"My opinion, which I do not put above yours, is that that does not preclude critical consideration of the possibility."

I certainly agree that we should not "preclude critical consideration of the possibility."

In fact, as you may have noticed, I gave it extremely critical consideration.

"He is right, but it is also dangerous to be seen to suppress debate."

Again, noones right to debate has been suppresssed.

Rather, I have debated vigorously on this issue and kept it alive where other debates might have sunk without a trace - and twice I have urged you not to withdraw.

As for old fogies debating, I am very cautious to underestimate the power of ideas.