Repression and bulling our way through democracy

After a discussion with a colleague about his interactions with some religious fundamentalists in his family, I think I understand, now, why people with repressive philosophies are able to go so long pretending like their stubbornness is the same thing as being righteous and right, especially on questions where they are so assuredly wrong.

Because they are used to bulling their way through such conversations.

Not with me, they're not. And never will be.

You think you can bull your way through a discussion on freedom and repression with me, you got another think coming.

One thing is for sure, if you don't walk away doubting whatever your self-righteous assertion of truth is with me, it, generally, is not because of me. It's because you weren't listening very well in that conversation.

And those who don't listen well don't get treated like they have more truth than they have to offer because they just can't imagine that they might be wrong.

We need more people to challenge the self-righteous among us. Me included. Challenge me. Think hard and engage me seriously. Demonstrate how I'm wrong.

But, for God sakes, stop pretending that your opinions are more final than anything in this world could ever be.

Genuine liberals - meaning those who take liberty seriously - will only keep that flame afire insofar as they are willing to challenge those who would persistently compromise and whittle away those liberties for their own repressive ends.

This political era will be a referendum on that tactic for undermining our liberties.

And it is a referendum that liberty will win.