When discussing politics
“Just Say No” to the Rat Hole
Responding to the common request for entry
Marjorie Taylor Greene said, “Any senator voting to confirm [Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court] is pro-pedophile just like she is.”
She has stated that a majority of the Senate and a soon-to-be Supreme Court Justice molest children. And no corrective action will occur based on the comment, however absurd, because the leaders of her party have abdicated their responsibility to what they know is right and good in favor of their own power.
It’s just sad business as usual in 2022. But the problem goes well beyond spineless representatives who have jettisoned all morality for the sake of their own continued benefit.
Responding to an article pointing out the difficulties with Ms. Greene’s comments, one reader wrote, “How about the same kind of idiotic rhetoric coming from the left?”
Clearly, there is plenty of idiocy on both sides of the aisle, and the comment, in and of itself, bears examination. But not in this context.
This is an example of the standard response learned on many right-wing “news” outlets, from mob bosses, and certain elected officials.
Never defend! Attack!
The best defense is a good offense. The other team can’t score when you have the ball! You act, they must react!
There is considerable doubt that there is any value in discussing any issue with one who responds in this manner. However, it is useful to identify the tactic being used and understand its intent.
This is a diversionary tactic. Consciously or not, the responder is attempting to change the argument to a different field. And note that the tactic is most often used in instances where the responder does not have a leg on which to stand.
If one responds at all to this gambit*, remember the following: Note the diversion. Call out the tactic. Don’t allow the diversion.
A few good responses:
“That’s irrelevant.”
“We’re not talking about that.”
“Let’s stay on point.”
“What does that have to do with the price of eggs?”
“Please explain how [whatever the diversionary reference was] makes [the actions of the person you support] any better.”
Forget that last one. Better not to make further mention of the diversionary accusation.
And if you state that Biden has done an abysmal job with inflation and Ukraine, and I reply, “Well Trump would have done worse,” call me on it.
*“You can’t talk to a man
When he don’t wanna understand
No, no, no, no, no” — Carole King and Gerald Goffin
