Replies

Lib,

You have responded to me both in public and private; I hope you do not mind that I respond to you in public, but some of what I say is "general-education" material around here, and because I did invoke the mods.

I did not call you delusional, or an idiot. I did say your arguments are intellectually weak, but that does not mean that you are incapable of making stronger arguments.

However, it appears that there is a little bit of a cultural gap between us. Being made aware of it, I'll be a little less presumptuous of what you should know.

I recognize that what Americans consider forthright and honest comes across in many cultures as blunt and crude; and, contrarily, what many other cultures consider mandatory respect comes across to Americans as manipulative or passive-aggressive, especially when the rest of your conduct does not demonstrate that same respect. I have many immigrant friends who took some time adjusting to America, where people say what they mean; and I know George Bush comes across as a cowboy for the very same straight-talking that makes many "red-state" Americans love him so much. In fact, real Americans LIKE cowboys.

What I refer to in your case is that you always say, "Good morning sir" and "Best regards." As a sincere gesture of respect, that is very well appreciated. However, you suggested that I "took pride and joy bashing on movies," the way "we used to maybe in the 3rd grade." When that level of disrespect is shown, then all the niceties are received as insincere or ironically disrespectful.

"Passive-aggressive" refers to conduct which is made to seem polite, passive, or peaceful, but which actually has an aggressive intent. In some countries, such as France, it is seen as diplomatic. In America, it is seen as weak, underhanded and dishonest. I'll admit to being aggressive; what I faulted you for wasn't being aggressive, but being passive-aggressive.

As for the purpose of this web site:

The world is full of sources of liberal perspectives and viewpoints, and frankly, most of us are sick of it. It's not all about having the same point of view: there are many flavors of conservativism, and many sources of disagreement among conservatives. And we love a good debate over thesee issues. But most of us are simply sick of hearing the same smarmy, smart-ass liberal crap over and over again. We don't come here to read it.

Not every argument here is necessarily logical or cool-headed. We do take fun in being a little smart-ass towards liberalism, or even, occasionally, gloating. But as I commented in front of the admin, if you are going to take a liberal point of view, it had better provide a uniquely insightful approach; we come here because we are sick of liberals, and like to have some honest discussions among ourselves, without having to put up with the same old boring liberal presumptions.