What would you say to this elderly lady?

[senseandsensibility]

My husband and I stood behind an elderly lady today at the drugstore. She was moving slowly, fumbling with her change, and mumbling to herself. My hubby tried to make a little joke to put her at her ease.

She turned to us and said, "I'm just so upset about BUSH. He's selling our ports to the middle east and I'm not going to stand for it." There was a lot more in that vein. I don't think we convinced her that it wasn't a done deal. She seemed hopeless, angry, and afraid.:-(

This is one of the few times that strangers have spontaneously spoken to us about political matters. The only other one I think of is 9-11, but that was wasn't exactly political then. This issue is SCARING people.

[madame defarge]

1. Tell her to GOTV...or better yet...

offer to take her to the polls next election. I'm serious.

[FreedomAngel82]

2. And to call her reps and to really bitch and

if they don't disapprove of Bush to vote democratic.

[Fridays Child]

3. How heartbreaking.

Didn't she have enough to be angry and scared about from this administration? :mad:

[senseandsensibility]

7. Exaclty

I can not imagine being really elderly and vulnerable and having to live through this administration.

[mondo joe]

4. I'd say "You sound ver concerned. Can you explain it for me?"

Then I'd listen and nod and I'd say "Thank you for helping me understand your concerns. It is really very upsetting."

And then she'll feel more confident doing it again on her own.

[senseandsensibility]

8. That's a good response also.

I wish I'd said that.:) Maybe I'll be better prepared next time.

[TransitJohn]

9. good one

that's an awesome way to do it. :yourock:

[Maru Kitteh]

5. I would try to make the poor little dear feel better and then remind her

to call her senators and offer her help to do so if she wanted. I'd tell her if she wanted to dictate a letter I would write it down for her. I'd try to help her feel more empowered.

[senseandsensibility]

6. Good ideas.

I'm afraid we did none of that. I was trying to explain to her that it might not go through, thinking that that was most positive approach. But I think she may have been hearing impaired, bcause it didn't seem to be registering.