Please help me. How do I get through to people?

[TheWizardOfMudd]

I spoke to a relative on the telephone today and intentionally turned the conversation to politics and government.

I explain to her that Bush has filled the EPA with corporate types who are hostile to environmental regulations, which they are rewriting or simply refusing to enforce.

I explain to her that Bush has filled the Department of Labor with corporate types that are hostile toward unions, that Bush has refused to meet with even one labor or union leader, and is trying to abolish overtime pay.

I explain to her that the Medicare bill was written by a Bush crony, the head of a pharmaceutical company, and is designed to funnel taxpayer dollars to pharmaceutical companies.

I explain to her that John Ashcroft has filed criminal charges against an entire organization, Greenpeace, unprecedented in the history of our justice system, because two of their members boarded a Brazilian ship that was illegally transporting rain forest mahogany into America, and our authorities refused to seize the illegal cargo.

I explain to her that hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars are being funneled to Bush and Cheney cronies as a result of an unjustified, unnecessary and probably illegal war in Iraq.

I explain to her that we now have a one party government wherein the executive branch, supported by a majority in Congress, is running roughshod over the American people.

I explain to her that the FCC has so relaxed media ownership rules that all we hear on talk radio is right-wing dogma and lies.

I explain to her that Bush cuts Veterans' and unemployment benefits at every turn.

I explain to her that Bush has raided the treasury and we have the biggest debt ever.

I explain to her that as a result of all of these things, our democratic republic and the rule of law are seriously threatened as never before during our country's existence, because we have virtually fallen under corporate rule, which is fascist.

Her response was to ask me why I don't write a paper and do something about it. I replied that I am doing something; I am asking her to register and vote for John Kerry.

Her response to that was, "YEAH, RIGHT! JOHN KERRY IS A LUNATIC!"

God help us. What can I do?

[NMDemDist2]

1. john kerry is a lunatic? is she planning on voting?

sometimes you just have to cut your losses and spend time with people who are "teachable"

[TrogL]

2. Absolutely nothing

To (mis)quote Heinlein:

Most people can't think.

Many of those who can think, won't.

The small remainder that do think don't do it very well.

You cannot have an argument where only one person is taking part. It sounds like your relative as grasped ahold of a meme tiny enough to fit in her limited thinking capacity and is incapable of giving it up for the larger packet of information you're trying to hand her.

You need a much simpler message. I've been recommending "Bush lied".

[LibertyorDeath]

3. Stop Explaining.

If she doesn't get it by now.

She's thick as a brick & never will.

Put your energy to better use on someone with some form of intelligent life.

I think it's kinda obvious who the Lunatic is..

[wryter2000]

4. Desperation

My guess is that she's in a state of cognitive dissonance so massive she's hallucinating. Either she'll work out of it on her own, or there's no hope for her at all. Discuss gardening with her.

[shraby]

6. One thing we can do

is vote very early and then keep a repug occupied for the day until its too late to vote.

[matcom]

5. don't talk to her - EMAIL HER!

FACTS

i have 6 converts under my belt. my MOST IMPRESSIVE is my father. HOW? Email.

I email them EVERYTHING!

not stuff from 'conspiracy' sites either. NYTimes, WP, WJS, Moonie Times....EVERYTHING

also PNAC's site, etc...

send her the facts and do NOT make any comments!

just email her everything you can. it WORKS!!

she may TELL you she isn't reading them but she is. and she will read more and more and more

GOOD LUCK!

[Paradise]

7. best idea! thanks. :) n/t