Michael Darte
Let’s say you are speaking to someone with a different opinion on whether Alberta should be its own country, independent of Canada. Often these types of discussions become emotional. You know that if you do not move beyond the emotion to the reasoning process the entire discussion will be an energy waster, and an unnecessary frustration. How do you move the conversation to something more productive?
“Do me a favor?” A small favor has remarkable ways to open the person to the thinking process. One online blog shares the story of Benjamin Franklin, who was troubled by an opponent in the Pennsylvania state legislature. Franklin decided to “win him over” by asking a favour of this adversary. “Can I borrow a book from your library?” Franklin asked. The next meeting with this adversary was the beginning of a life long friendship. It doesn’t matter what the title of the book was, or even if this rare-book librarian lent Franklin the book. What matters is that Franklin won his opponent over by asking a “little” favor1.
Think of the Freedoms we will F.A.C.E. E. When you speak with someone who does not agree with the “Country of Alberta” position, ask them, “Can you do me a little favour?” Let them say, “Sure”. Continue saying, “Will you think about how having more money will benefit your family? Will you think about the Freedoms we will F.A.C.E E.? Freedom from Federal Income Tax, Carbon tax, Excise (Customs) Tax, and Freedom from Equalization payments?” Then end with, “Think about how good it would be for you to put money away for your loved ones. Will you do this for me? This is how Albertans, like me, want to take care of you”.
This way, you are proceeding as if you are no longer enemies. You have something “in common”. You recognize the struggles we have a citizens in Canada. You are also showing them that you are a wise “financial advisor” when you get them to “think” about these things. You’ve done them a favour; because now, that they will be happy to leave the conversation “thinking” about the benefits they can offer their family through Alberta Independence.
Get Your Alberta Flag
Ready to raise your flag? Visit our Print Resources page to find a list of Alberta Flag suppliers. Let’s see flags flying from porches, trucks, balconies, and barns.
Download the Alberta Crest here.
We invite all Albertans to download the social images and share them on your platforms, in your communities, and across every corner of this province. Attend a town hall to grab the new design on shirts.
Download and Share the Crest Here.
Together, we can make this image a lasting part of Alberta’s story.
The Alberta Prosperity Project supports Alberta’s sovereignty and independence to protect jobs, reduce political control, and improve our future.
Sources
- Katcher, B. L. (2019, May 23). How to Win Over Your Enemies. American Management Association [WebBlog]. Retrieved from https://www.amanet.org/articles/how-to-win-over-your-enemies/. ↩︎