as @phillmv.bsky.social points out, though, part of the problem with engaging sea lions is they will just waste your time. 1/

i think "no platforming" and gatekeeping is a failed project, and it is absolutely on us to engage the public in opposition to viewpoints and ideas, and outright lies and propaganda, they won't in any sense be protected from. 2/

but it is on us to be strategic about how we engage. often taking the bait to debate is a poor use of our time. 3/

i was listening to the recent "Know Your Enemies" podcast on minority voters moving right. know-your-enemy-1682b684.simplecast.com/episodes/w-d... 4/

it struck me how the TPUSA crowd engaged people not in the context of hostile debates, but in circumstances where they could be friendly, hosts, providers of connection. 5/

it's our responsibility to make the case for a decent and civilized world. we can't prevent grifting barbarians from spreading their worldview. but pitched battles on terms set by the grifting barbarians may not be the best way to meet our responsibilities. /fin