True apathy

[Aegidius]

Today, at my university, (Well, it's not *my* university, but you know what I mean.) there was a table set up with a banner saying "Conservative Republicans", as well as some pamphlets and displays with the usual republican rhetoric.  The focus was primarily on fiscal issues, showing plaintive statistics on the growth of government spending.  When I first went by, I just made a snide remark about Bush being fiscally responsible, but after a few minutes I decided to look up some figures and go back to try a real discussion; I dared not hope to sell these people anarchism, but perhaps by citing some often overlooked facts I could weaken their faith in the sincerity of their politicians' rhetoric and in the value of voting.   Perhaps, I thought, this was a chance to plant a seed of doubt that could grow into an awakening, as I believe has happened for many of us (I'm a former neocon, and I know from the introductions section that many of you are as well.)

Me:  "Look, I agree with you that government spending, deficits, and debt are a problem.  A major problem.  We're in agreement on that, right?

Conservative Republican: <began laughing during my previous statement> "Yeah."

Me:  "The point of contention for me is whether or not the republican party would actually do anything about it."

Conservative Republican:  <quietly, looking at the ground> "Probably not."

I was so shocked at the easy admission that I walked away speechless; I should have stayed and pressed the issue, as I may have actully gotten somewhere with this guy.  I'm pretty awful at real-time conversation.  I came back after my next class with some things to say, but they were
gone.

This person doesn't just vote republican; he donates his time proselytizing for them.  He does this, but he readily admits that they won't improve the very situation he's making an issue of.

[Syock]

He probably donates money to them as well. 

[David Giessel]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQcNiD0Z3MU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQcNiD0Z3MU</a>

[macsnafu]

Sounds like those idiots who plan to vote for statist Romney, because if Obama wins, it's the "end of the world", or something equally disastrous.

[Disengage]

Could this be a case of a "doing something is better than doing nothing, even if it's wrong" mentality?

Or maybe he's just in it for social reasons.   A Tea Party is still a party, after all.   

[dpalme]

Could this be a case of a "doing something is better than doing nothing, even if it's wrong" mentality?

Or maybe he's just in it for social reasons.   A Tea Party is still a party, after all.   

Sounds like it to me. It's sad.

[MAM]

He worships out of habit and probably never been exposed to an alternative.