"You are an idiot" is not a convincing argument, generally.

[MineralMan]

We all have a tendency to dismiss those who do not agree with us as poorly-informed, ignorant or just plain idiotic. It's human nature to do that, since we all seem to believe that what we think is best for us must be best for everyone else, as well.

Even if that were true, however, telling people they are ignorant, foolish, poorly-informed or idiots rarely works to convince them of anything. It's a poor argument to make. And yet, we make that argument far too often when political decisions need to be made.

I suggest we stop doing that. It doesn't work.

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. Agreed. One of these two outcomes is possible

a) the criticism is inaccurate. The target isn't an idiot and insulting them is counterproductive.
b) the cricicism is accurate. The target is in fact an idiot and no amount of argument will get them to vote for Sanders.

[MineralMan]

2. Pretty much.

However, there are ways to discuss issues without calling the person whose mind you're trying to change an ugly name.

That's what I recommend.

[senseandsensibility]

17. lol

I see what you did there.

[B2G]

3. Neither is posting bogus Google search results

to prove a nonexistent point.

[BootinUp]

4. This is what happens when right wing lies have taken over the site. nt

[Fawke Em]

7. I see a lot more left-wing truths.

There's very little discussion of Benghazi or Bimbogate or Travelgate or Whitewater on here. All of those are right-wing memes.

I do see discussion about a very real FBI investigation. I do see discussion about Clinton's pro-corporate policies. I do see discussion about Clinton's pro-war policies. All of those are from the left, not the right.

[BootinUp]

11. I see threads started with articles from the National Review

Where Joe DiGenova long time Fox News hack is called RESPECTABLE!

I see the board being spammed with thread after thread about the scary FBI investigation that respected journalists and government officials have largely deemed to be going through the motions at this point.

I see a tabloid sleaze thread about Bill Clinton.

I see articles from the Wall Street Journal Opinion page which is a terribly right wing slanted source.

And so much more that I don't want to waste my time with. There has been a complete lack of applying the DU standards that the site was known for in the past and that made it a good place to discuss Democratic and leftwing issues and candidates in a reasonable atmosphere.

[immoderate]

5. Make them think: "How is that different from what an idiot would say?" is a good question.

It doesn't work either, but we're dealing with idiots!

--imm

[whatchamacallit]

6. Yay another MM PSA!

[MineralMan]

8. I'm so pleased that you approve. nt.

[alc]

9. I agree we shouldn't use it

But it's a great online intimidation tactic for people who choose to use it to shut down discussion. If 10 people immediately call the first person who says something an idiot there's less chance the 2nd person will admit to agreeing with the first. And the 3rd and 4th and 100th. So 10 people can shut down a discussion that 100 people agree with.

The people who use it aren't usually trying to convince anyone. They're trying to stop discussion and make everyone who agrees with something think they are in a tiny minority when they really may not be. And, unfortunately it often does work.

[MineralMan]

10. I'm actually thinking beyond DU discussions.

I'm posting on DU, but referring to situations outside of DU. There are elections coming up, and I'm hoping to convince people to vote for Democrats in November and to support the results of the primary elections.

DU is something very different, in that it is a small, non-representative slice of the voting public.

[aspirant]

12. Can one kill with kindness, too?

[MineralMan]

13. I don't know. Can you provide an example of that, please?

I'm familiar with the expression, but I've not found that to be true, in reality. Perhaps you have, though. If so, concrete examples would make your point clearer than an old cliche.

[aspirant]

14. I charge $50/hr, please forward a contract,

sound familiar?

[SixString]

15. It is if one is actually an idiot. They're all over the internet

Keep posting Miniman.

[MineralMan]

16. Yes, I will keep posting. Thanks for the encouragement.

But "Miniman?" Really. That's sort of a weak sort of attempt to slur my name, I think.