I read some excellent diaries, I mean really excellent by people who have very strong debating and analytical skills. I recently got in to a debate on a conservative website and it surprised me how important the dynamic was. I believe it is time for some Kossacks to go out into the blog world and do a little missionary work. I am not talking about name calling or screeching, I am talking about making the same type of substantive arguments that are already being made on this site.
Really, one of the problems with a number of conservative websites is that they do not make substantive arguments. In many ways they don't seem to know how to make them, or even what they are, or even in some cases the rules of logic. I think the level of discourse on this site is - at times - relatively high. When you go to a conservative website and make a substantive argument they don't know what to do. They of course will often revert to ad hominem attacks, but if you just stick with your argument and ignore their annoying remarks and continue to make better and better points you back many conservatives in to a corner from which they cannot escape.
Of course we need to invite conservative here as well, but make it clear they are only welcome if they make substantive arguments.
I am sure many of you think that it is useless. I believe, in line with John Dewey, that most human beings are essentially Pragmatic (though he would hate the word essentially). If they hear a better argument, get better information they will eventually change their view points. What is missing from the lives of many wingnuts is alternative information. Make them aware of this alternative information even if it is only to argue with you and eventually it will pay dividends.
There is a secondary reason to go out in the world, and that is inbreeding of ideas if always dangerous. Sooner or later we fine differences with each other and start arguing among ourselves (see pie fight). Better our arguments work towards some type of progress.