Just think of moderators participating in discussions as superusers. Able to do several things at once.

Bill D, good points well said. The name calling, the accusing people of rhetorical crimes, people who aren't even participating in a given thread - is bad form and doesn't win points.

From the first link:

The Misconception: When your beliefs are challenged with facts, you alter your opinions and incorporate the new information into your thinking.

The Truth: When your deepest convictions are challenged by contradictory evidence, your beliefs get stronger.

People change their minds all of the time, despite the few entrenched positions we think many people hold, as represented in their public discourse. Persuasive writing, sound facts, can eventually get through. Snopes has gradually proved this over the years. Discourse, yes. Finger pointing and name calling, no. I suspect all of us could point to public issues that over time we have come to understand more completely through experience or research and now view differently than before.

SRS