Random Jan 6 thoughts:

The simplistic way the MAGA types talk, combined with a general dismissive lack of curiosity of their critics, makes any conversation harder than it needs to be.

Like... "the election was stolen" is often countered by "no it wasn't", while missing all the middle bits.

I don't think any significant amount of votes were illegally changed, or that enough non-eligible voters were voting to change any statewide results, or that electronic systems were hacked. Illegal immigration had nothing to do with it, and there wasn't a rush of a bunch of people voting multiple times. When Trump complains, I see him as a man-child unwilling to accept genuine loss due to excessive pride, and willing to lie for the sake of image.

But most of the MAGA people I know, when you actually ask them what they mean by "stolen election"? They'll talk about social media manipulation by the government or government intelligence agencies censuring stories or viewpoints via third parties to skirt around the first amendment. Unfair rules around voting enacted shortly before an election involving mail in procedures or dates to benefit over side. Collusion between the DNC and legacy media that shows bias in allegedly nonpartisan programming (I hate that name). Propaganda campaigns with unfortunate ties to government or government agents aimed at domestic audiences allowable by the 2012 NDAA.

Whether or not any of these allegations are true or false, exaggerated or minimized... Doesn't matter to the conversation because it isn't had. MAGA critics (of which I'm one), often don't ask for clarification on meaning. They hear "election stolen" from Trumpers and say "that's dangerous and false". MAGA types feel dismissed by that, and assume their opposition are just useful idiots denying an allegation they didn't technically make while ignoring what they feel is obvious.

I hate that people talk past one another because they're often actually talking to the audience rather than other participants. And when genuine conversations do start to happen organically, we all know how quick that's censored if there are platforms involved, shutting it all down before it bears any fruit.

I'm glad Trump is increasingly irrelevant to the conversations we're avoiding, but... The underlying issues still remain. Like... Hold off on assumptions and hear people out for a moment. Life is better that way. You can still tell them they're wrong after they've had a chance to say their piece, and can better attack what they actually mean using their own words.

Or don't, whatever. It ain't your boss and these are just suggestions. Love y'all.