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His demeanor effectively overwhelms whatever earth-shattering point he seems to be trying to make.

That may be, and I don't agree with his "eat crow and like it" approach.

However, at the same time, you have NO IDEA the degree to which so many of the birthers have CRUCIFIED anybody who doesn't buy into their belief system. They've been doing it for MONTHS, if not years.

It's personal attack after personal attack after personal attack. It no longer bothers me, because I've been attacked so many times now that it's like a pebble off of an elephant's hide. Being the target of what is in many instances hate speech is normal for me now.

I don't really like FR to be like this, but it's out of my control. I'd rather see those who engage in personal attacks unceremoniously booted, but for whatever reason, JR and the moderators tolerate it. Probably, if I had to guess, because they've just been worn down and given up on it, except in "extreme" cases.

I try to defend myself in a civil way, but sometimes you get tired of continually trying to be civil to those who are well beyond uncivil.

That being the way things are, I really can't blame anyone who decides they need to fight fire with fire.

Sad commentary when conservatives can't hash things out without things getting really ugly, but on the controversial issues, that's how it is.

I'd rather see those who engage in personal attacks unceremoniously booted, but for whatever reason, JR and the moderators tolerate it.
Now, now...you shouldn't get mad if somebody calls you an insufferable buffoon who doesn't understand things even when they're presented to you on a silver platter. As you say...I have changed, and will change, my opinions on the basis of new and valid information. So be patient with your fellow FReepers. I would suggest, however, that you do need to work on not making qualifying statements like that. It gives the impression of being disingenuous.

Yeah, people have been slinging mud here for years. I believe the term "Congresscritters" was used for the very first time right here at FR. (not that any of them would show up here to 'hear' it) As you say, you get used to it. I've been called a pothead on the WOsD threads so many times it's not even funny. You use the elephant metaphor and I use the duck's back metaphor.

Nor should you get upset if somebody calls you a troll. Hell, I've been called an ogre and I consider it to be an apt description and a compliment.
Enjoy your stay here however long or short it may be. Your posting history will speak for itself so after about a decade or more you should be fine.