The Problem of Evil combined with the problem of Free Will

[The Grand Nudger]

Oh, dear Zeus in the Clouds, I've been shamed out of DOING plenty of things! Shaming is an extremely effective finite term preventative tool, don't get me wrong.  Being shamed never changed or even effected what I believe.  

Sure it did.  Once upon a time you believed that it was acceptable to do or say x.  After having said or done x in view of people, they changed your mind about that, with shame.  You might even be in the position where you don't understand their response, and think it was unfair..but regardless of that, they definitely changed your belief about -something-. I;d settle for that, personally. In my opinion, what people believe, so long as it's privately held, is no one else's business or problem. As long as bigots understand that their religion doesn't give them a pass for being bigots..I don't care that they believe bigoted shit. Feel me? It;s as if you think that ridicule is being applied to stop people from believing, rather than to oppose people who do or saying terrible shit -because- they believe?

I see what you're saying.  Congress is, after all, supposed to be a sound board for the People and reflect the interests of the populace.  So if you can shame enough loud mouth theocrats to silence, you can help turn the tide against any theocracy in our government.  I've only 2 things to note: 1)Fear of expression creates a duel consciousness, so the more true views are repressed in the seats of government, the more fuel is added to the fire of fringe groups representing those same views which, in turn, form revolutionary movements.  The public face of a movement, politician, or population is only effective for so long before it shows it's true colors.  2)Any point underlying a ridicule can be made clearer and more effectively by being made plain and uninflected instead, reaching an agreement and/or consideration by a much larger group of onlookers.

Personally, I prefer that the loudmouth theocrats keep talking, so that shame can be piled upon them in plain view of the less-loudmouthed but equally theocratic dipshits.   I appreciate that you think some sort of refined rational debate or conversation would work better.. but that hasn't been my experience, particularly with those whose rational and civil agency has been so effectively subverted by their religious beliefs that they go around mouthing off horrible shit for anyone and everyone to hear.

These boards are a testament to the ineffectiveness of that approach, specifically with regards to some people™ and some beliefs™. There's been -plenty- of rational, civil discussion regarding them..from all corners. Those people nevertheless persist in their beliefs. No agreement has been reached. No additional consideration is made. Some of them believe in giants, actual giants.......ffs.

Go talk them out of that, all civil and rational-like, if you think that's how their beliefs work. Imma make jokes.