> On Thu, 21 Jun 2001, Charlie Bell wrote:
> > > At 09:29 PM 6/20/01 +0200 J. van Baardwijk wrote:
> > Have you not noticed that there are flaming response to posts
> in which JDG
> > and Gayutam sing the praises of the US, because you're both so
> sickeningly
> > self-righteous?
>
> > I only wish you were able to comprehend how much of the so-called
> > anti-americanism is nothing more than a reaction to your sheer
> buffoonery.
> >
> > Charlie.
>
> Yes Charlie, you _really_ make your point when you personally insult both
> John and me - and I wasn't even involved in this thread. Good work.
> You've _absolutely_ convinced me that you are a completely calm and
> rational debater on this topic.
>
> Gautam
Sarcasm? <blink>
The first was aimed at you, and it's not to do with just this thread. The
second wasn't, it was aimed squarely at Mr Giorgis.
You're extremely bright, you've thought out most of your positions
incredibly well and I know your opinions are well respected, and I have a
lot of respect for most of what you say, even when I don't agree with it.
However, your posting style and your attitude has been extremely offputting
to me.
Calm and rational debate went out the window in Brin-L when it changed into
a place for soap-box patriots to decry any criticism of the States as
anti-americanism, and for the "conservatives" to denounce everyone else as
ignorant fools.
In the last couple of months, I've been called a racist and anti-american,
been informed of what I know and what I think by people who have never
actually asked, and been pushed into anger that I have never felt while on a
mailing list.
I've said it before, Brin-L isn't a debating society, it's not a
competition, and it's certainly not a place for this sort of infighting. If
we don't get back to the friendly, rambling pub-style conversation of old, I
won't be bothering anymore, it's just not worth my getting upset over this.
However, in one last attempt to see if this place can sort itself out, I'll
apologise for any offence I caused you, Gautam, by things I said in anger.
If anyone feels that is unacceptable, I'll take myself off Brin-L at least
until Kiln People is published.
Charlie
