a 'forthright manner' I can live with...I thought *I* defended my own opinions in a forthright manner.

I don't quite agree that "Most of the argument between Martin and others on this forum originate from political differences"...note that although a lot of folks disagree with Doug R., we basically respect him and there is much good natured bantering goes on. Doug R. does not go out of his way to insult and be obscene, just to 'get a rise'.

and..."...whereas most of us on the left neither believe what we preach or practice it." ??? I'd sure be curious how you determine that, ake! Voting habits? Personal experience? Mind reading? I try not to say anything that I do not actually believe, even when I don't have time to express it well. Perhaps Martin's way of 'succinctly' ridiculing someone else's position is something I should experiment with...*grin*