That was a very well though out and reasonable response and I just want to say that I appreciate this kind of commentary here on FR. It’s very easy to get frustrated when discussing these matters, and it’s nice to see someone rise about the frustration and provide a calm and rational counter point.
I embrace the concept of “exchange of ideas”. A well thought out idea has facts to support it, is logical, extends to a predictable and acceptable outcome, and is based on prior ideas.
Repeating a bad idea, and name-calling are a sign of a mind that is “stuck”. Brow-beating, frustration, insults and being mean simply add cement to the mind that is stuck. We can see many, many example of that here.
My favorite exercise today, was to take a Political Test as given in Post #43. I did it, I took the 6 page test and had my political viewpoint mapped. I mapped practically on top of Miltion Friedman.
I was then informed that I was not a Conservative at all, which would be kind of a shock to Mr. Friedman. But, there it is. To quote my famous “clone” - “I am a libertarian with a small ‘l’ and a Republican with a capital ‘R.’ And I am a Republican with a capital ‘R’ on grounds of expediency, not on principle.”
I’m quite happy with my company.