Those trying to quell inner doubts about their position fear debate because they fear changing their minds. That's why they'd rather broadcast declarations of unshakeable certainty than engage in dialogue. They aren't trying to change minds, they're reassuring themselves.
If you believe free speech is for you but not your political opponents, you're illiberal.
If no contrary evidence could change your beliefs, you're a fundamentalist.
If you believe the state should punish those with contrary views, you're a totalitarian.
If you believe political opponents should be punished with violence or death, you're a terrorist.
*mom telling my dad a joke she heard on my cousin’s Instagram story*
Mom: what did they call Beethoven after he died?
Dad:…
M:…
D:…
M:…
D:… I don’t know…
M to me: do you remember the punchline?
Me:“I’m trying to get help.”
Her: “well you could pull around.”
M: “Seriously?? Someone might be hurt!”
Her: “You’re in the way.”
Mind you, my hazards were on and People could go around if they wanted to.
Today on my way home from work I witnessed an accident and while I was *on the phone* with 911 a lady came up and asked if I was involved. I told her no, but that I was on the phone with 911 trying to get help. She responded with “Well could you move out of the way?”
Just thinking about the time I was flying out of the small airport closest to my home town and listened to some chick scream at the staff about how terrible they were at enforcing masks.
Three days later the mask mandate for air travel was lifted.
Today while talking to a high school class, I said “being dysfunctional is fine as long as you have the fun part” and one of the kids almost snorted his water