[jfengel]

Just as a matter of language: I have only ever seen the word "Leftist" in contexts meant to connote "traitor" or "moron" or something similar. I'm reluctant to explain anything in such a context.

The recommended left-wing, progressive approach to such things is to be kind, patient, informative, and reasonable. Personally, I believe this is the reason we regularly get destroyed in elections, and if there's ever a way to get back, it's to respond to hatred with hatred. Reasonableness bores people; hate is exciting.