( previous post snipped-follow thread )

>>> I would agree with that. Personally, I do not understand why people
>>> feel the need to make such statements. Especially, among those of us
>>> who have lived long enough, and should know better. We all get
>>> frustrated from time to time, but that is no excuse for not having a
>>> polite and but strong defense of our position....
>>
>>
>> Jerry, human nature being what it is, all of us hold our beliefs
>> dearly and cherish them. With that in mind, it is only natural that
>> they would attempt to denigrate opposing beliefs. A good way to do
>> that, is precisely what Connie has done; show that those holding other
>> beliefs are hypocritical, stupid, or some other negative trait.
>>
>> That's part of the game of politics as well. We see it played out
>> daily on the national stage, so it is no wonder why those of us in the
>> NG play it also. The only thing is that when it is used to substitute
>> for substantive issues, then it deflates to the status of mere rant,
>> which it was in the first place. And you are quite correct. There is
>> no excuse for having a polite but strong defense of one's position. I
>> can say that even though I am frequently guilty of not being quite
>> polite. But you're still right.
>
>
> Since I have been playing on this newsgroup, I think for the most part,
> we are willing to make the best arguments we can, without resorting to
> outright lies, which is more than I can say about those who appear on
> national TV (regardless of which party they are flakes for). You and I
> disagree on just about everything, but I cannot remember a time when you
> have told a lie or even a white lie to make your point. WE just look
> at the same problem through a different set of lenses.....

I think with your above comments we can end this aspect of the thread.