The Merits of a Society I don't Agree with

For those of you who don't know (and that is everyone in the world) April 21st is National Devil's Advocate Day, which is surprisingly close to opposite day but requires a bit more thinking. Here are some steps to taking part in this fun and progressive holiday/social experiment:
1. Someone says something you don't like, or, think is stupid (that happens everyday for me).
2. Now, instead of just dismissing the ridiculous comment search for an understanding on why they decided to spout said opinion.
3. Then (and this is the tricky part) relay a similar opinion back to them in an effort to create common ground.
4.(This step is optional) Once common ground has been established find ways to coax the target over to your mental ground. Flatter them if you have to.

For instance, Ronald Reagan had nothing to do with the poor economic conditions of 1982. The recession that occurred had more to do with the machinations of Paul Volcker, despite rumors that it was his hand that guided the anti-inflations policies of the eighties.
I also agree that the current value system of the American Public -which includes but is not limited to: Creating royalty out of celebrity, spending oneself into debt due to the need to prove one's worth through wealth, and the shunning of those who have not- is a system that uses the hard and fast rules of social evolution. As a nation we are more competitive and protective of our way of life than many others. We have a pride as a country that is unrivaled, and rightfully so, by any other nation created by man. These my brethren are virtues; these skills and others of our multifaceted American skill-set will see us soaring in to the twenty-second century. Remember clutching on to traditions is the only way to guarantee that our values will be carried from generation to generation, and know that our values are bred in tooth and claw; let us keep them that way.

I hope you have a great National Devil's Advocate Day everyone! I know I will!