Granted. But we would both agree that not ALL opinions on both sides are intelligent?

Opinions take many shapes. There are lots of adjectives that can be applied and denied.

Okay, well is it right or wrong to say that statements are either true or false or undecideable. And is it wrong or right to say that, for all statements, SOME statements are better supported than others.

And is it the case that, if we want to find the truthful or most supportable claim, that we have to test the reasoning and reasons behind those claims?

And if we DON'T discuss our political opinions in that fashion- then what the hell are we doing? Telling eachother fish-stories? Debating about what precise shade of blue the sky is today? Wondering aloud if your green is the same as MY green? Talking about if Space aliens drive cigar-shaped UFOs or Saucer shaped UFOs?

Thanks and a big hand for Mr. Chips

You can make whatever claims you wish and support them as eloquently as you wish but don't be surprised when others think your stuff is BS and don't presume they are too dumb to see the truth. An argument between intelligent people ceases to be an argument only when all the facts are known. One side may choose to distrust your argument without presenting a single claim in rebuttal. That doesn't mean you are right. It may mean the other party doesn't care what you believe or they know that you will distrust their opinion as much as they do yours.

ELITISM!!!' Is the cry of those who are put to task and asked to put up or shut up. It is the whimper of those who want to be taken seriously because they really feel they are right or really believe in what they are saying. If Elietism is your categorization for ANY argument that actually seeks to evaluate claims based on their truth or truth conditions, then William F. Buckley and George Will (and many other conservatives I respect and sometimes agree with) are just as Elitist as your average high-brow academic liberal.

Elitism is an indulgence available to anyone that thinks they know more. At the risk of looking silly one can display elitism in many ways but if it is to be used it should be subtle. It should not be an overt reference to the intelligence of a person or group.

I would say it is like the kitchen- if you can't stand the heat then get the hell out. And in the process, own up to the fact that your opinions are untested and are nothing better than faith and that you have no right to tell ANYONE else that they are wrong. Otherwise, lets throw-down and see why we should agree or disagree about some matter.

The only opinion I voiced in reply to the original post is that it is typical of many left leaning folks to question the intelligence of anyone that disagrees with them. I stand by that opinion. I have no interest in "throwing down" with you. I read your posts and I think you are wrong regarding the war but I have zero interest in futile arguments.