I'm of the opinion that it is pretty much a waste of time to to try to convince people of the error in their ways. My thought is not to explain or apologize for what I do and to marginalize the argument of the antis. It may not be the polite thing to do...but polite got us where we are today. This is not to say I will not engage in conversation, but when intelligent conversation is not the aim but instead ridicule of gun owners, there is no explantion, no apology.
I know that's not what you are talking about here....but I just had to rant. 
Rastus, I'm generally not one to lecture on religion, but the great comission is that we preach the good news in the most effective manner posible given the circumstances. The FAR, (VERY FAR) lesser comission is that you explain what you believe politically and why. Maybe you will change minds, maybe you won't, but if you don't try you won't do. And if not you, then who? if not now, then when? At the end of the day, any moron can demonize an opponent, even a true jackass (onrecess as exhibit A) can eviserate them, it takes a gentleman to try to persuade them. If you fail, you've lost nothng, if you don't, you've sold yourself short. I have (and am as we speak) putting my money where my mouth is. Try it some time. Its called speaking the truth in love.
FQ13