[dirtboy]

I fail to see that anyone has made me drop the orientation that fuels my conservatism through a flame war. In point of fact, it tends to reinforce my own presuppositions. You are assuming that debate results in persuasion leading to refinement in a position. I find that most flame wars result in deeper entrenchment.

I find that if you feel that way, you're probably more prone to flame wars than the average FR bear, because you're unwilling to consider the points the other side is making.

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

Please point out to me the thread in which at the end, the disgreeing parties say "Hey thanks for ripping me a new one! You know my views were horsehockey and I needed your raucous criticism to knock some sense into me." I have never seen such posts on this site. If you have please point them out to me.