I do my own thinking too Aunty M. The grumble you have is that if someone doesn't parrot your line of dogma they don't think for themselves. BS
You and many like you cannot stand to have someone think differently than your own party line.
Debate, what debate? I have attended some of the competitive debates held at Gonzaga by the budding law students. They are entertaining, however, reality often takes a hike for sake of 'winning the point.' Same as here. Often the whole game is who gets the last nasty word or delivers the best put down. And the Chorus echoes punch line.
I was taught a long time ago, 'never play the oppositions game.' However, I am weak and sometimes it's fun to hear the squeals.
Tendered with all due civility.
ps I would have said 'sincerely,' but that word has lost it's identity on this forum.