There are those on the right side of the political spectrum that enjoys wielding the term “tolerant liberal” as if it was a weapon that immediately ends discussions. Somewhere along the line, the notion that all liberals are meek and quiet wound it’s way into their tiny little brains. This occurred that by definition, liberals, based on policy and political platform, actually care about other people much more than those that call themselves conservatives. Or, worse yet, Christian conservatives. Here is how it usually works. A discussion is in progress in person or somewhere online. At some point, the liberal in the conversation will say something that is seen by the conservative as mean, angry, intolerant, or divisive. This is when they reach around to their back pocket of tricks and say something like, “you aren’t a tolerant liberal are you?” or, “so much for being a tolerant liberal.” What the liberal said is not even that bad, it is simply the opposite of what the conservative believes. It is a lame and poorly thought out attempt at ending the conversation or declaring themselves the winner. I know more than a few liberals, and I cannot think of one that wields that badge of “tolerant” as if it was their weapon. The liberals I know enjoy having worthwhile conversations even to the point where things get tense. This is the point where things get interesting and the conversation goes to another level. I would describe these people as intelligent, strong, independent, kind, aware, and goal-oriented. Tolerant is not the first word that pops up when thinking about these people. Disagreeing and saying something contrary, ferocious, derogatory, or even borderline mean does not equate to the speaker being intolerant. So, conservatives, right-wingers, and Trump lovers everywhere, your attempt to use “tolerant liberal” as a defense in a conversation is weak and makes you look like you have no verbal skills whatsoever.