On Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:54:13 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
.. .


You have a penchant for discussing politics, etc., with Harry. That is, in
effect, taking sides.

You're free to do so, of course, but you are 'taking sides' IMO. Granted,
you haven't stooped to his level of name-calling, but by your continued
discourse with him you're providing him a lot of encouragement.

But, that's your choice.


I am not a 5th grader taking "sides" John.

I think there's a big difference between having disagreements about
politics, boats, guitars, wine, collard green receipes or whatever and being
able to discuss, even debate the subjects without resorting to name
calling/insults ..... and the tit for tat personal insults that are
constantly being hurled back and forth here.

I try (not always successful) to subscribe to that rule and I have no
problem conversing with anyone who displays the same level of respect to me,
even if we disagree 100%. Even Harry.

Those that argue that politics and guitars don't belong in a boating
newsgroup have a legitimate point, but I'd argue that the pure "Usenet" of
old has evolved with increased bandwidth. The practice of strickly adhering
to OT posts was originally due to limited speed and bandwidth. So, I am
among those that do not have a problem with someOT posts, particularly when
the subject is of interest to others in the group, and as long as the
original purpose of the newsgroup remains the primary subject.

My post was merely to point out that the origins of the name calling has
been long forgotten, but the insults continue from both "sides" as a matter
of ...... what? That's the point.

Eisboch



No problem.

I think you're a real nice guy. But, I think you provide Harry with a
positive charge. He then applies this to his other behavior, i.e., "...it
must be OK cause Eisboch still talks to me."

I have no problem with decent discourse on any subject. The key word is
'decent'. Accusing folks of mutual masturbation, calling them dumb ****s,
assholes, dickless, meat beaters, and any of the other names HK thinks are
cute does not, in my book, qualify as decent.