Reply #45: If we're so smart

[jbeing]

why haven't we been able to win over the teabaggers? Why hasn't a Liberal agenda been sold to them as what's best in America? What are WE doing wrong? Personally, when I make a mistake, I try to admit it and them correct it. Why can't we Dems and Libs do the same? Admit that we have failed to reach out or even reach some of the conservatives and teabaggers.

And then try in a more effective way.

If you put people down or they feel they are being put down, then they tend to fight back (even if it's nonsense they are spouting). Teabaggers are being manipulated by the Repubs to fight against their own good. Why aren't we "manipulating" them or communicating that our approach will improve things? There's a real reason they don't listen, but there's also a reason that we haven't broken through with them.

I think that it's about disrespect for anybody that doesn't agree with us. We get tribal and self-congratulating (me included) about how much we know and how stupid anybody is that doesn't see the world as we do. So do teabaggers. We need to change this behavior. Not only to bring the teabaggers and other RW groups into our democratic discussion. But to start a civil standard of behavior towards one another. One that promotes listening and understanding rather than conflict. Most teabaggers or bigots or haters seem to be traumatized. There's a snarling anger in their expressions of "America" and "Socialism." Almost like an abused child or spouse defending their abuser.

All I'm doing is trying to see people I disagree with in another light. These people (our fellow Americans) seem to be in so much pain that they will look anywhere for relief (Even the Republican medicine chest that's filled with toxic teabags).

Just wonder what we could do to help them. They seem so lost. We don't seem to be able to communicate with them.

I think it should start with us. We need to reach out somehow. But I'm not sure what a next step should be other than trying to understand how many of these people we're talking about and where many of these people are coming from.

Any suggestions?