The funny part about the hate mail bag...

[angryinoville]

is the response to each letter. The sad part is that there are actually people out there writing these letters. I understand that diversity is what makes this country what it is, but these folks are frighteningly misled. How did it come to this? Has it always been this way in the U.S. with such a strong division between enlightened peace loving people and people who think it's unpatriotic to question your government? Probably. I can understand why they might not like Kerry, and maybe disagree with some of his views. I mean, a lot of us here have our differences with Kerry, myself included. But to think that Smirky McSwagger is even half the person let alone leader and president that Kerry will be is absurd. Yet, these people believe everything they are saying and that we are the crazy ones. Why am I writing this? I don't know. I guess my fear is that the uninformed outnumber the aware (meaning us). Is there anything that can be done to reassure me that this is not the case?
BTW, Let's get this presidential race rolling. it feels like there has been a lull lately and the chimp isn't floundering the way he should be.

[Warpy]

1. You have to understand the mindset.

These people are comfortable with style and symbolism, very uncomfortable with substance and fact. They have always been made to feel stupid by better educated managers, teachers, and even office workers and low level government officials. They respond favorably to Bush because of his fake folksy persona, and he's convinced them that they're striking a blow against pointy-headed elitists by voting for his crime family.

What do we do? Keep hammering at what a fake Bush is, a Connecticut preppy who's gotten a free ride all his life and has never had to do an honest day's work, a true elitist who refused not only to fight for his country, but to finish his obligation when he hid out in the Guard on a rich boy's ticket. Keep telling them what an elitist, thieving, lying sack of crap Bush is, and that he's a fake. Remind them that this cowboy is scared of horses, and loves killing that he doesn't have to dirty his own carefully manicured hands with. Laugh at the stupid act Bush is putting on, call him a fake and a wuss.

That has a chance of succeeding. Pointing out the facts about Bush's incredible bungling won't.

[yardwork]

2. I wonder if the internet doesn't help the right-wing movement,

by sending "talking points" to so many people who clearly can't think very well for themselves.

There are always ignorant and thoughtless people, as well as selfish people, but the internet has given them a very easy way to connect with each other.

Of course, the internet has given us liberals an easy way to connect with each other as well. It's just that I think we're a little better at thinking for ourselves....I didn't need the internet to know not to vote for chimpy, for instance.

[Warpy]

3. Most of the real illiterati

...don't need the internet for those talking points. They come in loud and clear over the airwaves every day on hate radio.

[NinetySix]

4. Not to worry...

Remember when Bart Simpson ran for class president and was the overwhelming favorite to beat Martin? All those kids who supported his candidacy failed to turn out when it was time to vote, including not only Millhouse, but even Bart himself.

I expect that a large percentage of the people who "compose" those inarticulate letters, perhaps even a majority, somehow never get around to visiting their local polling stations; it's just too much effort. Besides, all the fun comes while watching someone like Bill O'Reilly browbeat and bully someone who disagrees with him into submission when all they really wanted was a forum to air their opposing views. Take that, civil political discourse! Ha Ha! Way to show that elitist liberal scum! Shut off that dissident's mike! That'll teach him to be unpatriotic, by God! But when it comes to fulfilling a civic responsibility, however, I suspect it all just becomes a drag.

Besides, they probably figure you have to be able to spell your own name correctly to register.

[angryinoville]

6. Welcome to DU...

and some very good points as well as a great recollection of a classic Simpson's episode.

[Skittles]

5. people have never been as stupid and hateful as they are now

credit hate radio and FOX "News".

[DarkSim]

7. would be funny as hell if we did have an open debate forum here on DU.

Freerepublic.com Vs. Democraticunderground.com.

That would freaking rock! Repubs would get their own asses handed to them :D