[Soapbox]How to Shut Down a Political Debate 101

Alright, so I am a bit opinionated when it comes to politics. If by a bit we could also say that the Himalayas is a bit of a big mountain range. I love debating and discussing political things. Or, at least, I used to. It doesn't seem like there's a civil way of doing this anymore. I can count on one hand the discussions I've had that have not at some point degenerated to name calling and "if you don't agree with me, you clearly have no idea what you're talking about".
Because that makes perfect sense.

There is not a single person in this world that I 100% agree with, up to and including my husband. I would say we agree about 75% of the time and the other 25% are on completely opposite sides of the fence. (Note: percentages are completely made up and I have no idea how many times we've actually agreed/disagreed.) We can talk about politics though. We can talk about them half an hour before bed, and go to sleep in a perfectly content place. So, here are three keys that we use face to face, that should also be applied to the internet with people you don't love as much as I love my husband.

The Keys:
1. Perspective
It's a difference of opinion. And not the kind of opinion that thinks getting a blow job is cheating, because it's not real sex. It's a difference of opinion that opens dialogues and may make you think about something you hadn't considered before.
2. Name calling
We don't name call. There is no point where we have ever used terms like "idiot" or "uninformed" in our discussions. You know why? All name calling does is shut down the communication part of a discussion. All it leaves is knee jerk reactions for the most part. Seriously, when was the last time calling someone a liberal nutjob or a closed minded conservative actually helped your argument?
3. Knowing when to walk away.
Inevitably, we hit walls. We hit walls where we're officially talking in circles and it's clear that nothing is being gained by continuing the conversation, except frustration and less sex. Granted, when talking to Joe Bob Doe on the internet, you're probably not worried about sleeping with him, but there is still  something to be for walking away. For me, it's the second someone pulls out derogatory terms anymore. I used to stick around, but there is no dialogue and all that happens is my blood pressure goes up. (Note: Any time you thought you won when I just dropped out of a conversation like this, realize that more than likely you lost in my eyes.) Know when nothing is being gained, and walk away. You might save a few friendships that way.

Afterword: I know it's kind of already tread on paths to say that the internet is killing all common courtesy, but it's true. And as it becomes more and more the most common form of interaction with people, it could be said it's killing our common courtesy all around. You will only be treated as well as you treat other people. Remember that.