Thread by @dcpetterson

I've noted a tendency for Twitts to say "I think..." followed by meaningless bullshit intended to create distrust, division, cynicism, and hoplessness.

Example: "I think <DemLeader> is compromised, and is really supporting Trump and on the take from Big Hamburger."

Why?

1/6

"Because <DemLeader> isn't doing <X>!!"

Try to dispute that nonsense, and you're told, "It's just my opinion, so shuddup!" which is the faux-left version of "I was just joking!" when you call out a racist on their racism.

2/6

We're supposed to treat a load of horsecrap as if it's worth something, as long as it starts with "I think..."

No. An uninformed, unsupportable, nonsensical "opinion" is propagandistic bullshit, especially if the obvious intent is to tear down the defenders of democracy.

3/6

If you express an opinion in public, you'd better expect to get reactions to it--and not all of them will be sycophantic agreement. That's what happens in public. If you don't want feedback, don't talk in public.

4/6

And if you're going to claim you have a right to express your opinions in public, be prepared for other people to express their opinions about your opinions. "Freedom of expression" is NOT the same as "Freedom from consequences."

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

5/6

Fact-free opinions aren't worth the electrons they absorb in cyberspace.

That's how we wound up with Trump. That's how fascism spreads. That's how democracies die. That's how civilizations collapse--when we put as much value on baseless nonsense as on reasoned argument.

6/6

P.S. Graffiti seen on a wall at a university well-known for research in physics:

Fact without theory is trivia.
Theory without fact is bullshit.

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