"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. "

I don't and I don't. However, there are some things that folks do that is dumb no matter who looks at it- lets call it Dumb in the strictest sense. Things things include:
1) Stating opinion as fact, or stating opinion and not supporting yourself in any way
2) Not providing any evidence for your beliefs when pressed
3) Claims of Moral Relativism
4) Attacking other folks whi disagree with you personally INSTEAD OF making a coherent argument to support yourself

Are 1-4 really dumb things to do? True or false?

"Elitism is an indulgence available to anyone that thinks they know more"

You and I both know that some people do know more. I think that if we are not bankrupt individulas, we will try to listen to those who know more. Then Tom B or others here make a point about things they know more about than I- I take it to heart and I listen. When they provide sources, I always go read them BEFORE I reply in agreement or disagreement.

"It should not be an overt reference to the intelligence of a person or group."

I think your pissed that I (and others) disagree with things and state our disagreements firmly and with confidance.

I am interested in the truth, not being all lovey-dovey.

"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"

Frank, Your just blind then. Gbaikie, SDAI, LarryJ, EBNelson have insulted my intelligence so many times that I lack appendages to count on. The right wing does it too. When Tony, Alcary, Me or Mary Ann do it, we tend to include a point by point refutation too- is THAT what pisses you off? That we give reasons why we claim someone else said something stupid?

And what about the number of times those on the left here have been called Cowards, Morally Defficient etc. This doesn't bother you?

" 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. "

This corresponds directly to # 1 above. You effectively made anything you had to say worthless with that one statement.

Davin L.