I can understand some of the cynicism here, but I think it all comes down to how you look at it.



- No, Patton and no one else thinks that we're all obligated to go out of our way to help shitheads

- No, being kind to every shit head won't automatically make them reconsider their platform

- No, Patton's gesture doesn't make you an asshole for not wanting to do the same thing

- No, being kind won't turn every hateful person into an enlightened individual



But that's also not really the point. Patton and the others who donated saw someone who needed help, and determined to be charitable by giving it. You give for the sake of giving, not with any promise that you will be repaid tangibly or intangibly. Over time, this guy may improve his opinion on certain things. Or he may not. Again, that's not really the point.



I remember on the old forum someone posting an article about how it's been shown often times that being kind and empathetic (this doesn't mean agreeing or condoning their beliefs) to someone was a far more effective way to correct their behavior. The article didn't shame anyone who chose not to follow this path, nor did the OP, but there were still some people who seemed to get defensive and hostile about the notion that this may be an effective strategy. I don't get it.



Regardless of if this moron sees the light, good on Patton for having more compassion than maybe one would be expected to in that situation.