Since I wasn't allowed to reply to Backscatter's thread, I will do so here.

The trolls can't be stopped from asking questions, no matter how obtuse they may be. The retort is to present a valid counterpoint to deflect or neutralize their argument, no matter how twisted it may be. It's like the Police trying to provoke the protesters to violence. The only thing the protesters can do, is not react in a negative manner to the provocations.

I'm reminded of a scene from the anti-war demonstrations during Viet Nam, where a photo showed the protesters putting flowers in the muzzles of the rifles held by National Guard troops standing at the ready with fixed bayonets. It brought into focus the abject polarization of Society.