Home of the Snarkmaiden

Part of the problem is that politics is one of the most interesting things there is for human beings to discuss, and one of the most dull. What could be more important than the principles upon which people organize themselves for work, play, reproduction, food, and housing? What could be less interesting than having one's attention snagged unrelentingly upon some minor detail of those principles? Worse, what could be more dull than to argue about some minor detail of those principles with someone whose own principles or intelligence one does not greatly respect?

I like discussing politics with those with whom I also like discussing books, food, music, childraising, gardening, and what-not. It's difficult for me to discuss politics -- or anything else -- with those who don't charm me in some way. I'm willing to accept that this is a flaw in my character, but not a large flaw, nor an uncommon flaw. In person, I am able to converse for a while with those who don't charm me, and then be done with the interaction without being rude; on line, there is no particular reason for any conversation to end, even if it has long since ceased to have content.

I liked using Alison as a filter, since she never bothers with anyone she finds boring. During my busiest periods as a student, I used anyone I'd known 20 years or more as a filter, since Alison was off being a civil servant and eccentric mother.

On the one hand, I don't think this will work. On the other hand, I've always maintained that the answer to bad speech is more speech. Now, I suppose, the answer is more speech, and build thee more stately killfiles, o my soul.