Bully Politics - And It's Effects on a Community

The situation isn't new.  There is a group pushing a particular issue in town, they get passionate, and then they start to push a little too hard.

People get offended, turn off, and even shy away from getting involved.  And often the forceful group gets their way.

It happens frequently, people take on a cause and get wrapped up personally into the issue.  Then they can't understand why other people don's share that passion, and especially when their point of views differ.

This quickly turns into anger and resentment.  Then to pressure.  Then to public reactions on private opinions.  Then to outright hatred for the other side.  No kidding this happens more than you think.  The goal becomes to vilify the opponents rather than respond to the issue.

As you can see this situation is one of the worst things that can happen to a community.  The personal attacks dont heal quickly - if at all - and can leave people challenged in their issues.  Knowing how to curtail the personalizing of issues is often one of the first steps to achieving victory on an issue.

Here are some suggestions of how to address this problem with the least amount of damage in the community -

DETATCH THE ISSUE - If you can come in and dispassionately address the issue not as a function of impact but a function of governance, you cam move the issue away from how people are being affected, and as such make it a better discussion for everyone (don't worry, those people personally invested will still be incensed that you oppose them).

DATA NOT DESCRIPTIONS - People quickly and easily react to a single experience.  However the power of that experience dissipates when scope is introduced.  "Yes, that one time that thing happened and it was bad.  However it happens 1000 times as often with good result."  This moves the discussion into the whole, not the single.

RESEARCH NOT OPINIONS - Whenever possible, point to research that has been done at an arms length - meaning not seemingly commissioned by an interested party.  You can point to the needs of the whole much more legitimately if you can point to research backing your position.

CALM DEMEANOR ALWAYS - There will be times of frustration.  This is not something to let loose.  It looses your credibility.

PACKAGE THE ISSUE - You have research, data, background and an even keeled presentation.  Be the voice of reason on the issue and present an entire picture, not just the impassioned plea of the aggrieved.

This wont always work, but at the end of the day you will keep your credibility.