So, in an effort to alleviate the echo chamber effect that happens with my subscription choices on livejournal, I added a rabid conservative. They probably worship ann coulter. This was awhile back. I’d forgotten about it (they don’t post often). Running across the first entry was a very jarring experience. At first I assumed sarcasm. Then I felt blank incomprehension, then memory returned. I’m trying to see if there’s value to be harvested from the viewpoint.
I’m not sure if it’s compelling writing, forceful presentation, slow thinking on my part, a habit of blind acceptance of what I read on my subscriptions, or what, but I find myself unable to argue with the viewpoint presented until well after I turn away. Then the selective quotation’s context is remembered, strawmen become apparent, the chain of rationalization dissolves, etc. My first reaction on reading is an internal wail of despair. Maybe it’s just not knowing where to start.
The author in question is Canadian, for an additional note of irony.