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It’s also why Washington and Lincoln were able to effect change. Wait a minute.... In any case, you’re missing the point. The point is that if you use someone’
by mikeash 8y ago
It’s also why Washington and Lincoln were able to effect change. Wait a minute....
In any case, you’re missing the point. The point is that if you use someone’s incivility as an excuse to behave badly, you’re not doing it right. It’s fine if you don’t like them, it’s fine if you want them do change their approach, but if they push you away from treating people well, that’s on you, not them.
- ethbro 8y agoI'd argue neither Washington nor Lincoln initiated hostilities. So yes, both took a non-violent path until it could not be avoided. Furthermore, both had substantial popular support, larger political apparatus backing them (the Continental Congress and remaining US Congress respectively), and almost lost. I could care less about me. I care about the masses out there who are swayed by civility -- if you show me a pattern of disagreements that have been won by a minority alienating a majority, then I'll concede the point.
- mikeash 8y agoMy comment is all about “me”, specifically people who say they are pushed away from good behavior because advocates are jerks. If you don’t do that then I don’t think this is the right comment thread for you.
- munin 8y ago> I'd argue neither Washington nor Lincoln initiated hostilities Why did Lincoln resupply Fort Sumter? If he did not want to initiate hostilities, he could have evacuated it.