I agree with this article mostly, but I do take strong issue with contrasting "boycott" with "free speech". Boycotting is an expression of free speech and freed

I agree with this article mostly, but I do take strong issue with contrasting "boycott" with "free speech". Boycotting is an expression of free speech and freedom of association. It's unlawful for the (US) government to punish you for your speech, but private citizens can shop elsewhere, or ostracize you, or invite you to tea - and encourage others to do so - at will. That said, I share the OPs dismay at the wholesale unthinking tribalism in US politics today. It's hard to overstate the intellectual dishonesty and hypocrisy on display.