Young people are WAY easier to "convert"

[giskard]

I've had much better luck turning younger folks (20s) on to Ron Paul than people in their 30s or 40s.

"If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way."
- Bertrand Russell

I guess older people are more invested in their current belief system of how the world works; if you present a belief system that invalidates how they have been living their lives, they will strongly resist it. One of the guys I tried to convert has watched "Money Masters", and while he thinks the Federal Reserve is a cartel, he still thinks "the devil you know" is better than "the devil you don't know"; that the Federal Reserve won't want a recession, that Ron Paul is a "radical" and that we're so far from the Constitution that it's better to have a president that will gently "steer" the country instead of having a "Ron Paul Revolution". I realize now that he's the type who reads BusinessWeek and moves his money around in investments; he must think that he's comfortably wealthy and a Revolution may mean he would need to actually work hard for his money.


Back to youger people... I just do the following procedure:

I start by sending this link:

http://www.relfe.com/plus_5_.html

then this (Money as Debt)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9050474362583451279

then Zeitgeist the movie

then they go "Ohmygod I couldn't sleep what can we do?"

then I show them this link:

http://www.lewrockwell.com/latulippe/latulippe80.html

and then this: (aravoth's video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFfdB5OzlyQ

Voila! New convert! :)


So........

I think targetting people in their 20s would result in a lot of converts. :)

[Shatterhand]

It has been my impression that young people are more open to the Ron Paul message. Don't know the reason why . . .

:D :D :D :D

[Mordechai Vanunu]

Maybe we're just smarter than you old folk. ;)

Money Masters is an amazing documentary.

[Man from La Mancha]

It has been my impression that young people are more open to the Ron Paul message. Don't know the reason why . . .

:D :D :D :D
Want to burn one?:D

.

[csen]

I'm 26, and I definitely agree. Here's why -- granted birds of a feather flock together, but most young people I know generally agree with the following:

1) Bush sucks
2) We hate the war
3) We know social security/medicare won't be there for us
4) We don't get the big deal over gay marriage, marijuana usage, or gambling (think online poker)
5) We're not very enthused about another Bush/Clinton in the White House
6) We're big internet users and don't really identify with unions, churches, and traditional organized groups.

[trispear]

"If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way."
- Bertrand Russell

Good observation. There is another that may complement that:
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
-Benjamin Franklin

Older people must be insane:)

Actually, a lot of young people are stupid reactionaries "Republican = Bad" so it would be silly to stereotype.

I think a lot of it has to do with FUD. Older people have families to protect, and other established assets they hold onto (houses, stocks, wealth), so they buy into the FUD out there and buy into the candidates who offer security at a cost of everything else. The want to feel safe even if the philosophy of that candidate will actually make things less safe.

But people of all ages are prone to believe what they are told and what they are sold.

[csen]

I'm 26, and I definitely agree. Here's why -- granted birds of a feather flock together, but most young people I know generally agree with the following:

1) Bush sucks
2) We hate the war
3) We know social security/medicare won't be there for us
4) We don't get the big deal over gay marriage, marijuana usage, or gambling (think online poker)
5) We're not very enthused about another Bush/Clinton in the White House
6) We're big internet users and don't really identify with unions, churches, and traditional organized groups.

Also, young people are far more open to new media -- the average 20 something is more likely to watch the Daily Show or Colbert than read the NY Times or watch CNN.

[Broadlighter]

I was at my county fair this last weekend and sat in the GOP booth. The other Republicans volunteering there with me were basically establishment Republicans. They like Rudy and Mitt and Fred. They don't know anything about Ron Paul.

One of them told me that no one knows Ron Paul and wondered why I bothered to promote him.

In short these people are hopeless. They vote for Republicans because they believe the Democrats are the worse of two evils. I told them that they were still evil.

Ron Paul is the only one who offers any real hope. They don't see it. They don't get it, no matter how much I reason with them. Elections are only about winning and losing.

They were all older people, not one under 55.

I think talking about ideas like the Constitution, Rule of Law and Liberty excites younger people. They know something is wrong and they feel they can do something about it.

The older generation have just given in to hopelessness.

We need to target the young and keep the message going.

