I'm finding it a waste of time to talk to Republicans about health care reform.

[zanne]

I've been volunteering my time for two years to work toward effective, affordable healthcare for everyone. I couldnt' even begun to count the hours I've put in talking on the phone to Democrats, Republicans, Independents and Libertarians.

Today, I was at the polls passing out pamphlets about Obama's health care reform proposals. Now, I've kept my temper in check for two years and I've bit my tongue so many times I'm surprised it's still there, but today I hit my limit. Republicans were walking up to me to start fights. I wasn't bothering anybody. (And, by the way, I'm disabled and use a walker). I was called everything in the book today. I only had ten minutes to go when a yahoo came over to me and started talking very loud about why I was wrong about everything. My head exploded and I told him exactly what I thought of him and his party's bullying tactics when it comes to healthcare reform. Finally, I told him that I didn't invite him to come over to speak to me and that the conversation was over.

I really believe that trying to have a civil conversation about healthcare reform with Republicans is a waste of time. I've never felt this way before about any other subject, but I know what they're going to say even before they say it. I think we could learn something from them, though, and start raising some hell. It's worked beautifully for them.

[mzteris]

1. I find it a waste of time totalk to Republicans about

pretty much anything!

[pitohui]

2. it's always a waste of time to talk to bullies

it's real easy to walk over and shout down the person using a walker, isn't it?

i don't know what to tell you

at some point, we have to recognize that evil people are evil, the people who don't want you and me to have health care are EVIL, they want us to go w.out help when we are sick and then to die, there is no truer test of evil than that, that they are working and going out of their way to make sure that people keep dying and that families continue to lose everything to large hospital and nursing home corporations

racism is part of it, they would rather lose their own home than see a black man get free/cheap health care, but there must be some self hatred there too, since a lot of these folks are poor white trash who WILL ultimately lose everything financially and health-wise under the current policies

[TxRider]

3. The ones yelling at you aren't the ones you need to be talking to

And even the yellers, if you can wait for their temper tantrum to subside, for all that energy to be spent, you can still get to many.

You have to be patient, and look at them with some sympathy.

If you can't do that, then yes your probably better off just not talking to them.

[zanne]

4. How long have you been talking to Republicans about healthcare reform?

Who do you volunteer for?

[TxRider]

14. I live in Texas

I talk to them across a dinner table, my employees, half the people I know.

I have to argue down the right wing lies constantly, and remain friends, family and a working relationship with them.

Funny enough, I've been able to change minds with many.

They can only yell so much, then when the spastic foaming at the mouth expulsion is over I talk.

It's not easy.

[Johonny]

5. unless there sick

then I find they are very interested in hearing about government assistance...

[barbtries]

6. it makes me want to cry

to think of their nastiness raining on you - the lack of respect. they're just hateful. i doubt i could do what you do, because when i get really pissed, i tend to cry - and the last thing i would ever want to do is cry in front of people like that. they're like little, cruel, bullying kids. really are. don't even appreciate that they are advocating a worsening life style for themselves.

[gordianot]

7. You are a brave soul, I have tried individually logic and even self interest does not work

When reform is in place for the next 15 years it may be a different story. By then they will claim credit.

[T Wolf]

8. It is impossible to converse on a logic/fact basis with a puke because their political philosophy

is a faith-based one, requiring (in fact, demanding) no truth to support it.

They have their values (fear & hate of the different, bigotry towards the "others" in society, selfishness of focus, hypocrisy as justified, etc.) and are not amenable via reason. The only proper and effective way to deal with them is to remove them from any and all positions of influence. That way, they can keep their sick views to themselves and not pollute normal people or society.

Hell - according to Gallup (Feb 09), only 39% of Americans believe in evolution. The percentage among pukes must be about ten or less. Even if they were open-minded (which they most certainly are not), how can you argue with ignorance and stupidity like that?

[Echo In Light]

9. Waste my time w/repubs? I usually won't even bother w/moderate Dems

Once someone has a fixed conceptualization of an abstract concept (such as a society) that entails specific, emotionally entrenched belief systems that were/are endorsed and perpetuated by the majority of that society's dominant institutions...forget it. You might as well talk to a wall. Anything you address will automatically be dismissed on the grounds that it doesn't fit neatly into that person's background assumptions - so you can't dare encourage that person to question the validity/legitimacy of the sources for their background assumptions.

[TrogL]

10. You cannot have a conversation with an authoritarian about any topic

...because it's impossible to have a conversation with them - they don't have the tools.

Their tools (indoctrination, threats) won't work for our people so there's no point in deploying them.

[Walk away]

11. I admire your grit but I think you are wasting your time talking to..

republicans about anything except maybe a cobbler recipe.

[unblock]

12. blah blah blah private sector. blah blah blah obamacare. blah blah blah socialism.

blah blah blah dittohead talking points.

without logic, there is no debate.
a hilarious monty python skit, yes, but a debate, no.

as soon as you deviate from their known talking points, you discredit yourself and reveal yourself as an outsider to them. therefore, you have no authority and so they won't buy what you're selling. life sure is simple when you're a republican.

[skier_]

13. I agree, everytime I have they bring up the idea of healthy

competition in business. Which I agree with, but not when it comes at the cost of my health and the health of others.