tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post115707669388094497..comments2024-01-05T02:53:03.358-06:00Comments on American Zombie: Ain't that AmericaJason Brad Berryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421813599753848735noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1158592600763317782006-09-18T10:16:00.000-05:002006-09-18T10:16:00.000-05:00There are plenty of assholes out there with a simi...There are plenty of assholes out there with a similar attitude. They're in the minority, but they tend to be very vocal in airing their views.<BR/><BR/>Good job not sinking to his level.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1158430963396246042006-09-16T13:22:00.000-05:002006-09-16T13:22:00.000-05:00Hi Dambala: I came over here from First Draft on S...Hi Dambala: I came over here from First Draft on Scout Prime's recommendation. GREAT Post. And although I'm sorry that you felt that he "got your goat" I really really appreciate you sharing your specific arguments about rebuilding and your encounter. <BR/><BR/>Why? Because as much as people say, "you are preaching to the choir" not everyone in the choir is on the same page. We don't have all the best responses prepared. We don't have the authoritative "man on the ground" information. <BR/><BR/>This information is important to share. In two weeks I'm going back to the Midwest with a bunch of right-wing republican relatives. If they bring up the flood and hurricane in New Orleans and mouth out their Rush/Hannity/Fox bullshit I'll have YOUR arguments memorized to talk to them about. Not all of them will get it, but the less bullheaded will go, "OH. Hmmm. Never thought of THAT. Okay, maybe it should be rebuilt there."<BR/><BR/>Believe me when I tell you that Mr. Jerk would never tell you to your face that you "won" the argument because that would be lowering his status by admitting a mistake. However, the people AROUND him might have heard this exchange and you will influence THEM. Also sometimes obtuse guys like this will modify their positions LATER when YOU AREN'T there. (See Debra Tanner's book on male communcation modes-"why men don't ask directions and other fears of status lowering acts.")<BR/><BR/>One thing that I have done in response to these people is to ask them a question that you know the answer to. For example:<BR/>"Just curious. How much of the nation's energy do you think flows through the southern half of LA?" Asking him the question is DIFFERENT than telling him the answer. It changes their interaction with you. <BR/><BR/>I also use this technique with people who are on my side to help them understand the US and torture. <BR/><BR/>"How many people do you think died in Abu Ghraib due to abuse?"<BR/>When they are surprised that ANYONE even died I tell them. <BR/>"28"<BR/> As of 2004 5 were confirmed 23 still in process. This is according to the Army's own Schlesinger report. Many think that NOBODY died and it is all about the underwear on the head.<BR/><BR/>Now that I have asked them the question they have to engage. They have to THINK and recall if they have heard that. They can find out that they were NOT as aware as they thought. If I'm not a jerk about their lack of information, they learn that they were NOT getting the full story and that their assumptions might not be correct. This works best on well meaning, but uninformed people on either side.<BR/><BR/>But I'm not here to criticize your response, I think IT WAS GREAT and I appreciate you sharing it. I blogged about them at my blog.<BR/>I'm going to be memorizing them for my trip. And I'll be asking people the question, "How much of the nation's energy supply flows through the southern half of LA?"<BR/><BR/>(Here is my post on the subject at First Draft, below that is the link to my post on your great response on my blog)<BR/>I second Scout's recommendation. American Zombie has some GREAT answers to WHY we must rebuild. Seriously read it. It will give you an "elevator pitch" to the people (on any side) who wonder what the problem is or think things are fine. I've memorized the responses.<BR/><BR/>Also Ashley Morris' post is a hoot and a half. (x rated tho)<BR/><BR/>I linked and posted on these two thanks to Scout's heads up. Thanks for leading me there Scout!<BR/>http://s88172659.onlinehome.us/2006/09/new-orleans-is-unwell-why-we-must.htmlspockohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18240736364442392921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1158377879547001382006-09-15T22:37:00.000-05:002006-09-15T22:37:00.000-05:00Been there, dude, but you have detailed it better ...Been there, dude, but you have detailed it better than I ever could.<BR/><BR/>What's beautiful is that your account is truly nonpolitical. You don't have an agenda, other than decent treatment for regular folks. That's going to get you in trouble, bra.Mr. Cliohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11109771562167423540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157496114240393622006-09-05T17:41:00.000-05:002006-09-05T17:41:00.000-05:00Excellent post. I like Ashley's comments:I swear, ...Excellent post. <BR/><BR/>I like Ashley's comments:<BR/><BR/><I>I swear, you just can't speak rationally to people that don't "get it", and many of them have no desire to "get it".<BR/><BR/>For the other guy, keep him on speed dial.</I>Professor Zerohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04909063513731044826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157329558957579342006-09-03T19:25:00.000-05:002006-09-03T19:25:00.000-05:00G-Bitch,not sure how i have missed your blog all t...G-Bitch,<BR/><BR/>not sure how i have missed your blog all this time...i just went through it...How did i miss you? <BR/><BR/>Have rectified that mistake. Thanks for comments.Jason Brad Berryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18421813599753848735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157294297101143272006-09-03T09:38:00.000-05:002006-09-03T09:38:00.000-05:00Fabulous post, really. Even in your fury, you were...Fabulous post, really. Even in your fury, you were collected and rational which is hard face-to-face with I'm-OK-why-can't-YOU-people-be-OK willfully mindless wingnut bullshit. Along with FYYFF, this post should be required reading. I'm in awe.G Bitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02627688780324880935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157256139773966692006-09-02T23:02:00.000-05:002006-09-02T23:02:00.000-05:00Likewise Mermaid...although yours is much prettier...Likewise Mermaid...although yours is much prettier than mine :). <BR/><BR/>thanks for that link...I love The Nation. I didn't really think anyone was reading this besides our own circle of bloggers...which are really the only one's I care about anyway.