I was a participant on that Zoom and precipitated the exchange. I later apologized to the subject of this blog for not giving him prior warning. I was attempting to bring us together and understand the other side's point of view, but it went wrong. Why can't we get along?

Let me preface with the comment that I was not involved in the Zoom, nor have I heard about it until reading this Post.
But truth be told, this type of thing has been a problem for most of my adult life, though it is much worse these days. Too many people that feel tolerant are precisely the opposite at times.
They assume (Felix Unger can explain why this is a problem) that their view is the only view. I have guessed this may be because they mostly deal with those that agree with them and do not hear other thoughts much, if at all. Their peers all get their information from the same place, and they all mouth the same views and agree with each other.
Then when there is an opposing view, it is unacceptable to them.
I think we are all mature enough if all try better to realize there are other opinions and to hear them and be able to discuss them rationally and civilly. Resorting to name-calling, or in other ways being nasty or vicious, only proves one’s argument lacks merit.
We can all do better if we do not assume we are always correct, and if we can discuss things civilly.

There are many people who are afraid to speak for exactly this reason. Sadly, especially in certain industries like academia. I have witnessed crushing and vicious vilification all done in the name of self righteousness and virtue. I am deeply saddened by the lack of respectful debate supported by facts and logic. there is virtually no tolerance for a difference of opinion, and it has become horribly personal. Cancel culture is rampant and I have watched it wreck careers. No wonder some people are hesitant. I am fairly moderate in my views, very respectful of others well reasoned opinions, but there are times when I bite my tongue and shut my mouth. Even patriotism has become a dirty word in parts of my world. Very, very sad.

Well said by blogger and commenters.
Believe it or not I do not try to engage in debate within my circles.

"A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still," are words I live by. I'd rather listen, learn and understand someone's perspective than try to change it. If someone's opinion is abhorrent to me, I don't have to comment or interact and they can do the same. This blog is important as a reminder of our responsibility to defend others against attack even when we don't agree with them. It's not always easy and I'm not sure I would have. This is a crucial conversation indeed.

“Everybody’s talking and no one says a word. Nobody told me there’d be days like this. Strange days indeed.” - John Lennon

Unfortunately, we have become so divided and viewpoints are either black or white. There is no longer gray or middle ground. Therefore "you" are either really right or really wrong. The pandemic has forced many of us inside and with little natural face to face interaction, the opinions become stronger and fuses shorter.
I often find myself remaining silent for fear of disagreeing with the masses. That is also sad and leaves me struggling inside. That is not what this country was founded on. Great topic and one that must be explored further for society to truly be free.

Fred's FB live brought me here. During these trying times, I've found out a lot about myself...I am shy, introverted and I do not like confrontation. Guess what...all of that disappears when mutual respect is not given or someone flat out knowingly lies., or repeats hurtful lies. Election infection?, What more could have been done?
So many things, it makes my head spin. I still rarely engage because I know my audience.
I miss you guys (Traveling Willbury's). Who knew those conversations in the car would be so prophetic!