well, LH, whether I leave them 'alone' depends..*grin*

I don't want my politicians influenced by corporate lobbyists, banks, military contractors, political crusaders of a fanatical nature OR astrologers! Right now, no lobbyists are signed into my favorite chat site advocating dubious behavior based on stupid presuppositions. If they arrive, I will debate them and point out the flaws in their arguments.
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"I think it indicates either a resistance to something. That's why people show up on a thread repeatedly. They either have an attraction to something or a resistance to something, and the thread triggers the reaction."
Why this concern with my motivation? I just explained my motivation, as I have done before. Do you doubt what I have said about WHY I poke & prod at what I see as flawed arguments?

I STUDIED arguments and logic and philosophy...and quite a bit of psychology and history, despite suggestions to the contrary.. ;>), and it bothers me to see bad defenses of dubious claims go unchallenged.

It in no way is meant to suggest anything about the motivation or character of those with whom I debate....I'd probably get along just fine with you, Amos or *daylia* in person...and I'd argue just as hard over a beer or coffee and shake you hand when we parted. For this reason, *I* get a wee bit miffed when MY motives and attitude are made the subject of the discussion.

Geez...maybe I'm really a weird example. There are other intelligent folks here...even in this thread...who agree with my basic points. I just got into this and I'm not sure I see an easy way out. I tried to quit, and got some sarcasm about posting and running off...I know I'm not gonna 'win' or convince any 'true believers' to NOT believe...I just go with the flow..