Date: Sun, 3 May 1998 08:05:11 +1000
From: pmargin-AT-xchange.anarki.net (Profit Margin)
Subject: AUT: sticks and stones


I wrote this yesterday, then thought I had over-reacted, so chose not to
post it. Today I see that if anything I had understated matters.

__________
Dear all,

I'm starting to get tired of the name-calling which seems to have
insinuated itself into the list of late. While debate often wanes more than
it waxes on autopsy, we have usually avoided this stuff to date: it's been
one of the things which have most pleased me as a "pseudo-co-founder".

Since this deliberately isn't a moderated list, as a "pseudo-co-founder"
there's nowt I can do about the present flurry of insults, of course,
except to register my personal dismay. Like the last time this happened,
the best solution ultimately lies in the opening of other discussion
threads; I guess, as was the case a year or so ago, I should be patient or
even do my bit to start one (yes, Bob, I'll follow up your response on
Gramsci soon). As a last resort I can just hit the delete button (it's
worked before) . . .

Perhaps it's a mistake even to draw attention to it; no doubt this post
reflects badly on me,  revealing the marks of a "genteel" and "wowser"
upbringing (oh I'm cut). I know we are all big kids and can look after
ourselves, but still and all I feel that insults are a poor substitute for
debate, and reflect most on those who make them.

Steve

__________
later postsripts

P.S. But if we have to have name-calling, could it at least be a little
more imaginative? And since when was "ultra-leftist" an insult on this
list?

P.P.S. On another issue: personally, I found Charles Reeve's recent long
post to be rather more temperate in tone than I was expecting, leaving me
hopeful that the discussion might slowly unfold further. Now i'm not so
sure . . .




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