ARGUING ABOUT POLITICS

For most people, arguing about politics is a casual pastime.  Both parties know that no one can win, and it is a simply a way to pass the time of day until they can think of something better to do with their time.  But for some few people, arguing about politics is a crusade to be passionately embraced. 

The easiest way to proceed is to attack a particular politician.  To do this successfully, the zealot conducts an exhaustive search of the politician’s background.  He/she inevitably discovers some flaw [after all, no one is perfect] that practically no one else has ever heard about.  That flaw is presented as the defining characteristic of the politician, while all of his/her successes are dismissed as fabricated or at least irrelevant.

The zealot also becomes an expert on all the “spins” and rationalizations that will exonerate his/her own heroes from even the most reprehensible and destructive activities.

There is an interesting principle involved in this kind of arguing.  “If you cannot PROVE that I’m wrong, then I must be right!”  And of course, no one can prove a zealot wrong!  For this reason, normal people should avoid arguing about politics.  Since they cannot win, they end up confirming the zealot in his/her point of view.