[BenLurkin]

It pretty much started in earnest with the personal destruction of Robert Bork.

[tomkat]

It pretty much started in earnest with the personal destruction of Robert Bork Joe McCarthy.

/.02

[alloysteel]

The rules of engagement have been set by one side, it is up to the defense to adopt a new similar code.

There are no gentlemen in a mob shootout. But it is foolish to engage them in a frontal assault. First taking cover, then sharpshooting on designated targets as they are revealed, is the strategy the other side has used.

But they have become bold, and in their boldness, they are much more vulnerable, as they step out of their cover and assert they have “won”.

Arrogance invites its own retaliation.