“To me, consensus seems to be the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies. So it is something in which no one believes and to which no one objects.” ...quote by M. Thatcher

Another quote by Margaret Thatcher: "I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left."   If  having made your point, if they start name-calling and insulting, then you've probably already made your point.  Usually reasoning something out through a commitment towards mature conversation ...brings most things to some sort of workable solution.   But there are those who don't like to discuss things with an even playing field of reason, and a sincere commitment towards listening to what others have to say.  Unresolved, the issues usually simmer. If there is any hint of wrongdoing ...it is ignored. If anyone else dares bring it up, anger rises quickly to the surface.  Any admission of guilt has long since been abandoned ...but not forgotten, as the anger evidences that.