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To: technochick99
That's one approach, but as the saying goes, 'Don't argue with an idiot - they'll drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.' My experience with this particular type of idiot is to recast the terms of debate and shift the argument to the fundamentals. Example: "Why aren't you taking facts into account? How does ignoring reality affect your position? Does the fact that your feelings have no correspondence to reality mean anything to you at all?

If they persist in stating false statistics, I counter with, "That's a lie." Not "that's not true," or "that isn't the case." I use "That's a lie." If they object, then state that if you persist in saying something that reality and experience contradict, then you're either ignorant or you're telling a lie - so which is it?

Raise the fundamental moral issue of self-defense - a concept that they are completely unwilling to face. I expose their cowardice and moral bankruptcy for what it is. That's their worst nightmare.

The idea is to put the irrational 'arguer' into a position where they're obliged to defend their position - a position that we all know is morally and logically indefensible.

17 posted on 05/06/2003 7:30:08 AM PDT by Noumenon (Don't immanentize the eschaton!)
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To: Noumenon
Very good TV debate tips!
18 posted on 05/06/2003 7:32:41 AM PDT by Travis McGee (----- www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com -----)
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To: Noumenon
Of course, SAS's motto is 'self defense is a basic human right', so that it my approach as well.

When I debate, I am not talking to the person I am speaking with - I am talking to those who are undecided and listening to the back and forth.

My complaint is against those (primarily men) who argue with the Constitution as their main argument. Of course, it's a valid and true argument, but does nothing to convince the undecided middle.

By arguing with emotion, I stress the self-defense issue, hammering in on the idea of protecting not only themselves, but their family and friends as well.

Women react emotionally to the subject of attack, rape and our feelings of vulnerability. If you have 60 seconds to make an impression on someone, these are best buttons to push to make your point.

23 posted on 05/06/2003 7:42:23 AM PDT by technochick99 (Self defense is a basic human right. http://www.2ASisters.org)
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To: Noumenon
"'Don't argue with an idiot - they'll drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.'"

What a great line! Sorry...but I'm stealing it to use at school. ROFLMAO

37 posted on 05/06/2003 1:48:21 PM PDT by ExSoldier (My OTHER auto is a .45!)
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