Why is it so hard for people on YA to just answer a question without debating semantics?

Semantics are very important for communication.

I have heard of occasions where two people will fight each other almost to the death in an argument, but once they stop and understand what they're each are really talking about, they actually agree with each other.

Taking your link as an example, I wouldn't call any of those examples "tyranny," except #4.

#1 and #2 are basically bureaucratic bumbling, which can happen anywhere at any time. #3 is questionable, depending on many circumstances and details that were left out.

Now if we can't even agree on the semantics of the words we're bandying back and forth, then it's a complete waste of time to try to proceed from there to more meaningful discussion. Which is to say, we can't have a meaningful discussion until we can at least agree on meanings.

That's semantics.

Because that would force one to actually consider the ramifications of you question, unpleasant at best.

As long as the argument is about the meaning of each word, you never have to worry about considering the question.

I can not speak for all YA users. I try not to debate but simply answer the question at hand the best I can while being fully understood.

You're in the politics section, what did you except? An after school special?

The clearer the question, the less debate there is about semantics. Should you ask, "Have you stopped beating your wife?" Would you expect a straight answer?

Obama sucks! We should knock him out of Office!

I answer 'questions' ... but 'rants' get what they deserve ... and sometimes more ... !