Do you think its harder to debate as a fiscal conservative than it is as a liberal?

From what you wrote, you appear to be able to handle the situation pretty well. Just keep telling the truth. One other point, a college degree does not automatically mean a person can get a good paying job, or that they are any smarter than a person without one. You may also want to ask your "Homeys" how many of them have lived where there is universal health care, like Europe. I lived there and their care is a step (big step) backward from what we have here.