responding to a Republican friend

so i just got an angry facebook message from a republican friend i havent spoken to in years... shes outraged i am supporting obama... i mentioned the hardvard law review thing, how he worked himself up from nothing, he's intelligent... motivating... etc... i didnt want to touch on policy in my response because i figured, she knows what he stands for, and then this will turn into a whole big thing...

well here is her response:
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Dear Pablo,

No, I am sorry, I do not believe that someone's educational/social accomplishments are enough for me to merit them a vote. Perhaps this is not what you were trying to get across to me, but I don't believe that you neglected to tell me where Obama stands on critical issues, that really have nothing to do at all with his accomplishments, or his race.

Even if he were a man who never swayed in his opinion, which I highly doubt simply because he is by nature a politician and that is what good politicians do, But even if he were to be true to his cause, what good would that do if I disagree with it?

Well, I am a bit sorry to ramble and get into such a discussion of disagreement on facebook:)
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so i am formulating my response, and you all are much better writers than i am.... any advice?

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J, of course this is not a disagreement! its just healthy discourse.

I'll name a few of the reasons I support Senator Obama... he wants to lower taxes for middle class families, 95% to be exact (contrary to what Senator McCain would like us to believe)... he believes America must commit to a new national energy policy, focus on improving technology and investments in renewable fuels like wind and solar power... opposed the war in Iraq from the start and wants to set a timeline to bring our troops home (McCain at one point ridiculed Obama's timeline, and has since then adopted it)... he's committed to providing every American with quality education, something the Republicans never seem to care about... wants accessible and affordable healthcare for ALL (imagine that!), healthcare for everyone, not just a privileged few... supports a woman's right to choice... equal rights for everyone regardless of race, gender and sexual orientation... he's strong on gun control and understands the need for more restrictions... believes in no torture, no renditions and absolutely no operating out of fear... and my personal favorite... he understands that Al Qaeda is stronger now than it was in 2001, before the monkey took office and distracted us with a war in Iraq based on lies (and just to be clear, your VP Sarah Palin agrees... she has stated that she believes the war was started "for oil")...

So anyhow... Iike I said, I appreciate healthy discourse which is why I'm glad we're having this conversation... I'm not sure if you actually watched Obama's acceptance speech last week, but he laid out his entire plan (29 policy points to be exact) to a viewing audience of 40 million people.

And I'll be very curious to hear what Senator McCain has to say tonight. And about someone's "educational/social accomplishments" being enough for them to merit a vote... um... again, this might just be the cynic in me talking... but after GWB I think it would be refreshing if our president was actually really, really, really smart! And can speak! Oh and can write! :)

well i'm not trying to sway as much as i just hate the whole "you're voting for obamaaaaaaaa??? ooohhhh my gooooooddddddddd..." routine. so i'd like to say, yes... heres why... the end

I wouldn't get into it. It's so easy to get into snipe fests online and in emails. Tell her if she wants to discuss this with you, she needs to do it face to face.

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Don't write from emotion, then. Really, its just not worth it.

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Tell her you have absolutely no obligation to explain your reasoning to her, as she obviously has her made up to the contrary.

Remove her as a friend.

She has a huge chip on her shoulder and she taking it out on you.

Don't give her the satisfaction of making you upset.

I only get polite and logical with very close friends and family members.

Just offer to send her some soap so she can wash the blood of the Iraq war off her hands.

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Whatever you do, CP, don't "pretend" to be a Republican just so she "likes" you.

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"If you're writing from emotion, I find, "FUB" usually does the trick."

Yep, I can vouch for its effectiveness. Just ask my PUMA-azz colleague Mirna.

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i dont even bother going that deep MEJUST because this is an old friend from my youth, from my church youth group... enough said.

The devil on my shoulder: "Go **** yourself. I didn't ask."

The angel on my shoulder: Prepare a kickass list of everything great about him and brief stances on the issues that you agree with.

Judgement that the war in Iraq was wrong to begin with
Wants to bring the troops home honorable and safely
Wants to free us from foreign oil, making us safer and more secure
Wants to create jobs and help our economy and the environment by revolutionizing our energy programs
Will improve education
Will support gay civil unions and other gay equal civil rights
Will support a woman's right to choose


Etc.

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Cubanpap: Your original message was great; I'm sure your edited version was even better.

Joekv: Rock on!

Skittles: Brilliant!!!

Jane2, a) I deserved it, and b) that was brilliant.

What is really funny is that I saw the mistake in my mind's eye while washing dishes, and ran back to my computer to fix it!

But since you've caught me, I'll take my lumps and let it stand.