A few days ago, I asked for suggestions as to how best to convince the unconvinced when appealing to their humanity doesn't work. In other words, what objective data can be brought to bear on the problem of an unconvinced voter's skepticism?
I got a lot of good suggestions, a few "don't bother" white flag comments (sadly), and have started putting together a collection of information that I plan to draw upon when helping combat the myths and informing otherwise uninformed, or misinformed, potential voters.
Here's the link, in case you don't follow below the fold:
http://www.evernote.com/pub/craigfroehle/Election2008
A few comments about it:
First, it's an ongoing effort, so if it seems a bit thin right now, that's because I wanted to put out what I have so far in hopes that it might be helpful AND in hopes that others who have similar materials might suggest them for inclusion. The current list of topics so far is this:
• EARMARKS / BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
• CONSERVATION / GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
• GUN CONTROL
• EDUCATION
• HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL RESEARCH
• EXPERIENCE
• FEDERAL DEFICIT
• CANDIDATES' HEALTH
• TAXES
• OTHER SOCIAL POLICIES
Second, this isn't meant to replicate the awesome comprehensiveness of sites like OnTheIssues.org. Rather, it's supposed to be an adjunct in that it also has graphical treatments (e.g., especially charts), quotes from major media, and so forth. So, use OnTheIssues.org first, and, if it's helpful, back that up with content from here.
Third, it's in Evernote because, well, it's a really easy mechanism to organize and post these materials and update them frequently. The topics (10, currently) are arranged in a column on the right (each topic has a screenshot) with the content of the topic displayed to the left. If it being in Evernote causes consternation for anyone, let me know.
Finally, just to nip in the bud comments like "don't bother with this...go register people to vote and work the neighborhood," I'm doing that as well. I was a precinct captain in 2004, so I know the importance of, uh, boots on the ground. Anyway, so don't think this is the entirety of my efforts.
Again, here's the link: http://www.evernote.com/...
Suggestions and constructive criticisms are welcome and appreciated. Thanks.
p.s. Several people requested that I repost this diary as it was largely overlooked the first time due to heavy site traffic. Original is here.