Here's what I wrote on YouTube in response to the tea party video I posted yesterday:
Simply beautiful. Anyone else have goosebumps?
And here's what someone responded within about five seconds:
I'm not a fascist so no I didn't sorry
Oh yeah. That's mature. Because obviously, y'know, all fascists enjoy listening to The Star Spangled Banner.
The claim that people that do not agree with them are stupid, ill considered, fascist Nazi's and so forth is common fair from the left. It is a tactic to close discussion and assume a morally superior position, which they clearly have no right to. In fact, I would say the opposite. The person that has to respond with a personal attack has undermined their position substantively. When you see this in the course of an argument, you can take a breath and get a smile, for they just telegraphed that they are weak, and now it is for you to find where the problem in their own position is. And in argument it is not the person you are speaking with that you are playing to, but rather the impartial judge, which is the silent reader that is following you along. The person you are arguing with is not going to say "You're right, Ms. Early Parades. I am being a total ass with my low wattage snark remark" That is not the goal. Usually the person that keeps the cooler head wins. So in the example cited - Well done! Early Parades 1, critics - 0.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, we will not be shamed into silence. Not by a long shot.