Powerful Persuasion and Influence Strategies for Libertarians

[Freedoms]

I've seen many fellow Ron Paul supporters trying to promote Ron Paul and his policies and ideas.

One thing I see over and over, is Ron Paul supporters getting argumentative and/or calling the other side names (e.g. socialist, neo-con, brainwashed, sheep, etc). This achieves NOTHING - it only alienates people from Ron Paul supporters, and makes people think Ron Paul supporters (and/or Libertarians) are a bunch of crazy whackjobs. By association, it also alienates people from Ron Paul (and/or Libertarianism).

You cannot "argue" someone over to your side. You cannot "argue" someone into supporting Ron Paul, or Libertarian ideas. You must PERSUADE them.

I came across this article that talks about how to be a more effective and more persuasive Libertarian. I think it would be very helpful to our cause - please read (and re-read) this article, and also spread it to fellow Ron Paul supporters and Libertarians. And keep these resolutions in mind when promoting Ron Paul and/or Libertarian ideas.

Harry Browne's Libertarian Resolutions

1. I resolve to sell liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each prospect, rather than preaching to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong.

2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is to inspire people to want liberty — not to prove that they’re wrong.

3. I resolve to listen when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs.

4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals someone may seek — a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less divisive society — and try to show him that those goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.

5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seek government help. I don’t have to approve of their subsidies or policies — but if I don’t acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problems.

6. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.

7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American. Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the good things we have. To speak only of America’s defects will make me a tiresome crank.

8. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very small government — not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today.

9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be done.

10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the first libertarian someone has encountered, and it’s important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is unattractive.

11. I resolve to remind myself that someone’s “stupid” opinion may be an opinion I once held. If I can grow, why can’t I help him grow?

12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free society.

13. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats. They use character assassination, evasions, and intimidation because they have no real benefits to offer Americans. We, on the other hand, are offering to set people free — and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life our proposals will bring.

14. I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, it’s important that I be a better person than my enemies.


Source: http://www.fee.org/news/harry-browne...n-resolutions/

[Sola_Fide]

Harry Browne was an awesome candidate. I was still a run-of-the-mill republican when he ran, but the things he said made so much sense to me. I didn't understand why this whacky unelectable Libertarian was speaking to me more than Bob Dole (lol...I know, I know...funny in retrosopect)

[PoliticalSense]

Fantastic post, a little back pocket list to be kept and read before going out into the wilds of the internet to post on comments. Even when talking face to face with people about issues, it is excellent points and advice.

[Dorian]

Hi Every Body !!!!

Discussion of effective talking points on the issues as well as marketing strategies and techniques for selling Ron Paul 2012. This includes both theory & practice, as well as all types of marketing, online & offline, social networking, television, radio, direct mail, door to door, and more.

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