I am participating in the discussion, and presenting facts to support my stances. Some people feel attacked by facts and when confronted with hypocrisy, that's not my fault.
Politically speaking the military is an echo chamber. So many republicans go around making snide remarks about democrats because they think everyone in ear shot has the same views they do. I've sat quiet for many years, and now I'm to the point where I'm willing to engage with most folks on politics if they want to openly talk about it. I'm finding that the military is filled with a lot of loud and politically uninformed people. I have yet to flip someone politically, but I have found that educating people of the facts, and explaining the democratic stance at least softens their views, and makes them realize there is in fact some common ground for D, R and yes...even Libertarians to agree on. Those in charge just want to divide us, say that Democrats want open borders (not true), to turn us into socialism (not true), run up huge debt (not true) and to gut the military (again, not true). They benefit from the fact that those that listen to them aren't going to seek out the truth in their words and actions (and also that Democrats suck at unity and messaging, but we're working on it).
Those that become more entrenched in their views and use their interactions with me to verify their preconceived notions of democrats weren't going to do so differently if I used flowery language. I guess I could be gentler for some of you, but it might be better for everyone if people (as the republicans say) stop being snowflakes.