At 18:44 04-05-2002 -0500, Marvin Long wrote:

>The second way to rebut it is for listmember X to explain the things that
>prompted him to make the statement, trusting that most readers (at least,
>the readers most likely to matter to him) will agree with the writer's
>overall POV and assessment of the situation, thus excusing the inflammatory
>remark.

IMHO, there is *nothing* that can excuse an inflammatory remark. If someone 
starts making such remarks, it is a clear sign that he has lost the 
argument but refuses to admit it.


>The state's penalties for lawbreaking *are* enforced at gunpoint, Jeroen.
>(In the US, anyway.)  Even if your local police don't carry firearms,

They do carry firearms. The problem is that many on the force lack the 
skills to use it. Last year, a study indicated that some 30% (!) of Dutch 
police officers were so inapt at handling their gun that they should not be 
allowed to carry one...


>2) Nobody likes to be told how to act.  Your approach to interpersonal
>relations seems to rest on telling people what they should do,

Or rather, what they should NOT do -- like attacking the poster instead of 
the argument.


>insinuating that perhaps offenders should be booted from Brin-L

When it becomes their everyday practice, yes.


Jeroen

_________________________________________________________________________
Wonderful World of Brin-L Website:                  http://www.Brin-L.com
Tom's Photo Gallery:                          http://tom.vanbaardwijk.com

Reply via email to