink in), then I respond. I don't bring this shit up...the "Obama is the antichrist" stuff has taken its toll on me, quite frankly.

How..... very interesting.

:crazy: