[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Why did you come onto the thread unprovoked and start using phrases like "Orgy and spiritual fornication?" What did we do to deserve that? And you owe me another apology because you attacked my faith in a cruel way, and I defended it. Now you try and turn the situation around like I caused the problem? I'll let you have the last word if you want. I really have no more to say to you. I would have answered any question you would have asked--but you'd rather spew anger and mean-ness.

(sigh). Old college debate skills analyze JMJ333's presentation of the matter....

Ahem -- JMJ#333: While I am willing to charitably allow that you are not employing the above rhetorical device in a deliberately underhanded fashion, I should point out that the rhetorical device you are employing above is designed to "stack the deck" against your opponent's ability to counter with a fair response. On the one hand, you throw down a gauntlet at Jerry's feet, levelling accusations against his position; but then declare that if he responds to your charges, you'll just "let him have the last word" (leaving his answers to your charges unacknowledged) -- a ploy which allows you to leave the discussion having cast yourself in a generous light, while casting Jerry as the spiteful one if he should try to respond to your accusations!!

So, though I am not accusing you of employing this device intentionally, I think if you step back and look at the way you've pre-arranged the roles between yourself and Jerry, you'll recognize that it is a good rhetorical trick.

So, allow me to "un-stack the deck":

IF you will commit beforehand to acknowledge any response to your accusations which Jerry should make, then Jerry should respond.

IF, on the other hand, it is your intent to simply "step away" no matter what Jerry says in response to your accusations, then Jerry should not give you the satisfaction of "giving him the last word", and instead simply suffer the accusations which you have brought against him.

SO, the rhetorical deck thus un-stacked, I'll ask your preference:

Would you prefer that Jerry defend himself against your charges, and respond to your accusations?

Or, is it your intent to level these charges against Jerry, and then refuse to acknowledge any defense of himself he should make? (i.e., "give him the last word" by exiting the discussion after having already made your accusations against him?)

You've levelled accusations against Jerry; would you like him to respond to your charges, or should he leave your attacks un-responded? What is your preference? Thanks.

[JMJ333]

No---I'll let it rest. But I'll promise you the same thing I promised RnMOMof7---I'll never show up on a thread and start screaming sexual epitaphs at you or your fellow Calvinists. Like I said--I would have answered any question he asked, provided it be without rancor.