How to overcome frustration

A friend sent me this email, which I suspect reflects the feelings of many Obama supporters (below is my reply):

Whitney, I applaud your courage and conviction.  I am very frustrated with the "not doing enough" question and don't want to have regrets.  Monmouth County, particularly where I live, is staunchly Republican -- primarily because everyone is ridiculously wealthy and wants to protect their assets.  As for social issues, they generally are above them as they are not affected by the concern of people below the 99.9% income level.   Community service, generally speaking, means planning the private school gala.

 

I know about four liberals out here, who of course are already pro-Obama.  I can't seem to get anyone else to listen, care or be concerned about the country's future under a McCain/Palin administration.  The common response is 1) Palin is just as qualified as Obama -- (huh?  baffling statement), 2) Palin's appointment validates the soccer Moms' feelings of qualification for anything, including running a nation, and 3) "under Obama we will pay 80 cents of every dollar in taxes," and 4) voting for someone "so religious" -- I would say fanatic -- makes them feel like a better Christian.

 

Yikes.

 

Any suggestions?

Here was my reply:

9 of 10 Americans were already going to vote for the Democrat or Republican, regardless of who the candidates are so, statistically speaking, you're wasting your time with nearly everyone you talk to.  But the 10% of the time you reach a truly undecided person, you can really make a difference -- and those are the people who will decide the election!  Therefore, I suggest three things:

 

1) Don't get discouraged and keep talking, calling, emailing, etc.

 

2) When you find someone who's truly undecided, have at your fingertips information to give them and arguments that address their concerns (that's why I posted my arguments, with lots of links covering many issues, on the web at: www.tilsonfunds.com/Personal/Obama).

 

3) Don't waste your time trying to persuade people who aren't going to change their minds.  I've found that politics for many people is like religion -- they're born with certain views (or develop them at a young age) and a conversation to change their mind is futile: it would be like a Muslim trying to convince a Jew that his religion was all wrong and that he should convert.  Not only will it fail, but the attempt to convert will be viewed with hostility and anger.

 

Keep up the fight!