Tag: Political Discourse

By C. J. Garbo | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice For decades, many conservatives believed silence was a virtue. They assumed that if they spoke carefully, clearly, and charitably, they would be understood. When their views were mischaracterized as racist, cruel, or hateful, they often withdrew. Not because they agreed with the accusation, but because they did not want to be mistaken for something they were not. That assumption was wrong. The problem was never widespread misunderstanding by good people. The problem was intentional distortion by bad actors. Language was not being misheard. It was being weaponized. Moral accusations were not mistakes. They were tactics. Once you understand that distinction, everything changes. If your opponent is honestly...