The Snowdon Controversy on DU

[patrice]

134. We agree about that. The first and strongest turn-off for me in most cases (except

in regards to Cheney, perhaps) are these personal attacks. Character assassination is the single biggest thing that makes me think the person engaging in it is a troll of somesort.

We are on the internet. Most of us do not use our real names. The opportunities to present one's self as an advocate of ________________________ or a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ supporter, and NOT really be anything of the sort, or even actually to intend harm on ________________________ or to damage _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , are practically infinite.

Really, think about it; I bet you would never seek to convince strangers that they should consider this or that, or do the other thing, or care about issue ___________________ or have a moment's positive regard for _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ by being ugly and dismissive and hostile. When people act in a way that harms their case, I think it more likely than not that they are not what they purport themselves to be.

There's a time and place for more offensive action. It's so completely indiscriminate and un-inquisitive here that I am very skeptical that it's honest.

Don't you find it a little puzzling that almost everyone here appears to pretend that all others are exactly whatever they claim to be, even though in so doing they hurt their own cause? Q. Who would behave that way? A. Actors.