. . . but now it is fashionable to simply use this as a reason to not attempt any responses or to insinuate some connection to Trump (as if there weren't enough reasons used already).

You will note when the tactic is used on me (like in the thread below) I respond to the post . . . and not simply say "whataboutism" as if I've slapped the Rook down on the table.  I've noticed that those claiming "whataboutism" are as likely to use the tactic as those that don't give a #badword#.

Another technique to pretend that you are engaged in a dialogue from the comfort of your own echo chamber.

I never thought changing minds was likely here, but engaging was fun. Not so much since January. I left the U.S. for nearly a month recently. Precious internet was scarce and expensive, so I rarely saw this board for weeks.

Returning regularly reminded me of a soap opera. Leave for a season and catch up in half an episode. Groundhog Day. Same posters, same arguments. Only the optics of the outrage du jour differ.

I'm no coward, and will post when topics matter to me. But I am also not uneducated or totally stupid. The people who don't post here anymore are merely tips of an iceberg.