# We can't attack conspiracy theorists

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-attack-conspiracy-theorists/461012>\
**Category:** About This Message Board\
**Created:** [August 23, 2008, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-attack-conspiracy-theorists/461012 "2008-08-23T11:28:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2008, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-attack-conspiracy-theorists/461012/21 "2008-08-24T22:55:28Z")

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[QUOTE=Measure for Measure]  
But it’s necessary to at least _start_ with a serious argument, then move to mockery only after a couple of rounds. Otherwise, the levity might smack of unfairness, at least to those not already predisposed to your POV.  
[/QUOTE]  
Upon reflection, I retract. When faced with an overblown comparison to Nazi Germany, for example, humor is often the proper immediate response. But, in that case it’s best to follow up with a serious attempt to engage the discussant. They might be reachable after all and we all have our blind spots.

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