[EvilEngineer]

I'm 24, I can't stand the traditional media. I have never been satisfied with the slanted views of the hosts and poor coverage of things that really matter. Doing further research into the owners of the companies, I realized them to be just propaganda machines for their masters' agenda.

As long as I have been alive I've known that politicians are crooks for hire, and it wasn't until I heard Ron Paul that I believed we ever had a chance to change it. I think many others feel the same way and are coming out of the wood work as a result. The old standards for voter participation are going out the window this election.

[mdh]

I'm 26, and I definitely agree. Here's why -- granted birds of a feather flock together, but most young people I know generally agree with the following:

1) Bush sucks
2) We hate the war
3) We know social security/medicare won't be there for us
4) We don't get the big deal over gay marriage, marijuana usage, or gambling (think online poker)
5) We're not very enthused about another Bush/Clinton in the White House
6) We're big internet users and don't really identify with unions, churches, and traditional organized groups.

The second half of #6 is an important point to note.

[jonahtrainer]

I'm 26, and I definitely agree. Here's why -- granted birds of a feather flock together, but most young people I know generally agree with the following:

1) Bush sucks
2) We hate the war
3) We know social security/medicare won't be there for us
4) We don't get the big deal over gay marriage, marijuana usage, or gambling (think online poker)
5) We're not very enthused about another Bush/Clinton in the White House
6) We're big internet users and don't really identify with unions, churches, and traditional organized groups.

I think most young people realize that the previous generation have taken a wonderful government and turned it into trash and royally screwed them. Because of the poor performance by the previous generation the new generation has very little respect for authority because those in authority used it so poorly. This goes for all types of organizations such as churches, universities, businesses and governments.

To use some Ron Paul rhetoric; that same generation that says to work hard, buy a home, start a family and live the American Dream are becoming parasites off your labor via SS, have driven up RE prices to the highest level on the afford ability index, are usually divorced multiple times and have left you a government building concentration camps (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.halliburton.com%2Fdefault%2Fm ain%2Fhalliburton%2Feng%2Fnews%2Fsource_files%2Fpr ess_release%2F2006%2Fcorpnws_012606.pdf&ei=OAbuRuL2IIL-gATo_IngBQ&usg=AFQjCNH1MBuGwrlK0WnWSiD_N0p_MdD2zg&sig2=WqM-xSVlReITGcxUPgL8Wg), engaged in domestic wiretapping, torture and endless war. Why believe or trust them? Euthanasia (http://www.internationaltaskforce.org/hollaw.htm), like Holland, sounds like a better option.

For the younger crowd the reset button looks a whole lot more inviting than the status quo. It will be interesting to see how this generational war (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1519710/posts) plays out. In addition, the younger crowd has technology on their side. Their minds have not been scrubbed and programmed by the MSM. They are smarter and getting smarter at a faster rate than previous generations. Ultimately, it is a battle of ideas. The gatekeepers, MSM, are rapidly losing power. This truly is an age of turbulence. Change is happening faster than ever before and the rate of change is accelerating.

[BarryDonegan]

i think you're just more comfortable with that presentation. i think the older people are too. go in this order for them.

1. show his family life
2. his voting record
3. illegal immigration vote
4. military contributions record
5. show he served in the military
6. name drop quotes that compare him to thomas jefferson

[csen]

I think most young people realize that the previous generation have taken a wonderful government and turned it into trash and royally screwed them. Because of the poor performance by the previous generation the new generation has very little respect for authority because those in authority used it so poorly. This goes for all types of organizations such as churches, universities, businesses and governments.

To use some Ron Paul rhetoric; that same generation that says to work hard, buy a home, start a family and live the American Dream are becoming parasites off your labor via SS, have driven up RE prices to the highest level on the afford ability index, are usually divorced multiple times and have left you a government building concentration camps (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.halliburton.com%2Fdefault%2Fm ain%2Fhalliburton%2Feng%2Fnews%2Fsource_files%2Fpr ess_release%2F2006%2Fcorpnws_012606.pdf&ei=OAbuRuL2IIL-gATo_IngBQ&usg=AFQjCNH1MBuGwrlK0WnWSiD_N0p_MdD2zg&sig2=WqM-xSVlReITGcxUPgL8Wg), engaged in domestic wiretapping, torture and endless war. Why believe or trust them? Euthanasia (http://www.internationaltaskforce.org/hollaw.htm), like Holland, sounds like a better option.

