I just educated a repuke!

[Caoimhe]

He is a coworker and is a pretty nice guy. He is a Republican because of the 2nd Amendment, and openly admits it. Not sure how being a Republican helps him in that regard, but that's what he says... He hated Clinton.

Anyway, he came into my office to shoot the shit and ended up talking about (his words) the quagmire in Iraq. He sounded very disgusted. He wanted to talk to me about the fact that the reasons for us going seem to be a lie. I treated him kindly and didn't try to preach at him, but I did enlighten him on one important thing (to me). I said that I was saddened for the women of Iraq because of what this war has done to them. He said "oh yeah, women in Iraq are lower than dirt, always have been..." I said.. "actually no.. women in Iraq were doing pretty well before we invaded Iraq. More women doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc than any other country (at least in the region), education was paid for through college. Women held jobs at all levels and had many opportunities they don't have now. He was totally shocked. He said he has NEVER heard that before, he thought Iraq was as bad or worse on women than Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan. He eventually left my office, very thoughtful and quiet, saying he can't understand why we are there at all.

The repukes want and need to be educated. Every little truth you can convey to them that will help open their eyes is a positive step!

[roseBudd]

1. That ahole Tony Snow on Bill Maher said Iraqi women were in burquas

and Maher did not correct him.

[Caoimhe]

3. Why wouldn't Maher correct him?

Why do people get confused on this? Iraqi women didn't wear berkas!!!! Some wore more "covering" than others, depending on their religious sect.

[Cha]

5. They must love when they

can lie and no one corrects them.

[Oceansaway]

2. Hooray !!!

[Cha]

4. Thanks for opening his eyes

on that very important issue. I can't believe how that changed.

When people say.."sadam is gone" ..the response should be "yeah,
but the women have it way worse than when he was in power" Wonder what ol' chalabi thinks about that? Or does he give a rat's ass?

[HockeyMom]

6. Religion is Patriarchal

Yep, even Christianity. You only need to look at the Fundies agenda to see how women will be "enslaved".

[TallahasseeGrannie]

8. But at least they don't go as far as putting them in bags with

vents. I'll give them that much.

Now, Peter Pan collars and red flats aren't much better, but hey, it's something!

[skipos]

7. "I treated him kindly and didn't try to preach at him"

and that is probably why you were effective. Many soft Repubs can see the light if someone shows it to them in a pleasant manner. Berating them is usually only going to make them defensive.

[Caoimhe]

10. I think so too

If you live in a purple state.. like me.. OREGON.. many times you work with Republicans.. deal with Republicans.. are related to Republicans. I am (after the 2004 election) trying to feel out people to get their ideas on GWB and the events in the USA. In Repubs, I find much sympathy for Katrina victims, US troops in Iraq, US Veterans, Senior Citizens, Kids (Education) and Gays and Lesbians and abortion isn't much of a topic (people tend to keep to themselves)

The best thing I can do is to make them think about how these events relate to their lives *therefore they will care...

[Carolab]

9. Give him this

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5387551&mesg_id=5387551

[BikeWriter]

11. Very good, I applaud you!

That's the reason we recently opened our own debate forum to reach out to those uninformed and curious.