Chomsky:The White House seems determined to demolish the foundations of our civil liberties"

[JDPriestly]

95. Your comment is ad hominem and does not further the discussion.

Post something that responds to Chomsky's arguments. A statement about Chomsky is OK in the context of an argument that deals with the issues raised in his article.

Ad hominem comments suggest to me that the author of the post containing the ad hominem attacks is not intellectually capable of responding to ideas and must resort to cheap personal attacks. The personal attacks serve no purpose but to express frustration on an emotional level.

I was a good student in geometry. The kid behind me was not good in geometry and used to wait until the class was quiet and the teacher writing on the blackboard, and then he would tickle me under my arms. I was very ticklish and would squeal. The teacher would look around at me. Because I was such a good geometry student, I didn't get into trouble but she would give me a look like, "What was that all about." Someone who resorts to ad hominem attacks is like the kid who used to tickle me. Not very bright and jealous of those who are. The ad hominem attack is intended to make the intellectually brighter people around the less gifted person feel humbled.

Ad hominem attacks tell me that the person who posts them a) has very little intellectual ability and cannot think of a better argument (like the kid in geometry who could not keep up) and b) has a mean streak.

So now, if you want to participate in this discussion, demonstrate your intellect. Why do you disagree with Chomsky? What is the substance of your argument?