[wizzler]

Your response to my post against the use of the word "Hitlery" epitomizes the reason many smart people avoid Free Republic, Democratic Underground and similar forums. "Hitlery" and "Shrub" and other like-minded names are like big, blinking signals that say: "This is not a place where intelligent and reasoned debate takes place."

That's not entirely the case, of course, because intelligent debate does take place here. And there are many bright people here. But this is the case despite stuff such as "Hitlery" and "The Pig," certainly not because of it.

The goal of political discussion is to persuade others that one is right, and to get them on one's side. Words like "Hitlery" and "Shrub" do not help persuade or move others to one's side; in fact, they can only solidify an opponent's stance. They show the very people you're trying to sway that you are not to be taken seriously.

[Samurai_Jack]

The goal of political discussion is to persuade

That might be YOUR goal... but it is not mine.

My goal in political discussion is to find out what other people are thinking, not necessarily to pursuade them of anything. In fact, most attempts to pursuade are met with increased resistance. And many times what someone else is thinking might be a good idea. And sometimes I will change my mind based on what someone else is saying, but I never go about TRYING to change peoples positions.

If anyone is so sensitive that they cannot deal with the occasional namecalling, they might need to examine their own maturity level in comparison with their own sense intellectual superiority.

The more I know... the more I know that I dont know.

[martin gibson]

Your response to my post against the use of the word "Hitlery" epitomizes the reason many smart people avoid Free Republic, Democratic Underground and similar forums. "Hitlery" and "Shrub" and other like-minded names are like big, blinking signals that say: "This is not a place where intelligent and reasoned debate takes place."

Listen, cupcake, whenever I need your help to best define "intelligent and reasoned debate", I will wring your neck.

I don't believe I shall ever need your help correctly defining 'hard-core, unrepentent neo-Stalinists', 'running dog, lick-spittle lackies of the collectivist elite', 'jack-booted National Socialist', limp-wristed lap dogs of their communal Overlords' or 'cowtowing handmaidens to their Soviet masters'.

No offense, cuz I really love you, man. Hugs....?