artbrooks, I would argue that we are engaged in a spirited, serious discussions of current affairs. So your accusation that I am "attempting to provoke arguments", as if that were negative, seems a bit odd.

Of course I am attempting to provoke arguments. I am attempting to provoke critical, thoughtful responses to what I write. That is the purpose of engaging in these sorts of discussions. I learn a lot from them.

Are you perhaps not interested in going the distance in this discussion, and arguing pointedly about the issues, because you don't like having your opinions challenged critically?

I don't expect an answer, since you said you shall respond further. As you wish. I just find it silly that you would accuse someone of provoking an argument in the middle of, well, a good political argument. That's the point of having them, is it not?