<BR/><BR/>Ashe'Jason Brad Berryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18421813599753848735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157248213499053222006-09-02T20:50:00.000-05:002006-09-02T20:50:00.000-05:00I admire your restraint with that idiot. BTW - con...I admire your restraint with that idiot. <BR/>BTW - congrats on this:<BR/><BR/>http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060918/nola_links<BR/><BR/>You have a great blog! I'm a fan.<BR/>Peace,<BR/>TravelingMermaidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157243072245387402006-09-02T19:24:00.000-05:002006-09-02T19:24:00.000-05:00Becky, hey, it's good to hear from you.yeah, i omi...Becky, hey, it's good to hear from you.<BR/><BR/>yeah, i omitted about 75% of the conversation, but i did tell him to "look at the table we're sitting at...probably half of things you're looking at were either made in Louisiana or came through our port."<BR/><BR/>My problem was that i actually engaged the fuckin' guy. He pushed my blue collar button...that's what really got me. <BR/><BR/>The fact that one of my friends (factory worker) I haven't talked to in a while called me to tell me how angry he was after watching the Lee doc....it was just a little synchronicity which gave me a boost.Jason Brad Berryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18421813599753848735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157232326681578192006-09-02T16:25:00.000-05:002006-09-02T16:25:00.000-05:00Shampoo. When people don't understand why it's ess...Shampoo. When people don't understand why it's essential to rebuild New Orleans and South Louisiana (or refuse to try), I like to remind them of things they don't even know they'd be missing. If they can't remember the gas spike or the Folgers coffee scare, remind them that they can't wash their hair without us. More than half the chemical industry's capacity to manufacture one of shampoo's vital ingredients is located right here. Sometimes it's the odd little everyday items that drive the point home better than the global economic impact. If the country had more oil on its scalps than in its cars, they'd be begging their representatives to free up the recovery money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157202318953592052006-09-02T08:05:00.000-05:002006-09-02T08:05:00.000-05:00If he had had a sandwich you could have shoved it ...If he had had a sandwich you could have shoved it down his throat or slapped it on his forehead.<BR/>"May the baby Jesus open your mind and shut your mouth" always comes in handy. Then you don't have to say anything else. Screw 'em.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157153870124833242006-09-01T18:37:00.000-05:002006-09-01T18:37:00.000-05:00Judy, I was more pissed off at myself that i let ...Judy, I was more pissed off at myself that i let him get to me. My problem was, I actually engaged him, he suckered me in....I should have just ignored it. <BR/><BR/>I just thought i was past all that shit, ya know? then i let it come right back up. I'm just pissed at myself more than anything.Jason Brad Berryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18421813599753848735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157153638776064282006-09-01T18:33:00.000-05:002006-09-01T18:33:00.000-05:00Ashley, I had completely forgot about FYYFF post, ...Ashley, I had completely forgot about FYYFF post, bro. Thanks for bringing it back...Goddam that's classic. I think the Historic New Orleans Collection should frame it and hang it on the wall. <BR/><BR/>Schroeder has had some moment's of ire, but nothing comes close to that. <BR/><BR/>Yeah, I think Spike has raised awareness...I've been traveling non-stop and I've had a lot discussions with folks about the film. It was just really heartening to hear from him out of nowhere at that moment.Jason Brad Berryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18421813599753848735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157146243845748202006-09-01T16:30:00.000-05:002006-09-01T16:30:00.000-05:00For the guy you had to dine with, feel free to ref...For the guy you had to dine with, feel free to refer him to <A HREF="http://ashleymorris.typepad.com/ashley_morris_the_blog/2005/11/fuck_you_you_fu.html" REL="nofollow">FYYFF</A>. One stop shopping.<BR/><BR/>I swear, you just can't speak rationally to people that don't "get it", and many of them have no desire to "get it".<BR/><BR/>For the other guy, keep him on speed dial.<BR/><BR/>It's hard to explain how it is here to people that haven't seen, felt, and smelled it. Evidently, the Spike Lee film is helping.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157114690338021122006-09-01T07:44:00.000-05:002006-09-01T07:44:00.000-05:00Jeesh. Sorry you had to sit next to such a preten...Jeesh. Sorry you had to sit next to such a pretentious imbecile. You handled it well. Glad your friend called and made you feel better.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for this post.Judy Thornehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13871846865461659183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30412896.post-1157110562169895922006-09-01T06:36:00.000-05:002006-09-01T06:36:00.000-05:00Keep your spirits up. I deal with these idiots al...Keep your spirits up. I deal with these idiots all the time. They don't want to hear the reality. They want to tell YOU want is going on in your world. (They heard so on Fox.) Look at it this way. It gives us all the more reason to rebuild New Orleans and let these ugly closed minded people stay in there own ugly world away from us. LOL! Thanks for the "unwell" response. I will remember that.doctorj2uhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11889520325640850851noreply@blogger.com