Don't Argue. Walk.

One cannot use "logic"

to counter an argument

which is based in "emotion."


Logic & emotion are two properties

which exist on different planes, and

never the twain shall meet.


Oft times the BEST reply is NO REPLY.

by mrk * (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 295 comments) on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 8:00:31 PM
 

Re:Don't Argue, Walk

Again, how we respond depends on where we are. I don't mind just walking. But it is unrealistic to expect everyone to just say nothing. That is why singing, while walking, would be a good reply.

However, each side has both emotion and logic. To think otherwise means that we are not listening. And if we are not listening to them, why should they listen to us?

by Curt Day (41 articles, 4 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 40 comments) on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 9:01:38 PM
 

The GOE Site

I agree with Curt that the war of behavior is indeed the important victory, after all, the best way yo teach is by example. But this can and should only be done in the streets when accosted by them in a live venue. As with any hate group, (and that is what GOE's behavior tells us they are), the best way to treat them is to expose and isolate them, as one would any infection. The key to this, I believe, is not to use their own site and forums to reason with them. All this does is antagonize them, and gives them a perceived attack to rally around and justify their obnoxiousness and possible violence, (after all, one of their principal tactics is to claim they are defending sacred sites, sacred ground, and sacred ideas, which has always been the bully's justification for violence.) Let them have their self-imposed on-line prison-sanctuary in which to hide, fester, and eventually implode.

I believe the more effective approach is to use the mainstream print and on-line press after each live encounter with GOE to counter their patriotic posturing. They always write letters and op-ed's to the local press to justify themselves, and vilify the peace movement. First of all, e-mail authors of articles about them GOE congratulating them for their insightfulness, (GOE members frequently try to intimidate these reporters with attack letters), also help the author follow-up on their article with more information about GOE activities. Importantly, after each altercation, use letters to the editor and article commentary sections to call these people out for what they are. These are not peaceful counter-demonstrators, (one of our female members here in CT was dragged out and kidney-punched by GOE members at West Point recently). The more I encounter and read their web and press postings, the more I can conclude that GOE's real objective is to harrass, intimidate, and disrupt any attempt to voice dissent against this cruel and unnecessary war in Iraq. They do so passively when watched, and violently when allowed. We cannot allow this to continue.

by Vigilance (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 9:45:05 AM
 

Re: GOE Site

I want to challenge you on a couple of points. First, we cannot overgeneralize about GOE. There are some people there who are friendly right away. There are some who will become respectful. And there are a few who are people to avoid. In addition, you will find some Eagles overgeneralizing about us so how could we complain if we do the same thing? 

As this article says, we have to engage with some understanding because we are the ones asking for a new paradigm to be accepted. So Second, I think we need to engage--not to the point of conversion but to get them to consider alternative viewpoints and then let time do its work.  

I will agree that we also need to write letters to the editor and so on. That I will fully agree on. Its that I do not think that we are limited to choosing just one option

by Curt Day (41 articles, 4 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 40 comments) on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 4:30:18 PM