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I think it's an apt metaphor for the situation. I don't see how calling someone 'leftist' is negative name calling.

People easily become exuberant and angry about politics. On the very rare occasion when my comments get flagged, I don't take it personally.

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If you follow 'dang and 'sctb's comments --- the informal mod log for HN --- you'll see that pretty much everyone who gets flagged (or banned) for name calling says some variant of this.

The answer is, just don't call people names. Make your argument calmly and simply, rather than baiting people into incivility.

And what did you mean to imply with your broomstick metaphor? We weren't born yesterday, you know.

perhaps he had mistaken broomsticks with pitchforks…

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