IMHO, name-calling or questioning anyone's integrity is never warranted.
If a question is to be discussed and/or debated, and a FReeper -- ANY FReeper -- cares enough to post their opinion, that opinion should be respected even if it's not agreed with.
For example, you write . . .And as to those who say there is no need to answer such questions because 'their elected representatives were elected to do so for them' all i have to say that is one big slippery slope.
I don't necessarily agree with that but you went on to explain your reasoning and I respect that. For me personally, however, I must have faith in our representative form of government. That is the only way I can maintain what little sanity I have left. I believe the time to research topics and "what ifs" and anything else . . . is BEFORE I put that little check mark beside whoever it is I'm voting for. If I've done my job properly as a citizen, I also know how the opponent of my choice is likely to vote.
Will mistakes be made by using my ACT of Faith method? Absolutely. But probably not any higher percentage-wise than for those who have checked out everything there is to check.
There are no certainties in life . . . in war . . . or in peace. All one can do is make the best decisions one can make, based on the facts as one knows them, then live with the consequences and learn from the mistakes so, hopefully, they won't be repeated.
I still say freedom is important enough where uncertainty can’t be a hindrance.
So . . . although we disagree . . . I must admit it comforts me a bit knowing there is some devout cynics out there. My way's probably not the best and only way. Your way's probably not the best and only way. And the way's of those moderates who're somewhere in the middle probably aren't the best and only way.
But that's the beauty of THE AMERICAN WAY!! Somehow, despite our differences, despite our heated disagreements, we usually come up with A way to make the world a better place.
So I think we should celebrate our differences . . . not trash those who disagree. It takes all three spokes of this FREEDOM WHEEL to make things work.
Freedom works through people like you.
Take care and be blessed and have a prosperous new year.
Spetz!