[Vanders9]

But this is the point at issue. Others do twist or manipulate the generally accepted rules of fairness for advantage, or their own selfish gain, or to advance a particular agenda. This is a sad reflection on their own level of mental, emotional and spiritual maturity, but here we are more concerned about the effect of these actions.

Personally, I can deal with it. There are far more important things than "winning" these kinds of arguments. As far as I am concerned it is the nature of the forces we fight - but unfortunately, my own personal reaction is not the only thing affected. The kind of questioning we commonly see now biases political thinking, belittles Human dignity, trivialises serious issues, and, ultimately, discredits the entire political process. That is affecting other people, specifically the entire body politic, and for that reason, if nothing else, it should be opposed.

[TigersEye]

Others do twist or manipulate the generally accepted rules of fairness for advantage, or their own selfish gain, or to advance a particular agenda.

That is the reality of things. The rules are artifices so not everyone plays by them.

The kind of questioning we commonly see now biases political thinking, belittles Human dignity, trivialises serious issues, and, ultimately, discredits the entire political process. That is affecting other people, specifically the entire body politic, and for that reason, if nothing else, it should be opposed.

Having seen some political writings from previous centuries I don't think that is anything new. I take the risk of presuming that anyone who values truth would oppose intellectual dishonesty in politics and media.