I pinged those people because they posted in this thread, and they are people whom I remember. I wasn't making a point out of them, I was flagging them. Nothing more.
So, let me get this straight. You honestly believe that calling somebody a "nazi" is less perjorative than calling somebody a "cop hater?"
Certianly not. Perhaps I haven't been around here for a while, but I do not remember either side as having a monopoly on perjorative terms.
I have said before, and I'll say again that neither side is without its barbs. I would like to see more goodwill between us, rather than less. I think it serves to remind you all that it takes two to do the proverbial tango. If you would like less flamewars, and more focused discussions directed at defeating socialists, we would do well to remember that.
Described as "the skunk at the garden party of debate," the term and the individuals who use it to describe others are beneath contempt. I look upon those who throw the term around like a discarded chewing gum wrapper as not only offensive fools but losers as well; for they have run out of ideas and are simply throwing verbal feces.
There is an old saying from Usenet, called Godwin's Law:
As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one.
It has correlaries that:
1. whoever called someone a "nazi" has lost the debate, and
2. it is probably time for the thread to die.
I believe you have the "beam" in the wrong eye, partner. Don't play the role of victim until you have been truly victimized.
What makes you say that I am playing the victim.
That was the farthest thing from my mind as I write this post.I know that there are some rather obnoxious people that claim the libertarian side of things. Heck, I've been called a "statist" too, what a silly insult. It's almost as meaningless as "nazi." But I want people to realize it takes two to tango.
I would like to extend my hand in friendship to you conservatives, despite whatever differences I may have with you all. I am asking for some gesture of good will. I am not rubbing your nose any anyone's droppings. to the contrary I'd like to get past those offensive fools on both sides.
Does this not meet with your satisfaction?
It just seemed odd to me that most of the "equally vocal group" you flagged to the thread in your Post 801 seem to hold remarkably similar views (I discounted Jim R from this list ex cathedra). I found it curious why you didn't include posters such as Father Torque (Post 751), headsonpikes (Post 800), or tpaine (Post 726) on your list. They have posted to this thread as well, and at times have taken diametrically opposite positions to those of many of the people you pinged in your Post 801.
Be that as it may, I accept your explanation that you weren't trying to make some special point of the people you pinged to the thread. Let's move on.
(strela) So, let me get this straight. You honestly believe that calling somebody a "nazi" is less perjorative than calling somebody a "cop hater?"
Certianly not. Perhaps I haven't been around here for a while, but I do not remember either side as having a monopoly on perjorative terms.
Quite correct. However, it is also correct that rumor has it that at least one or two of the people throwing around the perjorative "cop hater" are also members of the "equally vocal group" you pinged to your original post. Conversely, there are other posters actively posting in this thread who have thrown around the term "nazi" in the past, but I tried in vain to find any of their names in your ping. It was my impression that you were taking to task those throwing the "cop hater" sobriquet around, but not so those calling others "nazis." Please correct me if I'm mistaken.
I would like to see more goodwill between us, rather than less.
I absolutely agree. However, I suspect that directing your message to more of the individuals posting in this thread (or to "all") would have insulated you from the obviously mistaken impression I got that you were addressing one side of the debate but not the other. But, that's just me.
(snip explanation of Godwin's Law. I'm an old Usenet hand).
I would like to extend my hand in friendship to you conservatives ...
"you conservatives?" Of what political stripe do you consider yourself? And if you are not a conservative, then why post at FR or give a flip about anyone who does?