Yes. I am as likely to upvote someone with whom I disagree for presenting a thoughtful argument, as I am to upvote someone with whom I agree.

Been argued a million times, but downvoting as disagreemnt is silly IMO--unless you just want groupthink or a high school popularity contest. But, if you want thoughtful discussion, then reward thoughtful comments.

Now, of course if I care enough, then I have a choice: I can either stop using HN, or I can try to get the government to regulate it. Heh.

Hah, nice one. Though I thought as western civilization we've agreed long ago not to do that because everyone trying to regulate people they disagree with makes everything worse for everybody. Liberal ideals, or something. ;).