The problem with the analogy is that children have adults as teachers. But in politics, we are the adults, and there are no teachers who can be trusted to know better.
I also think your last paragraph is over-the-top, and probably reflects a relatively biased sample from the underlying facts.
Probably true but I am capable of accepting this criticism without devolving into a foaming rage kid. I wrote the paragraph out of conviction that we face a social movement unlike anything we have known in modern times and that it isn't based on arguments but emotions and exploitation of social dynamics.
My ego isn't infinitely tied to my opinions and views - though to some degree it certainly must be. I don't believe in deleting what I wrote but maybe I could have written something less polemic. I was probably damaging discussions myself.
The question is always: can you take a step back, reflect and maybe adjust your opinions? I even understand resolute positions on ephemeric topics such as ethics and value systems.
One can have long discussions about how to deal with a hijacked airplane heading for a population center. But baseless opinions about a virus or measured climate change, such as outright denial of their existence or impacts, have no place in "adult" discussions.
We should be concerned about how to face these issues and not discuss with trolls and gaslighters about established, independently proven facts.
I also think your last paragraph is over-the-top, and probably reflects a relatively biased sample from the underlying facts.