So you're in favour of all forms of free speech except sarcasm?

Edit: ok, evidently jokes aren't a popular mode of speech either.

This isn't about surpressing free speech. It's about basic communication and debate.

Sarcasm used to be a effective and totally valid way to make a point, -I mean it was even part of basic reading/writing education when I grew up 20 years ago.

Of course you can easily overdo it but I think banning sarcasm has a significant downside and we should rather teach people to use it correctly.

Once again, this isn't about banning anything. This is about productive conversation. A value which makes HN unique out of all the internet communities.

What the commenter was doing was insinuating a conclusion based upon a straw man, so as not to be scrutinised for the underlying conclusion.

Didn't downvote (ok, even gave you an upvote while commenting) but I think you misinterpreted the situation I/we reacted to.

Parent didn't censor the offensive post. Free speech means having the right to criticize others.