I know you're discussing a very US-specific form of lunacy here, but we've also got more than our fair share of because-I-said-so nitwits here in the UK too.

When it comes to some of the subjects you've touched on here (eg politics) my position is very simple: 1) Certain subjects (politics, for instance) I will not debate online. 2) If I debate the subjects with you in person, it is only because I respect you and know that it will be a legitimate debate, not a pointless finger-pointing exercise. Otherwise, I keep quiet. I won't argue with people who ignore facts.