For the younger crowd the reset button looks a whole lot more inviting than the status quo. It will be interesting to see how this generational war (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1519710/posts) plays out. In addition, the younger crowd has technology on their side. Their minds have not been scrubbed and programmed by the MSM. They are smarter and getting smarter at a faster rate than previous generations. Ultimately, it is a battle of ideas. The gatekeepers, MSM, are rapidly losing power. This truly is an age of turbulence. Change is happening faster than ever before and the rate of change is accelerating.

I'm a big believer in a coming political generational war -- SS/Medicare/asset vs wage inflation will be the pressure, but it will likely manifest itself in a different way. Not sure what will cause a spark but it's coming.

[Ozwest]

I read somewhere that the campaign is trying to target older white male voters. They may eventually come around, but I feel the younger voters will continue spearheading this movement. If Ron Paul wins it will be due to the young voters turning out in droves. A 48 y.o. white male's opinion.

[Man from La Mancha]

Some decent numbers if a lot of the youth vote.

Multipy by 1,000
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9559/age4fq2.jpg

.

[uncloned21]

im not sure its that important

[Ozwest]

No better motivation to vote than mandatory military service for the neo-con war machine.

[uncloned21]

...

[Man from La Mancha]

What surprises me as this last generation is the most bombarded with brainwashing and dumbed down techniques thru media and schools because of all the practice the elite have had over the last 100 years yet they are awakening.
:)
.

[Syren123]

Younger people are DEFINITELY easier to convert than old folks. Even middle agers are dumb as a box of rox when it comes to listening to even the most basic info on Ron Paul. I've practically given up trying to talk to my friends - they're hopeless. But young people - it's an easy sell.

Young people are the only ones whose opinions matter anyways as it's their future we're talking about here.

[Steve]

Because our brains aren't fully formed yet, and our lack of experience results in a babyish world view.

Perfect Ronulans.

[fluoridatedbrainsoup]

Want to burn one?:D

.

I second that emotion.

[Richandler]

Yah I'm still in college. I saw Ron in the first debate and I was thinking, no that can't be he made sense. What's going on here? Man has it opened a world to a bunch of people who share my opinion.

[katao]

Back to youger people... I just do the following procedure:

I start by sending this link:

http://www.relfe.com/plus_5_.html

then this (Money as Debt)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9050474362583451279

then Zeitgeist the movie

then they go "Ohmygod I couldn't sleep what can we do?"

then I show them this link:

http://www.lewrockwell.com/latulippe/latulippe80.html

and then this: (aravoth's video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFfdB5OzlyQ

Voila! New convert! :)


I love your approach, except for Zeitgeist. Although I agree with much that is in the movie, the entire anti-Christian, anti-religion bent (even if true) is best case unnecessary, and worse case offensive, to winning young folks over to the RP cause.

Surely there has to be something better to transition from the excellent introductions of 'I Want The Earth Plus 5%' and 'Money as Debt' to the Ron Paul solution. Any other suggestions?

[OceanMachine7]

What I've noticed among older people, especially the elderly, but among most boomers also, is that when you tell them about Ron Paul, they say "I've never heard of him," and sneer. I think they get offended when you mention something that Katie Couric hasn't talked about each evening on the news. These folks who have grown up getting their news from the nightly network programs experience a lot of cognitive dissonance when they find out they've been misled.

[sickmint79]

young people don't know that "his ideas will never work"

ie. when ron paul says he wants to get rid of the federal department of education, this is the typical response:

oldy: zomg how will we educate teh young peoples? (although i actually don't know what this department really does)

youngins: sure why not! i don't know what it does anyway... what does it do, why should we keep it?

[sickmint79]

btw my new approach is distributing these dvds... and if you haven't seen some of these movies, WATCH THEM.

Disc 1 (War on Drugs, Mainstream Media)
Prison Industrial Complex – Should drugs be tolerated and fought with education, or criminalized and fought with police? A look at the US War on Drugs. Do your own research on the % of drug users over years and the costs of prisons for this war to decide its effectiveness.
Outfoxed – A documentary examining the journalistic integrity and credibility of Fox News.
Orwell Rolls In His Grave – Can the mainstream media make truth out of a lie?

