The level political discourse on this site is so puerile that it sinks beneath any rational response.

All I can say is -- as a proud conservative and member-in-good-standing of the GOP -- that no less than Christopher Hitchens, of "Beat the Devil" fame, is one of my very favorite journalists and authors.

He says almost nothing with which I agree, but he is rational and convincing and ethical and brilliant -- and a flawless wordsmith; and he makes me think.

On occasion, he even moderates my views.

You folks, by contrast, seem able only to name-call and hurl vulgar cliches filched from the commonest of the common press.

I know some of you read good books, and that the best of you even know how to think for yourselves.

So prove it with something besides cynicism, cheap shots and street-corner rhetoric.

Sincere best wishes. Tony