I had a recent conversation with a retired friend here in NC that I bet is quite typical of the mindset amongst Republicans. It went something like this:
Me: So (him), who you planning on voting for in the election?
Him: Well I'm sure not going to vote for Obama.
Me: Why's that?
Him: He's a damn socialist.
Me: Oh, you mean because he's black.
Him: No, I mean he's a socialist.
Me: Do you know what a socialist is?
Him: Yes, a communist, and I'm not voting for any communists.
Me: Hmmm, I see. So, you're on Social Security now, and Medicare of course. Do you like those programs or do you think they need to be changed?
Him: Yes, there needs to be changes. Social Security payments should be raised so a person has enough to live on. Medicare is alright though.
Me: You essentially like both programs, and yet you're not at all concerned about the Paul Ryan budget proposal that would effectively end both of these programs?
Him: Never heard of it. Who's Paul Ryan?
Me: He's the Congressman from Wisconsin that wrote a budget proposal that proposes changes to Social Security such as raising the retirement age to 70 or more, and privatizing the program. It also seeks to turn Medicare into a voucher system where you will get a coupon from the government that you can use towards the purchase of medical insurance from an insurance provider, instead of just being able to walk into the doctor with your Medicare card like you do now.
Him: I'm already on Social Security and Medicare so that wouldn't affect me.
Me: Well, the Medicare voucher system absolutely could affect you, besides what about other Americans who are not yet qualified to receive the benefits of these programs that you enjoy so much? Your children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends? They don't deserve access to those things that allowed you to retire with dignity?
Him: Well yes, but they would never do that anyway.
Me: Romney has said that he backs the Paul Ryan budget proposal 100%, that doesn't concern you?
Him: That's just political talk for the campaign, the Republicans aren't going to do any of that stuff. You're probably just making it up any way.
Me: You can read up on the Paul Ryan budget on-line. Google it and see for yourself.
Him: If they were really going to do something like that you would hear it all over the news.
Me: It has been all over the news, ever since Paul Ryan came out with it.
Him: Well I don't believe any of it, and I don't need to read about it either to know it's just some Obama bull crap.
Me: You should look it up just the same. Don't you think it's a good idea to know what you're voting for BEFORE you cast your vote?
Him: Whatever, I'm tired of talking politics so lets just change the subject.
There is no winning with these folks....none at all.
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