An Open Letter to Barack Obama

[tombogan03884]

Tom, I am running a bit slow this AM ... "break my toy"?  I'm sorry, I need translation. 

Get your Sister in Law so PO'ed she won't come back, or at least won't let you make fun of her any more.

[Ron J]

OK ... I get it.  Sorry I'm running a bit slow today. 

I have a feeling her equally liberal husband and conservative mother who will be at dinner have "reminded" her not to discuss politics.  Which is good.  In the past, I have actually prepared for such debate with reference material to back up statements and she simply dismisses that with "you can validate any point with anything but it doesn't make it true or right". 

Problem is, as indicated by her comment that her sources are based on emotion and belief vs. any fact.  In short, like a lot of liberals I know, they believe what they are told to believe.  Words mean what they want them to mean.  Nothing more and nothing less. 

I am actually not in the mood to argue about Barack Hussein Obama.  For some reason, I really want a good knock down debate on the Viet Nam War or why we need to plant Muslims this summer. 

[tombogan03884]

Have fun Ron 

[SwoopSJ]

Problem is, as indicated by her comment that her sources are based on emotion and belief vs. any fact.  In short, like a lot of liberals I know, they believe what they are told to believe.  Words mean what they want them to mean.  Nothing more and nothing less.   

Thank God, it's not just me.  I was beginning to think myself some sort of political biggot.  It seems every time I get into a political "discussion" with one of my "leftish" friends, they cannot support their argument in any shape, form, or fashion.  Yet they act like I'm retarded when I explain my views, which I can support with facts.  Almost came to blows during '04 election (no aggression on my part) because I didn't believe John Kerry was the second coming of our savior, I mean he was a Democrat.   Guess you just can't override emotion with fact no matter how irrefutable.

Swoop

[Pathfinder]

Thank God, it's not just me.  I was beginning to think myself some sort of political biggot.  It seems every time I get into a political "discussion" with one of my "leftish" friends, they cannot support their argument in any shape, form, or fashion.  Yet they act like I'm retarded when I explain my views, which I can support with facts.  Almost came to blows during '04 election (no aggression on my part) because I didn't believe John Kerry was the second coming of our savior, I mean he was a Democrat.   Guess you just can't override emotion with fact no matter how irrefutable.

Swoop

Reminds of the old saying - just because it is a deeply held personal opinion does not mean it is right. It is simply a deeply held personal opinion. You can believe, in your heart of hearts, that the sun rises in the south and sets in the east - but your belief does not make it so.

Cannot argue with these people. The public ed system in this country has been cranking out people for decades who are more worried about feeling good about themselves than in being rational and analytic in any way, so facts are meaningless. Besides, when you correct them, you are making them feel not good about themselves, why, you are actually telling them they are wrong! Mommy said they were perfect little angels, so they can't possibly be wrong. Shame on you!!!! 

One of the reasons I am so pessimistic about the future of this country - we are way down the slippery slope.

On the other hand, when the shumer hits the fan, this country will need sheepdogs. And this old arthritic pooch will do what he can. 

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

Some one said something to the effect that Bullies get bored, the greedy get enough money, but the do gooder will NEVER quit trying to manage your life "for your own good". It's for the children. BS

[SwoopSJ]

Cannot argue with these people. Besides, when you correct them, you are making them feel not good about themselves, why, you are actually telling them they are wrong! Mommy said they were perfect little angels, so they can't possibly be wrong. Shame on you!!!! 

Truer words were never spoken (or typed) my friend.

Swoop

[Ron J]

No political or economic discussion tonight.  I am OK with that given my mother-in-law really doesn't like that going on between the "kids". 

As to my sister-in-law, I used to just see her once a year at the holidays.   Given this, when you are only around someone for minutes in a given year, it is very hard to change someone’s belief ... not just someone’s opinion … on any issue/topic.  When you add a perceived emotional attachment to a cause or belief, the ability to influence attitude change is even more challenging especially given the limited exposure. 

However … now that I am (for the time being) in the same zip code with her, I am looking forward to the challenge of changing some of her liberal or “progressive” beliefs.  Anybody can be influenced to the point that they change their point of view on a topic.  To do this, time/exposure and a game plan are needed to influence said change. 

There are different forms of persuasion to use for different people and different circumstances.  To this, I am setting up an objective and will work up a “marketing” plan to change her “liberal” point of view.  I will start with one “minor” issue … an easy one (haven’t decided yet what to use) … and then work my way to influencing the change objective that I set. 

Ultimate goal is to make family meals more enjoyable. 

[Hazcat]

Sounds like a reasonable plan and a reasonable goal.

[SwoopSJ]

I admire your patience and persistance, Ron J.  For me, I believe a valium would not only be in order but required.  Best of luck turning one away from the "Dark Side". 

Swoop