Do you feel like sometimes you are talking to a stump?

[kentuck]

It is futile to try and debate some people?

No amount of logic or reason can penetrate their shield?

There must be another way, other than unconditional surrender?

Are we searching for another way to communicate?

Is there nothing we can do to change the course of history?

As an Arab leader told Lawrence, in Lawrence of Arabia, it is written?

Or do we put our faith in the common sense of the American people?

[Beachnutt]

1. One of my sayings is

You'd argue with a Stop sign....

[spooky3]

3. "It is hard to win an argument with a smart person, but

It’s impossible, with a stupid one.”

[Shermann]

2. There is a strategy to employ when an adversary will not debate in good faith

It is simple: ridicule. This is particularly effective when some truth bombs are mixed in with the sick burns. Watch Matt Dillahunty's videos where he puts on a clinic. He will debate in good faith all day long and seems to prefer that. But he knows when to take off the gloves.

[Model35mech]

4. Let me check... Yep, I have adult children

There must be another way, other than unconditional surrender...

Is there nothing we can do to change the course?

[Srkdqltr]

5. Common sense is all too uncommon.

[Prairie_Seagull]

6. Talking to a stump? Well yes and in my own family.

Once, while vacationing, my sibling and I got into a somewhat heated debate about politics. A topic we promised to avoid, anyway so we didn't. Conversation was going along decently with me saying repeatedly "but you have to admit" X and getting some movement on their part then it really got going. And my sibling not being able to argue the facts. Started arguing what are facts?. Are facts even real (according to their point of view). Like facts are something malleable and open for whimsical interpretation. I would argue that when this point in a conversation is reached. Intransigence is reached and nothing further is to be gained. I was in fact talking to a figurative stump. Time to call it a night. We did not.

We democrats are always on the side of fact and to differing degrees can site where the fact is sourced. While at times it wont work on my knucklehead sibling, we should try to always be ready with our sources. When it comes to arguing the meaning of 'fact' well...

[niyad]

7. It is pointless to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

[pwb]

8. Their answers have been programmed and prepared for them.

All predictable. Tell them shit tastes bad, they might eat some.

[hatrack]

9. Thomas Paine may have said it best . . .

“To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture.”

[Ohio Joe]

10. I saw the answer here a year or so ago

I’m sorry I don’t recall who wrote it but it works great. Treat them like children. Act like you’re interested and get them to explain things. I’m on my phone right now but when I get time on my computer I’ll give you a sample conversation.

[taxi]

11. Note to self - not my turn aleady? I hate it when that happens

Another note - someone aired a full-time Stump the other night, remember to do search for his real name

[Chainfire]

12. Instead of argue I just avoid.

Life is too short to waste my breath on assholes.

[H2O Man]

13. Recommended.

John Lennon spoke of using a pichfork to shovel dust in the wind.