*grin*. wow, Pete...you just noticed this? I wonder a lot whether those who DO resort to name calling, insults and abuse really would speak the same way in face-to-face discussion.

I have one simple rule for (almost) all debates, whether in person or in print: "If *I* am personally insulted, there is no good reason for continuing on the topic. I will discuss topics with those who explain their position, even if widely different from my own, in a reasonably polite, tolerant manner. If I see no evidence that they are even comprehending what I say, there is little use in continuing."

But I do repeat what I said above: "Lead us not into temptation." Some people are 'lightning rods' for controversy and are in never-ending battles. This 'should' clue them in that there's a problem in their attitude.

I have a cartoon of a man on a psychiatrist's couch, looking over his shoulder at the startled therapist, shouting: "I said, I don't see why people don't like me! Open your ears, fathead!"