Reply #42: The only way to reach them is to harness their hate

[No Exit]

and build it up until it breaks them loose. For example, look at how successful the Bush regime was in working them up into a frenzy of hatred of all arabs. That created the energy that this corrupt regime now runs on.

So... if you want to take the air out of the sails of a smug, opinionated, Bush republican, just remind him/her that "Bush has thrown open the borders... Bush wants to give amnesty to illegals." That scares them. It's amazing how they turn on him when this point is emphasized. One's own opinion on what should be done about the borders is irrelevant in such an exchange. Just remind them of Bush's primary failing (in their minds). It is the most effective way I've found of cutting them loose from their cult--although it sometimes only cuts them loose temporarily. But it's a starting point.