but you have always been one of the more courteous and gentlemanly voices on the right here. Until now. And I'm not going to stoke the fires by dragging other people's names in, (except SDAI who I was specificially addressing in my last post). But surely you cannot deny that it has been part of conservative strategy on this board to characterize those who did not agree with administration policy on the war as cowards, with those who suggested consultation over confrontation as appeasers, and those who disagreed with any administration policy overseas as traitors. And of course, the "useful idiots" tag, so loosely and easily slung at anyone who didn't follow the party line on any issue from global warming to government regulation. And of course, the buttmonkeys, let's not forget the buttmonkeys. How would you like it if people referred to your side publicly as fascist cunts?

I have been here about two years, and I originally dropped in to discuss science; with art, philosophy, the news and other topics of interest to me. Since that time I have been involved in almost continuous political debate, and have been ridiculed and insulted and dismissed when I suggested that perhaps this sort of dialogue was threatening to disrupt the group because of the unnecessary partisanship and divisiveness.

Well, perhaps you haven't noticed it because of your own leanings, or because you are more sensitive to what you get than what you dish out, but I have noticed it. And perhaps you may not agree, but I really don't care. You see, I have been insulted here, I've had my intelligence and patriotism questioned, I've been called a liar, I've been painted with broad brushes, and I have been subjected to humiliations and sneers, snide remarks, ambushes, provocations, highjacks and downright bad manners simply because I have views that are somewhat left of center, and which I bring up, particularly when I am challenged like this and have little choice. And every attempt I have made to meet you people half-way, compromise, to partially agree on some point, to even defuse the harsh words with a little joke, or to change the subject into a less controversial area has been dismissed with contempt and seized on a s a sign of weakness. Nothing makes you people happy except total submission buwhen you get spanked you whine and whimper about how you are so abused.

You're complaining about being picked on by the lefties, you have no idea what really being picked on would be like. In fact, you have no idea what real doctrinaire leftists are like, the dangerous kind, they would chew you up you spit you out. The people on this board you love to beat up on are moderates, which is why you cowards come here for the easy pickings. Do you think I've used all the ammunition I have at my disposal? For starters, haven't you ever wondered why I never played the chickenhawk card againt all you bloody patriots? It's because it wouldn't fair to you and it would be unfair of me. Wrap your head around that novel concept, one time. Fairness.

I'm through with you people, go take your poison and your hate somewhere else, and quit playing the victim game. It's getting tiresome.