Several days ago, before passage of the Big Ugly Disgusting Destructive Deplorable Bill (worst in American history) which seems like a month ago, I posted—as a simple matter of housekeeping—new rules on my Facebook page.
I am SO glad to see your new rules! Facebook, Substack, anywhere!
Too much time and energy can be expended on trying to defend an idea against a MAGA troll. It’s virtually impossible to change the minds of any such posters. I only wish we had a more courageous (and less money-oriented) Congress..... I’d like to try to change the minds of some of those Republican members of Congress who might actually be able to make a difference.
Sadly, this seems like the only workable approach. Trying to engage these people with reason feels like shouting into a void. The brain-rot has taken hold and they’re too far gone to hear it. If anything, the disease feeds off conflict; it doesn’t matter who actually wins the argument on logic, they always leave emboldened, while the rest of us are left drained.
Poor Dean Withers looks exhausted lately in his relentless quest to shift perspectives and hold people to account. Hats off to him - I couldn’t do it. I’ll leave him in the trenches fighting the losing battle, while I retreat to the sofa, trying to force some ignorant optimism to keep the deep, dark pessimism at bay.
Bravo. This seems life the most self-respecting thing we can do. I am dumbfounded at the state this country is in. Seems like a good thing not to rub my own nose in their mess.
Thank you Doug! I follow you on FB also, and I think this is the correct decision. Keep up the
great writing! We're with you all the way.
I am SO glad to see your new rules! Facebook, Substack, anywhere!
Too much time and energy can be expended on trying to defend an idea against a MAGA troll. It’s virtually impossible to change the minds of any such posters. I only wish we had a more courageous (and less money-oriented) Congress..... I’d like to try to change the minds of some of those Republican members of Congress who might actually be able to make a difference.
Yes, absolutely. There are so many more worthy things we can spend our time on.
👏🏻👍🏻 I’m glad to hear that you have had a positive response to this and that you haven’t had any problems here on Substack. Thanks for your courage!
Your wise words are sorely needed in the public space. Thank you !!!!
Sadly, this seems like the only workable approach. Trying to engage these people with reason feels like shouting into a void. The brain-rot has taken hold and they’re too far gone to hear it. If anything, the disease feeds off conflict; it doesn’t matter who actually wins the argument on logic, they always leave emboldened, while the rest of us are left drained.
Poor Dean Withers looks exhausted lately in his relentless quest to shift perspectives and hold people to account. Hats off to him - I couldn’t do it. I’ll leave him in the trenches fighting the losing battle, while I retreat to the sofa, trying to force some ignorant optimism to keep the deep, dark pessimism at bay.
Bravo. This seems life the most self-respecting thing we can do. I am dumbfounded at the state this country is in. Seems like a good thing not to rub my own nose in their mess.
👏👏👍