General Discussion

* and to think strategically, and to better understand political reality and differentiate it from political fantasy, rainbows and unicorns. They need to be mature and be able to accept disappointments. Realistic and mature voters also know how to be patient and to appreciate the value of incremental progress and to be proud that incremental progress (although slow) does indeed inch us closer and closer to whatever the ultimate goal may be. They need to accept the reality that an "all or nothing" philosophy (wherein everything must be done TODAY or not-at-all) results, predictably, in having nothing and the no progress. Also, educate and teach those voters to accept that no candidate is "perfect" but in a two-party system, ONE candidate is better than the other. And ONE candidate more closely aligns with their views. And ONLY ONE of the two candidates will win the contest. And that any vote (whether third-party, or non-vote) that does not DIRECTLY benefit the Democrat has the net effect of benefiting the Republican. Of course when the Republican wins the non-voter can enjoy the smug feeling that comes with knowing they "punished" the Democratic party for not being pure enough... but that comes also with the cost of allowing the Republicans to REVERSE and UNDO the progress previously made, and allowing them to strip away the hard-earned rights of vulnerable and marginalized citizens.

So... in short... and to use YOUR words... I agree we should "Tell them to stop being stupid" absolutely. You're getting it. Even if it's a bit blunt and abrupt, it's still a nice and concise way to say it.