Help me with an onslaught on convincing a young know-nothing on "they're all the same"

[UTUSN]

So this mid-20s, little history, is not going to vote because he believes both parties/candidates are THE SAME.

I'm going to start bombarding him with e-mails with things like "when good people do nothing the bad ones win" and LOTS of stuff. Anything else?!1

[mercuryblues]

1. No, they are not all the same

If he thinks so, then he is better off not voting. If he even remotely thinks that Bernie or Hillary are the same as Trump or Cruz then he should not even think of registering to vote. He comes off as too lazy to think for himself, falling for the old and tired "they are all the same, so why bother" IOW he falls for that line so easily, actually looking at candidates and their records is over his head.

You know what I tell people that moan about government, when I know they didn't vote? Suck it up. You think you are too important to vote, stop criticizing elected officials. You gave up that right when you decided to sleep in on election day.

[daleanime]

2. The question isn't "are they all the same?".....

it's "are they different enough?" and "who do they work for?".

[Wilms]

3. Now hang on. You just described someone in their early fifties that I know.

[SheilaT]

4. He will not be moved with things like

"when good people do nothing the bad ones win". You need to give him actual specifics. Show him some of the charts that show the national debt under Republicans and under Democrats.

[rug]

5. You might ask what it is he wants done.

"They're all the same" is really an incomplete argument. I wouldn't mind if they were all the same if they all essentially went where I wanted to go, with minor differences. It really depends on where he wants to go.

In a very basic sense, I agree with his underlying sentiment. Both parties are deeply melded into the continuation of capitalism in one form or another. That's not where I want it to be.

But in the meantime, there a a vast difference betwen the two parties. One is amok and will intensify the suffering. The other will stanch the bleeding in almost every area of political life, and likely incrementally creep in the right direction.

I know that's a dour, if not cynical view of electoral politics, but it's the best I've got tonight.

Good luck with your friend.


.

[MH1]

16. ^^^ Excellent answer.

Especially the part

One is amok and will intensify the suffering. The other will stanch the bleeding in almost every area of political life, and likely incrementally creep in the right direction.

That incremental creep is NOT what young idealists want to hear. From their perspective, they see two parties neither of which are ANYWHERE near what they want. So they are looking at objects far in the distance and the objects seem too close together to be worth any effort.

But the reality,

One is amok and will intensify the suffering

if you can get them to see it, should get them to the polls. Because NOT doing one's small part to stop the amok party from taking power, means one's inaction has contributed to the likelihood of increased suffering.

[UTUSN]

6. thanks all so far keep it up checking back

[msongs]

7. just promise them evertyhing they want will be freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :-) nt

[lostnfound]

10. We get all this cool military stuff for free...

Like $2 trillion for the Iraq war.. I didn't have to pay extra for that, did you?

[Rex]

8. Just need current events, if he is really interested.

Lot's of different stuff to point out. One party seems to want a watered down version of Hitler. I think it should be easy to show him some examples that will be convincing. I have some clips if he needs to look at video.

[herding cats]

9. I don't know them, but I usually start with finding out what matters to a person.

Last edited Sat Mar 26, 2016, 01:09 AM - Edit history (1)

Generally, the younger they are the easier it is to reason with them. Not always, but generally.

Then see if you can find good, valid examples of issues important to them where Democratic values apply. Lay out an honest case why it's in their better interest to vote, support and work for Democrats in the future.

Then, you have to listen to their questions and concerns. Take them seriously, they're real. They're not a ploy in most cases such as this. Rebut their delusions, politely and with clear and concise facts. Do not talk down to them. I cannot stress this strongly enough. I know a lot of people think the "youth" are all about emotion. I disagree adamantly. A few are, sure, but a lot more are just products of their parents emotional voting and/or political party support patterns, and they've never been taught how things really work in the system. Nor how things effect them in the long term.

Don't preach, teach and help them. That's the best I can offer.

If you need more advice, please feel free to email me here. I'd love to help you on a more personal level.

Good luck! You're in a beautiful, if somewhat stressful, situation. I hope it works out well for you, and them!

Edited to add: Above all else empathize. Imagine you're them, coming from their situation, with their point of view. Work from that point. Don't judge. Just lead and help.

[B Calm]

11. Ask if they think the minimum wage should be higher? Ask if they think workers

should have the right to join a labor union? Ask if they think a woman should have the right to a safe and legal abortion? Ask if they think everyone should have the right to affordable healthcare? Etc.

[RadiationTherapy]

12. Tell them they are a "young know-nothing"

That will help.

[usedtobedemgurl]

13. "They are all the same".......

The Republicans, in my state, just had a vote about transgender people and where they could go to the bathroom. (among other things) I say the Republicans because the Democrats are in the minority. The bill was shoved at them and instead of voting, they protested by walking out in disgust.

There are many more instances where you can how him how we differ but there is one that I believe young people may be impressed with. I was proud of our D's when they walked out.

[Tanuki]

14. This website, where candidates' positions on a wide range of topics can be compared,

might be an eye-opener for your friend:
http://ontheissues.org/default.htm

[MH1]

15. Depends on what he cares about.

As a 20 something male, he probably doesn't care directly about women's rights (although he may; but based on the rest of your description, I'm guessing not) . But ask him what happens if his girlfriend is raped and doesn't want to carry the rapist's baby to term. Which candidate will be more likely to prevent her having to do that, every step of the way?

If he cares about the environment, and he should, because presumably he expects to be living in it for awhile - the candidates have hugely different records on climate change and other environmental issues.

If he cares about getting a job with a decent wage - who is more likely to protect his rights as a worker, and to try to advance an increase in the minimum wage? (Of course if he's a smug ass "i'm gonna be fine cuz I'm so good" little snot, then he's a young republican anyway, and you might be better off agreeing with him that he's better off not voting. (until he grows up, you think in your head but don't say.))

[Enrique]

17. something like this may help