A downvote can be to express disagreement - it might be that people think regardless of firing, you should often just ignore the so-called mob. Griping about downvotes will likely attract more.

I use verbal self defense when attacked. Part of my martial arts training.

I figure that the less front you present to an attacker, the less they have to attack. In an argument, say less. In a mob situation, minimise your apology.

Write at length and you're almost guaranteed to present something someone will take issue with. Even if it's not a danger to you physically or to your career, it's likely a waste of your time!

It must not be Aikido you practice then.

Anyway, people will downvote posts that break the HN guidelines (read the link on bottom).

Maybe its hard to have a honest conversation about left wing cancel culture mobs on ultra left wing hacker news.