I know a good number of people who have many of the same views that Martin does, including some Jews---they don't stand up to argue or debate, because they aren't arguers or debaters. They tend to sit tight and keep their mouths shut.

One person I know explained why very succinctly. "if we really had freedom of speech, I would be able to say what I think without having somebody getting in my face about it."

There are few people here who are very good at expressing their ideas forcefully(often at great length;-)). Being the sort of left-leaning hippie that I am, I even when I don't agree, I tend to be sympathetic--but being forceful doesn't alway mean you are right. If someone else sees another side, it doesn't hurt to let them say what they think. You'll always learn something.

Just for the record, I wish I had more friends like Frank Hamilton.