If you can't read a post and the context in which TB uses the term "buttmonkey" or "useful idiot" and realize it is a literary accessory used to startle the reader and sit up and pay closer attention to whatever is being discussed, then I can see how one could be repeatedly offended by each detached inference that somehow he is deliberately insulting those he addresses.

I've known TB longer and it's painfully obvious he is not trying to insult fellow zoners - he is sharing his political beliefs, views with the hopes of seeing his own experience and wisdom help others see things from a different perspective.

As for myself, If folks have read me for any period of time they realize I have very firm views and espouse them without much restraint. Perceptive folks realize I don't wish harm on anyone here, nor is it my goal in posting to insult them. Opinions and disagreements can be had without the namecalling and strife, and at one time here the boards were not so polarized (Excepting pro-mars vs. pro-moon proponents and the age old anomalist/anti-anomalist rancor.)

Rob understands this. Others do too. The left here rejoiced your arrival because they have historically been underrepresented on the Zone when it comes to literate debaters. They have vicariously lived through you as you shout down Tom or me or some other perceived "ultra right wingnut." The fact that the Zone has no real classic conservatives left (besides perhaps SDG) is almost completely lost on folks here. That's what has always been so infuriating for those who hold liberal views here - they are fighting moderates which they have labeled conservatives, Nazis, wingnuts, stormtroopers, Hitlers, Goebbels, Himmlers etc.

It's actually quite insane.

You caling me the worst militant right wing poster is also so off-the-mark.

No, supporting Bush in tax cuts, Iraq, the 9-11 reaction and being a registered Republican does not make one a militant right wing poster.

Let's take that short form "wingnut" loyalty test:

Religious: No...in fact the antithesis of the devout religionist.
Seek to outlaw abortion: No.
Tax cut lover: Yes.
Strong Defense: Yes.

I only got 2/4 right. That places me firmly in the moderate category as pertaining to the hard right. TBs more conservative than I am, and his views have always been blatantly fiscal-libertarian-centric.

It just seems like I am ultra-rightie because I can (so eloquently;-) defend my positions and viewpoints.

Unveiling a closer truth requires applying greater powers of perception.

I just pointed out WHY most of the folks here missed Tom.

The responses to my post pretty much confirmed it. Tom, the man, doesn't exist. TB the boogeyman caricature from wingnutopia is the folks people miss and want to deal with. There are exceptions naturally and they know who they are.