How to convince "the other side"... Moral Foundation Theory

Step one should be not to enter into a conversation with the exclusive goal of convincing the other side. One should be open to the possibility that they are wrong.

I wish more political discussions were about trying to reach common ground and just leaving egos side. If there are some differences in the end because people just have different "moral foundations", so be it. But being unwilling to consider facts/evidence that challenges ones ideas is just a big problem that virtually everyone has to some degree.

 

Assuming that there is an "other side" is probably a mistake. Break up the big banks? More like break up the big political parties. I've seen people here try to insinuate that Reagan would be ashamed of some stance on an issue I have taken - as though I care.

 

If there are commonly accepted facts proving my view points are wrong, I am totally willing to change my views on issues. Example, if 90%+ of scientists in the climate research area comes out and say climate change is a hoax, I will believe them because I am no expert in that area.

I am willing to go for a smaller federal government if the goal is to really reduce deficit, but then these GOP leaders comes out and want to increase defense spending by 10%.

I am not religious, so when conservatives say they are for religious freedom, I am all for that, then they come out and want to put Christian footprint on everything and want to curb Muslim religion, how was I suppose to view this. The list goes on and on.

 

I try making moral appeals but find much of the other side has no moral foundation apart from abortion and praying that like Joe Osteen they will be blessed with great wealth that might come partly from eliminating meals on wheels and school lunches for poor kids.

 

When there is a lack of rational level-headed debate from the "other side" and when their goal is not to discuss but to lash out - there is nothing that can be done. They are a lost cause and debating with them is useless.