I surfed through some liberal blogs, trying to understand their thinking.
I don't know what to think.
In this popular one:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/
I couldn't find a coherent argument for or against anything.
(I do like the "Patriotism" bald eagle graphic, though. It'll make a good screensaver
.)
An example of their rational discourse:
http://www.rockridgenation.org/blog/...e-name-calling
In summation, the response they recommend is: nuh-uh, cuz yur a [insert insult].
Here's more of their recommended techniques (scroll down to bullets):
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/re...torespond/view
Some of what I liked:
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Show respect.
Avoid a shouting match.
Never whine or complain.
Never act like a victim.
You should convey passionate conviction without losing control.
Conservatives have parodied liberals as weak, angry(hence not in control of their emotions), weak-minded, softhearted, unpatriotic, uninformed, and elitest.
-Don't give them any opportunities to stereotype you in any of these ways.
Never answer a question framed from your opponent's point of view. Always reframe the question to fit your values and your frames.
A useful thing to do is use rhetorical questions.
Tell a story.
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I still don't know what to think, but...
if laughter makes you live longer, they just guaranteed my 100th birthday.