strange ftaa dream

[Leslilake1 at aol.com]

Also, the way you talk about things matters.  I had an experience recently 
that made me rethink my own habits.  I've been approached a couple of times 
in the last few months by people with questions about genetically modified 
food because of the starlink corn case.  (I'm a dietitian at a hospital).  In 
one of these instances, I sort of shot from the hip without thinking too 
much, and got the "oh, well, what can you do about these things" response.   
And the "oh, you're a nut -" looks. 

In the second instance,  the man inquiring was the head of our lab.  He 
phrased the question "What's the deal about this corn, isn't it just another 
case of the government butting into our lives?"  I was more measured in my 
response this time, and just said something like, "Well, there actually are 
some issues, and I could bring you some information..."  Then I went home and 
got the least inflammatory materials I could find (i.e., stuff that stuck to 
the science and didn't talk about how it was a plot by big business to corner 
ag production).  A week later, he stopped me in the hall to tell me that he'd 
never realized there were some serious concerns with gmo's, and the articles 
had been very helpful.  

In a message dated 01-04-24 14:17:18 EDT, you write:

<< Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2001 10:19:44 -0400

 From: Archer.Todd at ic.gc.ca

 <<<Subject: Re: Fw: Strange FTAA Dream

 

 W. Kiernan wrote:

 

 Whereas lots of ordinary workers, including many of these Walmart clerks 

 of yours (who, you'd think, would at least hazily understand that their 

 interests are directly opposed to the interests of the investing class), 

 they simply blow you off when you try to discuss political issues with 

 them - they don't want to hear it at all. Then later on they vote for a 

 right-winger because that candidate promises them vague improvements in 

 "public morality," or because the candidate dresses well, or because, 

 due to big-budget TV ads like the Willie Horton one or the black hands 

 one, they associate his opponent with those minority groups they so 

 despise. How do you get through to these spoprts fans who refuse to 

 listen to a word you say? 

 

 Like Carrol said, you must pick your targets.  And what better way to pick

 your target then "fire for effect"  e.g. try to discuss political issues

 with an individual or group and see what their response is; if positive,

 continue with discussion; if negative, don't bother them for the time being.