From Randi Rhodes' message board, I got the following (I can't figure out how to link to a single posting, alas), which boils down the information on a Web page concerning how to talk to conservatives in a way that will make them listen to you:

When talking with conservatives, particularly leaners, we can't approach issues in too many "liberal" terms, with words like "sharing" and "protection" and "assistance" and other warm, fuzzy, "sensitive" words! Those are democratic terms, and they work for us, but not conservatives. Most of them operate on a "strict father" approach to the world- that is, independence, self-reliance, honor, punishment and tough love. You must speak in these terms to get their attention and respect for your arguements. Sadly, facts alone just won't do it.

Don't say "It isn't fair that bush's tax plan doesn't help the neediest americans". This is true- but what do they care? they may think, "These people should pull themselves up by their own bootsraps without any help, like I did! No one gave me any hand-outs"

So, to someone who seems to be an economic conservative, try
"Does it concern you to see your hard-earned tax dollars being squandered by this administration in corporate handouts? As a tax payer, doesn't you gut tell you that it is dangerous to drain our national treasury dry just when the country and our military need it the most? Would you spend someone else's money like that and leave your kids to pay when the bill comes due?"


What can they say but "no"? Now you have validated how much they hate to pay taxes and appealed to the frugal, pay my own way side AND got into feelings with the "doesn't your gut tell you". Phrases like that, and "In your heart you know" tell your opponent that really, he already agrees with you, he just didn't realize it yet.

To a libertarian, don't quote statistics, just ask "So do you find a benefit in this tax shell game the president has set up, where our federal taxes are reduced-- and our state taxes go up?" You have negated the "relief" claim by re-naming it as a shell game, which it is, frankly.

Don't try to explain why "liberal" and "trial lawyer" aren't bad words. Just change them. Liberal becomes "progressive", "trial lawyers" become "Public protection attorneys".

We also have to refuse to use their words.
When they say "New water purity initiatives" we must refer to it as "poison water policy".
When they say "Defense of Marriage" we must refer to it as "The assault on American Freedoms" or "the bill of No Rights".
What they call "war on terror" we must call the" policy of incubating terrorists".

Everyone needs to write to their local newspapers, and get a dialogue going on these terms. When conservatives hear democratic ideals presented in conservative terms, it is harder to ridicule and dismiss them.

Read the tutorial and write a letter today!!