But then what is the correct way to handle them?
I honestly believe that "passive defense" hasn't worked until now, and even this idea of "let's just make everyone else believe these people are crazy" hasn't done much either.
I don't think sperging is the right choice necessarily, but it can certainly create a gatekeeping situation.
A few things.
1) Gatekeep.
I know this is super unpopular because it's actively excluding people from places.
Here's the thing though, if they get
into a space, they deem it a moral-ethical mandate to take the helm by any means necessary.
Gatekeeping is only bad if it prevents people willing to engage in good faith from coming in.
They aren't operating in good faith.
2) Cede zero ground.
"If you disagree with me, you're a Nazi."
In the face of this, the correct answer is a Chad "Yes".
We've seen it time and time again, people stand their ground and the response?
Nothing.
They view all the world as power.
The mere act of standing against the mob implies you have the power to stand. That you've got teeth.
They have to make a calculation at that point whether they're going to roll those dice against you.
3) Disregard their positions as valid at every step.
All moral claims are power plays to them.
So deny the mere concept they
have power.
I've watched the nutters clear out of places when it's become clear the owners are neither American, nor invested in American politics. They self-remove out of disinterest mostly.
To give a nod to Halo a little: "Can you even find Estonia on a map?"
If, and only if, you want to play by their rules.
Assert power over them with everything you have.
Remind them they're not the centre of the universe.
Punish them for making the assumption that everything revolves around the USA.
Remember, if everything is about power, then guilt trip them for their attempt to assert their power over you.
The Estonian example: "President? Yeah, I've got opinions on President Kaljulaid."
Or a racial example if you happen to not be white: "Why is a white person lecturing
me?"