The age fallacy
They say we should respect our elders. I have no problem with that. But I will not show anyone respect that uses condescension as a persuasion tactic. You think I’m selfish? You call me a sociopath? Yes, I will certainly listen to your obviously superior rhetoric. You think I’m too young to have beliefs? That I’m somehow inferior to you because my opinion differs from yours? Guess what. I still have a vote, an equal voice. You think I stole a vote from your candidate? I didn’t realize it was his to give, or yours to dictate. No, I think you just didn’t realize–perhaps you have forgotten because of your advanced age–that young people are not easily swayed by rude, old people. I will gladly engage you in a logical discussion, but I will not tolerate belligerence.
I did not waste my vote. I used it to counteract yours.
I get what you’re saying, and I can’t say I disagree with you. There is something that bothers me about this, though, that I can’t quite place. I guess I would just say that no one should let someone else’s rudeness and disrespect rob him or her of being kind?
My argument has lots of holes.
Well, you know me. I’m a fairly patient guy. But this happens much too often. And I think I have the right to be angry when somebody I am expected to respect suggests I am a selfish sociopath simply because I’m a Libertarian. Remind me the next time you come over and I’ll show you what I’m talking about.
Are feelings a right? I’m not disagreeing with you; it’s just a thought that popped into my head. I mean, you can’t really make yourself not be angry about something, can you?
I would be interested in seeing what you’re talking about, although I can guess what it might be.
A selfish sociopath, huh? That is horrible and untrue, and I am sorry.
Yeah, my dad said something similar when he asked me if I’d voted the “RIGHT” way.