We do indeed — and that’s because we disagree about the process of change and not about each other personally. Nothing ever changes if people stop talking. Intelligent people having disagreement is how you make a society function, it is the backbone of how a liberal and democratic society works. If we lose the ability to talk then we lose the whole thing
Happy Birthday! 61 is a good age to be and I’m sure there will be plenty of well wishers and wonderful things. Make sure there’s plenty of cake (ideally chocolate), a few beers or cocktails and plenty of dancing.
You’ll be shocked to learn I don’t use the name ‘Argumentative Penguin’ when I’m out in the real world. I have a human name and a human persona and I suspect we’d get on very well in person. If you do come to London and my schedule allows then of course I’ll come along and participate — what you’re doing is very much in line with my principles as a human being and professional Penguin. You can also know who I am, as long as you promise not to use it against me or reveal it to the wider Medium world then I’m totally fine. It’s not a secret I have worked hard to keep, and I am easily uncovered. However, the research required is a small annoying hurdle most people wont bother with.
And for the record, I have already had an individual (a very angry liberal) from the US, research my identity, phone one of my employers here in the UK and make outlandish allegations in an attempt to get me fired. The allegations were easily disproven but that is not the point. It is important to always say what you think and be truthful but it is not always safe to speak what you think is true.
That aside, I will pen a reply to the other message at some point soon when I get a moment. I think you have a left-leaning libertarian like me confused with one of your gun wielding nut-job right-wing ones. We’re not the same thing. But it’s your birthday, so go and enjoy that and we can continue our debate at some point in the future when you’re not celebrating! Have a good one. 61! Woooop woooop!
