Thanks for finally at least attempting to put some substance into your reckless charges.
I have never pretended to be impartial, or to not have formed opinions. I have never pretended to be non- partisan. It may be that I have an affected style. It is certainly somewhat formal. But formality is not, in itself, phoniness.
I make no pretense to be any smarter or better read than I, in fact, am. If you want to call me conceited, fine. That is not the same as phoniness. I make no pretense about politeness. I am, in fact, usually polite, although I reserve the right to skewer people when I think they deserve it. I have never pretended otherwise. Since I have never pretended to impartiality, I cannot have pretended to a "high- minded" impartiality.
Since I have very little respect for you, at this point, your assessment of my character or intelligence leaves me cold. For example, if you did not quote anti- religious tracts form the last century at the drop of a hat, I might take seriously your point about being hidebound and anal about a particular religious, political, or cultural bias. But, alas, I cannot take you seriously.
I am not sure whom you think I cheer on. I criticized Christopher for being mistaken and unfair to Poet, for example. I have objected to Carolyn for calling X a traitor. I stay out of the flamefests that Bill and Win get into. I have done little more than object to excessive criticism of jla. I have had arguments of some consequence with all of them, at one time or another, although you have not seen all of them. Jewel- of- the- West and I had a serious argument over my leniency as regards premarital sex. Christopher and I had a big argument over whether there was the remotest provocation for the Oklahoma City bombing. JLA and I have periodically argued over his posting style, I just do not break the relationship, which has other dimensions, over that alone. Bill and I had a bad patch over Kosovo, which I partially supported.
The charge that somehow I use them surrepitiously is an old and preposterous one. It is a way of trying to substantiate your "suspicions" when there is little to complain about in my overt behavior. It is a way of slamming me irresponsibly.
Well, anyway, it is nice to have your cards on the table. Thanks for that, at least...... |
