1. I haven't lived in NY for more than 40 years.
2. Are you unable to have a discussion without being rude?
I wasn't being rude.
You, gave me an impossible standard to meet. "So many smart people" believe "x" while I believe "y". No other reason was discussed by you to back up your belief.
So I responded, saying what the "heck", how can I compete. That's rude? How so?