Ah, now I see. You just haven't personally interacted with people like this before. If you had, you'd be familiar with the utter futility of "confronting [them] with reason."

I agree with the 'Let them speak openly and freely.' crowd. Why? Because then I know whom to watch and to make sure I never turn my figurative back to them. It is the "smart" ones who only discuss such things in private/secret that concern me. You know, the ones who will [crocodile] smile to your face and then cut off your head when you turn your back.

Oh, and I would follow the axiom "one must choose one's battles" when trying to decide if I should say something to them or not.

And finally, with regards to private speech in a public space - I am no lawyer and this is not a legal argument, but if one has to "work at it" to hear a conversation then I would consider that eavesdropping but if the conversation can clearly be heard by the casual bystander then not so private anymore.

Professional and courteous behavior in public places is a sign of intelligence and courtesy to your fellow travelers.
Should one decide to discuss controversial topics, then they have to deal with the possibility of someone overhearing and giving his/her opinions to the conversation at hand.

Words are only words. Political correctness for the sake of such may be your thing, but it is not worth fighting over. If because you intervened the discussion happened to escalate to harsh language between you, chances of physical violence can arise. Then you have a whole new ugly world of troubles to deal with, where you would potentially be viewed by the courts as the perpetrator. Bad news all round. Unless you enjoy jail cells and court rooms.

I tend to focus on other positive things in my life. I tend to mind my own business. My earbuds are my best friend in such circumstances.

While it's sometimes difficult to ignore morons mouthing off, I see no point in butting in. What on earth would be expected outcome ?

Hint: nothing good :(

I am of the opinion that trying to reason with idiots, makes you an idiot.

So I avoid it.

I beg to differ....That trait has nothing to do with intelligence, ( for I have seen intelligent persons mouthing off in public), rather is a direct reflrction of how one was brought up at home and schools .

Except they succeed in bringing you down to their own levels ! :D

So all the Bush haters were anti-white right?

And it's POTUS not PUSA. Pet peeve.

I agree.
It's simply not worth the effort. I've got more productive and positive things to do in my life than getting into fights with total strangers.

Intelligence does not necessarily mean having high education or a formal education level. I've dealt with many individuals whom are "highly educated" that have very dismal "knowledge" of how to present themselves in public.

The definition of Intelligence also includes understanding, self-awareness, communication, and reasoning. I've met many individuals that display none of these traits, yet will tell you that they are highly educated. There is a difference between definitions. ;)

I would. I'm a descendant of Holocaust survivors and my Grandmother, an Auschwitz survivor always told me that when people began to forget, things could happen again. I'd have stood up and confronted them even if it meant getting my head kicked in.

I might have been tempted to say something offhand such as 'It is a Good job I am not an undercover Mossad agent isn't it?