Personal Attacks and Invalid Debating

I recently wrote a long diatribe on invalid debating tactics and I will probably post it soon, for the edification of those who care. Right now, though, I want to ask what leads people to sign on to a particular party's bandwagon to the exclusion of all critical thought?

How can you buy so heavily into one side of an argument that you are willing to dimiss, ignore or even ridicule even those closest to you, when they try to have an open mind and actually examine the facts with a critical eye?

Look, I'm not saying that one should change opinion if one believes the facts support their opinion, but to engage in ad hominem attacks (personal dismissal in lieu of substantive debate on topic), repetition instead of proof and mere ignoring of large parts of a person's argument is wrong.

When holding on to your belief structure requires that you treat someone you love with that level of disrespect, isn't it time to examine whether there's actually any FACT supporting your position? And if there were, would you need to resort to parroting party line talking points, refusing to conceed that the other side may have a point and even talking condescendingly towards the person?

These are tactics which are rude and invalid to use on those you DON'T know, it's positively disrespectful to use them on people you know and love. Consider that. You don't have to change your opinion, but RESPECT the opinions of your loved ones when they disagree, and give them the courtesy of considering their points on merit, not merely falling back on a knee jerk "that's liberal, you've clearly been brainwashed" argument. Unless you enjoy making your loved ones cry over how little you seem to respect them.

Liam.