Reply #51: I Fully Agree

[On the Road]

and you have to approach it with tact and warmth, even if you are screaming inside. When I was a young Republican, I was very impressed with some progressive acquaintances, even though I couldn't see things they way that they did at that time. If I had been turned off, I might never have changed beliefs, even though it took a few years.

Most people are not stereotypes, change over time, and sometimes have an odd mix of beliefs. A lot of union members are right-wing Rush Limbaugh types. A couple of months ago, I had dinner with a vegan who was on the board of some local enivornmental councils. He was also a birther who seemed to be deep into some very right-wing beliefs. This is a lot more common than you might think. At the same time, he had some personal experiences with corruption and inefficiency in local governments, and I was able to learn something from him despite his other opinions.

Recruiting from the right is not high-percentage effort, but it's not a lost cause. Once Tea Partiers turn the corner, they may go all the way left. Going from one extreme to the other is not uncommon. In fact, for the OWS movement to really be successful, it has to get at least some support from people who have certain Republican beliefs.