Reply #17: This is dangerous thinking-- like that of Hitler or Stalin

[no name no slogan]

This is the same mentality that leads to "vanguard" movements like fascism and Leninism: the public is "too stupid" to know what's good for them, so we in the "vanguard" are "obligated" to "lead for them" because we KNOW what's best for them.

People are NOT sheep. To infer that they are shows a huge amount of disrespect and pessimism that borders on fatalism.

IGNORANCE IS CURABLE. People instinctively WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH. Our job is to INFORM people of the issues, and how they relate to their own lives, and how our cause can help them.

This is the first tactic I use when discussing issues/candidates with people-- give them the information about what's going on, and they will more than likely come to the conclusion we want them to. If not, keep presenting evidence, and keep moving forward. Eventually they will realize it. It may take a while, but people who have "seen the light" after living in ignorance are usually better supporters in the long run.