Quote Originally Posted by TurnyBright
I always go straight for the ones who disagree with me the most, in any discussion. I try to ascertain where our beliefs differ and why, and expose the weaknesses and assumptions of their stance and the strengths and truths of my own.

When it comes to the issue of drug prohibition, I have spoken to countless people who vehemently believe that marijuana should be illegal, but when I push the argument and search deeply for the logical and moral grounds upon which they build their argument, I unfailingly force them to concede the argument.

Usually they won't admit that they've lost and change the subject or fall back onto pure opinion or religion, but I know that I've won, and if I want to really push the envelope (if i don't care if I look like an asshole, or don't care if this person respects me) I'll just rip apart their attempt to disguise their loss.

I never get into an argument I'm not certain I can win, and I don't argue my case to people who don't hold views contrary to my own.
Maybe you don't understand... the point isn't to win an argument. The point is to win a person.

I don't care about winning or losing arguments so much as I care about converting people over to being sympathetic for the cannabis cause.

If all you're trying to do is win arguments then I'm afraid you're being counter productive. No one likes to feel like something is being forced onto them.

Have you ever opened the door after it's been knocked on? You go to open the door only to find a door to door salesman. You have no interest in his product or what he has to say. You initiate the conversation with this thought preformed in your mind. You keep telling him you're not interested but he keeps talking about his product because he genuinely believes it's the best product in the world. But you have no interest and you really hate his product.

Finally to get him to shut up you concede but tell him you don't have any money. He's happy that you at least think his product is good.. you on the other hand just lied to him and probably will be even more wary of the next door to door salesman that comes around.

Going into an 'arguement' against someone who doesn't want to hear it is very much the same way. All you're doing is strengthening their belief that cannabis is bad... without even saying anything. Go into it as an open debate to people who are curious or you know are on the fence. That's where we'll make the most progress.