Disc 2 (War on Terror, Military Industrial Complex)
The Power of Nightmares – 2004 BBC Documentary on the history of the neoconservative movement and creation of the War on Terror
Why We Fight – Examines the domination of military in current US culture and foreign policy.

Disc 3 (Why were we attacked on 9/11? Federal Reserve, Education)
Occupation 101 – What is really going on in Israel?
Israel Shorts, Iran Shorts – short youtube clips
Money as Debt – A look at the history of money; how a dollar used to represent a store of value, but now represents monetized debt.
Von Mises Institute on Money – Austrian school of economic thought on money today.
Stupid in America – A look at US education; free market vs. socialistic ideas. If the US spends more per student than any other company in the world, why do US students do so poorly?

Disc 4 (Who is Ron Paul?)

[uncloned21]

and where do you get these dvds?

[nexalacer]

and where do you get these dvds?

Probably makes them. Download the movies using BitTorrent (check out Azureus (http://www.azureus.com) for a good BitTorrent client and then Isohunt (http://isohunt.com) for a good torrent search engine.) Use a simple program to compile the DVDs. I like Video Help (http://www.videohelp.com) for how to do this. Or you can use a simple Apple program, IVideo... I think even microsoft's WMP has this function.

[LibertyBelle]

I love your approach, except for Zeitgeist. Although I agree with much that is in the movie, the entire anti-Christian, anti-religion bent (even if true) is best case unnecessary, and worse case offensive, to winning young folks over to the RP cause.

Surely there has to be something better to transition from the excellent introductions of 'I Want The Earth Plus 5%' and 'Money as Debt' to the Ron Paul solution. Any other suggestions?

100% agree with this, and remember RP is a Christian. The goal is to educate people about RP, and I would hope not show something that doesn't represent him when educating people. To me, it would be like showing a film that includes a pro Iraq war message. It has educational stuff about the Fed Reserve for example but that doesn't mean the overall intent of the film is good. I caught how bad this film was the first time I saw it, even taking the beginning anti-Christian stuff out. It's actually really horrible. They want you to think it's a good film because it has some good info in it. Also, RP doesn't believe the gov't was involved nefariously in 9/11, so this film really misrepresents him.

You have the right idea though, the other choices are great. Keep up the good work! And......have a great Monday! :)

[mavtek]

I'm 31 and I agree it is much harder to open the minds of older people. Although we can't stop trying, they are the ones who vote. Unless of course we can get the young people out to vote.

[Mort]

My feeling is that young people are more idealistic. They believe that someone like Ron Paul can change the USA. Old people are jaded and set in their ways.

[pyrazole2]

I'm a lone voice of disagreement. I have much better luck with older establishment types (I'm 31yo).

We shouldn't necessarily target the younger people for several reasons. Have you seen numbers for turnout of the younger voters? Also, we need to change the hearts and minds of many in order for this to work. It's not only just about electing RP, although that is the absolute necessary first step.

It may be 'easier' to get a vote from younger person, but don't purposefully avoid the older generations because it's a challenge.

[giskard]

I love your approach, except for Zeitgeist. Although I agree with much that is in the movie, the entire anti-Christian, anti-religion bent (even if true) is best case unnecessary, and worse case offensive, to winning young folks over to the RP cause.

Surely there has to be something better to transition from the excellent introductions of 'I Want The Earth Plus 5%' and 'Money as Debt' to the Ron Paul solution. Any other suggestions?

Freedom to Fasicsm?

[slantedview]

I'd have to agree with this. I JUST finished a conversation trying to convert the grandparents. They are way to deeply embedded in the war on terror fear and fear of Iran and believe everything their politicians (Bush) and Fox News tell them. You'd think it would be easy to just discredit all these things and sway their vote, but it is not. They're too old and stubborn to care about real facts.

Basically, if someone is generally happy with the way things are now and supports Bush, the war on terror, etc., there's little chance.

Anyways, I agree with the original poster.

[giskard]

I'm a lone voice of disagreement. I have much better luck with older establishment types (I'm 31yo).
What's your approach?