Yeah, Frank. Really.

I’ll join in on the “won’t bring up the personal stuff” bandwagon. I’m sure I’ve occasionally transgressed. I hope we can still call a liar a lair when they lie.

That said, I’ve seen too many posts by right-wingers here telling people that place of birth or choosing to work overseas is, for some reason, a disqualification for people sharing their opinion in the comments section of a blog not even owned by said right-winger.

You wouldn’t believe her hangover pancakes either

Personally, I’ve only received such threats once. And didn’t respond in kind. Although I did make a point of making folks aware of the threat. I do not see this as being the equivalent of making the repeated threats but will note that Oliver may have a different view(?).

Let us hope that things won’t go that way again.

This is not the first time Oliver has threatened to turn the car around.

I would recommend the greasemonkey script to block trolls, but I can’t figure it out myself.

I do see your point, but for me the line is wider. I don’t see any problem with saying “What you’ve just said doesn’t make sense. It’s stupid. And here’s why.” Granted, in that case a rebuttal is being given (“and here’s why”) which also makes it clear that it’s the comment objected to and not the person making it.

Of course, it depends on whoever made the original comment to not claim they’ve been called stupid and to rebut the rebuttal with reasons why their comment wasn’t idiotic.

And I think it’s around that point that many of the discussions really start to devolve. “That’s stupid.” “Don’t call me stupid.” “I didn’t.” “You’re stupid, too.” “Oh, now you are being an ass.” And away we go.

As one who’s said several times that I really enjoy getting into a good, respectful discussion with someone I disagree with (as has happened here on several occasions) I’d welcome a generally higher level of civility. It might raise the general level of discussion.

But certainly I have engaged in a fair amount of calling people idiots, wimps, cowards, etc. and occasionally posted comments that, were they not my own, I’d criticize and snark at. So, I’ll join in the current Kumbaya and say let’s all just get along.

But that doesn’t mean that anyone who says something stupid or ridiculous shouldn’t expect to be called on it. And if those here who somewhat disingenuously lament that people no longer follow the rules of civil discourse fail to follow them themselves, I think they should be called on it, clearly and forcefully. Saying “What you just said is stupid, here’s why.” is not the same as saying “You’re stupid.” and I do hope Oliver would recognize that.

As I always think of my own personal advantage, it should be easier for me now to comb through what passes for repartee to get to facts and figures that the wonks on this board are often generous enough to provide on the topic at hand. The flaming has always seemed juvenile, though I can understand loathing misinformation and stupid opinions. But there are some knowledgeable and incisive contributors here, no denying.

Wow, blast from my college days past. Lady Mary is da bomb.

I for one will apologize right now for any transgressions, and will adhere to the high road henceforth.

What a time to be alive….

‘Civility costs nothing and buys everything.’

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689 – 1762)