And Don't Apologize

Now Serving Madness and its Methods

It's 1:33:15. Do you know where your children are?

Our readership demographics data suggests that your children are swimming about, split in half between two separate bodies. SPLIT IN HALF.

Talk to your kids about gametes. They'll listen.



So. Never mind that I was "liberal" coming into college; never mind that I didn't learn what an "ad hominem" was until college - I've been brainwashed.

Dr. Sanity does have a point, however. We college leftists do resort to ad hominem personal attacks. But I don't really think that's a bad thing.

No, really. If someone comes to me expressing "conservative" views while remaining calm, rational, earnest, and attempting to avoid logical fallacies, I can respect that. I'm willing to engage them as they engage me. (This actually happens fairly often - and in college, of all places!)

But if someone comes to me insulting my intelligence, completely ignoring logical fallacies, repeating meaningless rhetoric, or arguing disingenuously, the appropriate response is not to validate that person's bullshit with respectful debate. The appropriate response is to pie the schmuck in the face.

I mean it. Not everyone's opinion deserves respect. There are some people who are beyond reason, for whom an ad hominem isn't just okay, it's preferable. Having an open mind is a good thing, but sometimes it's better to close your mind off from intellectual bandits and criminals.

I'm completely serious.

Insult them. Play games with their head. You can even be condescending - and as I say, it's not just alright, it's the best course of action to take.

Incidentally, did you know that you can finish jokes with "Islamofascism?" Watch:

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
A: Islamofascism.