Re: Which book sounds most compelling?

James A. Donald wrote:
Bill Swears:
Barf-Bear, Please don't do this. I use a rule of never extending a disagreement on this board for more than two posts. Literally, I make my point, defend only once, then let it boil off into nothing.

Why are you not sending soothing messages to Aqua? She started this.

Many in racefail 09 tried your approach. Did not work for them. Most of those that tried to drop it eventually went to full scale penitence, open ended apology, extensive self criticism, praise for their enemies, and
condemnation of their supporters and fans.


Soothing people with ossified opinions is pointless. As one of my professors mentioned, an argument requires a minimum of two sides, and some possibility of change - otherwise you're just listening to zealots repeating dogma. Arguing sexual politics with Aqua, or realpolitik with you, are both zero sum games. You each have opinions that reach the level of religious fervor, and an absolute unwillingness to ascribe reason or logic to any side in disagreement. The result is, if I do engage in discussion about your favorite subject, or hers, all I'm doing is stirring a hornets' nest. Nothing good will come of it, and the resulting excitement will quickly dissolve all other conversations.

And, for all of our disagreements, I've yet to read you calling anybody stupid. Not even the stupid people, for which I am eternally grateful.

Bill
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