Reply #15: Great story. Here's another tactic I've been using.. [View All]

[lostnfound]

Once a week or so, ask middle-of-the-roaders what they've heard lately that pis*ed them off. Try very hard to simply listen -- not answer, augment, add to it, or criticize. A very gentle approach. My theory is that simply giving them the experience of saying what's on their minds OUT LOUD without a negative repercussion will help them realize it's OKAY to say what they are thinking.

And just once, maybe, get one of your right-wing friends in a quiet place and ask him to seriously explain what it is that he likes about Bush, and really listen. Ask questions to get him to talk more so that you can really understand what it is that he values about Bush/Repubs, but not questions that challenge. My theory is that we on the Left need to better understand the depth of the Fear factor and the Intolerance-for-Ambiguity that drives these folks. Along with whatever other good and bad things that are drawing them rightward. Also I think it will make such friends feel just a little bit obligated to actually listen to you some time when you are explaining to them reality from your point of view. At which time, less is probably more.