I'm glad to see you attack positions rather than call names.

Also, please remember that there are many ways to deflect dissent. You have hollered about that enough yourself. Some of the more subtle ways are to impugn the patriotism or morality of those who disagree with one. If the more established and reasonable citizens are silenced early, only the loudmouths remain. It's easier to oppose a small group of loudmouths than a large group of moderates, and thus muzzle all discussion without a single subpoena or clandestine trip to anyone's psychiatrist's office.

This is a small group of loudmouths.

Sam Adams was a loudmouth too.

It's important to pay attention to content -- all content -- for although loudmouths tend to be strident in their expression, some of the sentiments that they support can be found, in a less brazen format, among the larger group of moderate opponents. That's the group that will not be dismissed by a simple "Jane, you ignorant slut..."

Good evening to you, Tom.

Regards--
Mary Anne