"I would certainly not dispute that. I was trying to point out that the tendency of some unsavory characters to be attracted to this has made it difficult to deal with the policy issues in a rational way. "
I'd point out that underneath that's an ad hominem argument.
Further, majorities of Americans support the House bill approach (HR 4437). Let's go that way.
"Further, majorities of Americans support the House bill approach (HR 4437)."
Agreed. This would have the great advantage of comporting with political reality vs. the "all at once" approach advocated by the party leadership.
"underneath that's an ad hominem argument."
No, I think it's more correctly termed guilt by association.