Such a factual situation is often the subject of such snark. In this age of search bubbles and personalized (read algorithm distorted) views of information the observation is often true. Such reactions are exhibited by one group even to factual information. This results in frustration on both sides of the statement, creating the state of "War," which, "is not a place from which people find it easy to climb down." This is particularly bad because such information is particularly valuable. It's precisely such mental model breaking information which is the most valuable.
It's very easy to see how a group like, the Flat Earthers, or Anti-vaxxers have such model-breaking information blindness. Throughout history, we've seen that it's particularly hard for privileged knowledge workers -- who have been validated by society through high pay and social status -- to see the model-breaking information. (Witness the struggle to get germ theory recognized by gentleman doctors.) In short, we tech folks need to acknowledge that there are factors acting to make us the most blind.
In 2019, we all have it. We've always all had it. The question is how do we communicate this without being in the mental state of "war."
Not every war is fought with guns, not all the time. We are in a period that's equivalent to an asymmetric version of the Cold War.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War
Would you refute that the United States has been at war for decades with the Soviet Union?
You seem to have an issue with my ideas, not with my language. I welcome the debate about those ideas, but it doesn't seem appropriate to throw the weight of your status as moderator to win an argument against ideas you don't like. Isn't that exactly the opposite of what the spirit of HN is?
I think America is an idea where most countries are based on genetics and history. I get where you are on this, but it should be realized illiberal people will take advantage of liberal people. It's a price worth paying if you stick with it to the end.
Of course those are merely my interpretations. Maybe I'm wrong, though seeing the commenter post later that every Chinese person should be seen as an enemy makes me pretty sure I wasn't wrong. Either way though, this call wasn't particularly different than the others we make, and I didn't make it because I secretly favor the opposite side of the argument, however much it may feel that way to passionate readers. And I'm certainly not denying your or anyone else's professional experience.