I’m a Conservative Who Got Heckled at Yale Law School. But Not by Who You Think.

In the Congress many members form friendships with members of the other part.

 

I find it interesting that these two conditions may well be inter-related. In that the more available differing points of view become, the less appreciated they are. Intil perhaps a point is reached where there are simply "too many" of them, and they are all then rejected, in advance or even being heard.

It's a side of the "information highway" that we perhaps did not see coming.

I take some issue with the use of the term "faith", here. I think what you're really referring to is religious dogma being replaced with political dogma. And it's the dogmatism that cannot tolerate debate or dissent. That sure does seem to be happening. Not only that, but religious dogma is becoming political dogma, and likewise. As apparently the human need to grab onto some sort of 'beacon of righteousness' has not diminished even though it is less and and less being defined and held forth by religion.

Two very interesting observations. Thank you.

 

But aren't we supposed to be intolerant towards the intolerant?
I've heard many fervent arguments opposing being friendly or
even civil towards such evil reprobates.

 

Says who?

 

I've taken this as more intolerant of intolerant ideas, and I see where this thinking comes from. If a person is arguing that folks with different skin colors are inferior to other folks, am I supposed to tolerate this when I have loved ones directly impacted negatively by this view?

I think of this when the topic of LGBTQ issues comes up with family. Folks I love and respect will support outright discrimination against these folks, some of whom are also family members or friends I also love and respect.

 

Well, I don't want to call anyone out.
But I've had such vigorous discussions here.
Let's just say that liberals are the only ones
who argue against my calls for civil discourse
towards political foes.

 

You're supposed to (IMO) not berate the person,
but convince them to change their views. This is
best served with civility, reason, & even friendliness.

Yes, one can be friendly with people who hold evil
beliefs, eg, my several marxist friends.

May your keen social skills & sharp intellect
work wonders turning them progressive.

 

What is "intolerance" towards an intolerant argument?
Is it superior to a reasoned civil argument towards it?

Agree.

 

I agree completely. It would appear that today's universities have closed down open forums and discussions.

Even beyond separating the personal from the political, it is just a lack of listening, discussing and healthy debate.

 

I would tend to agree with this, and I don't think anyone is saying that we should tolerate the intolerant. My only real complaint along these lines is when people seem to want to present an incomplete or selective picture about how and where these intolerant ideas come from. By not understanding where they come from, society is ill-equipped to stop them. And that's why they persist and even seem to be getting worse.

 

I think that that attitude will be held by some of the young firebrands from both sides. The old pros know that even problems like Trump come and go.

 

It takes two to tango. When the reps made it their party line to obstruct every democratic attempt during the Obama administration, they closed the line. When Moscow Mitch prevented Obama's appointee Justice to even get a hearing (and then fast tracked one appointed by Trump), the reps restated the rules.
You can't compromise with such people, you have to play their game.

 

Old firebrands too.