You can't argue with a conspiracy theorist or a religious fundamentalist. And they are both.

[Soph0571]

Confirmation bias is so strong in these wankers they will purposely and ruinously believe the ludicrous if it fits their predetermined ideas. So solid is the bias that they wilfully disregard the tremendous evidence to the contrary we are currently witness to.

Hence why these creepy programmed mountebanks think they will be triumphant in the current impeachment process, and why the rest of know they are living in cloud kooky land. Confirmation bias is strong in them. Fucking hypocritical simpletons.

You know what they say: ‘Hypocrisy is the audacity to preach integrity from a den of corruption.’ Wes Fesler

[AnotherMother4Peace]

1. Those "end of timers" scare me the most. I think Barr is one of them. Like Marshall Applewhite & his

Heaven's Gate cult - 39 members committed suicide on Applewhite's orders in a San Diego suburb. They were so brain washed that the men had themselves castrated. After death they expected to enter an alien spacecraft hidden behind the Hale-Bopp comet.

[bluestarone]

2. We are see a PERFECT STORM situation

Russia picked the STUPID religious right, and this is what we have!! VOTE like nobodies business!! VOTE VOTE VOTE!!

[Zaphod42]

3. Sure you can.

You just won't get very far.

Your post is intriguing, but I think that your characterization of these people as "Fucking hypocritical simpletons" lacks a certain insight into basic human "nature", and "nurture". I've read numerous posts here, and elsewhere, that highlight the futility of engaging with "these people". It is difficult; I live in Mississippi...I know.

As an unabashed Humanist, I simply cannot write these people off as "hopeless", or "useless". I'll give it more thought and get back to you....

[mdbl]

10. Sorry no can do

When they vote for pigs intent on ruining the air i breathe and the water I drink, I will let them know they are responsible.

[Mersky]

4. All you can do, imo, is show up in their lives

Bat down any BS with a smile and move onto common interest. I'm not saying it's easy, or that it's for everyone. It is difficult and gut wrenching. I've learned that some aren't worth my time at all.

Otherwise, yeah, I pretty much agree with your OP.

[czarjak]

5. With an Evangelical, Pentecostal upbringing...

It’s never me that wants the conversation ended. Every time.

[BillyBobBrilliant]

6. I don't waste my time

arguing with just about anybody anymore (I'm 66). I hate engaging in a battle of wits with unarmed opponents.

[Kaleva]

7. Some of the Freepers are saying Trump has already won and we are just to stupid to see it

[oldsoftie]

8. Oh, they said the same thing in '12. "Obama will be gone in 150 days!"

OOPS!

[Buzz cook]

9. "Street Epistemology"

There is a reset get them to accept part of your argument and the next time you meet they won't remember that and its back to square one.
Part of this is they are taught that their side is perfect and it is an individual failing to loose an argument. They also believe that arguments are not simple differences, they are secular attacks on their faith and their god.
Debate or argument is for the benefit of the audience, the lurkers. It rarely effects the opposition.

However there is "Street Epistemology" a Socratic conversation that is non-confrontational. It seems to get some people thinking.

https://streetepistemology.com/

[wnylib]

11. Reason does not work with them because the

root of their"beliefs" is emotional. Would you try to reason with a 2 year old in the grip if a tantrum?

Or, think of adult situations that are so emotionally provocative that feelings flood out reason.

In conversations with these people, I have heard them reveal their fears and anger. They lose jobs due to company relocation. Costs if living increase while incomes do not. RW media tells them the problem is due to "lazy" minorities on welfare and to foreigners entering the country to use benefits paid by their taxes. They hear that companies relocate because "evil liberals" tax compnies or support unions that bankrupt companies.

They feel powerless. Spinmasters in politics and religion prey on emotionally vulnerable people. The power of the political party or of the God of their religion becomes their focus to turn to, to rely on, and to defend at all costs. It feels right to them because their politician or religious leader validates their feelings and gives them reasons.

When you debate with them using facts and reason, they feel like you are invalidating their feelings. It becomes personal self defense to them and confirmation of what they were told about "Godless liberals."

Do not argue facts with them. Listen to what their fears and angers are. Validate their right to feel anger or fear and steer the conversation to the problems of overpaid ceo's, tax relief for the 1% that causes school, fire, and police costs to go up, etc.

In other words, use emotional understanding to reach them, not facts. Be friendly with them so they trust whst you say.

You will still strike out with some of them. But you will also get some of them beyond the grip of their feelings so they can start to think.