McGrath,

At first I didn't agree with your use of word xenophobia. I thought that saying that such behavior was due you fear was unfair, it seemed more like smartass behavior than anything else. (and I know smartass behavior! I've participated in a GUEST roasting or two) Then I read John Hardly's very astute post. Fear is exactly the right word. It IS the desire to be clever as John postulates but it is also fear, fear of being "fooled" by someone posing as a Russian or whatever. I was afraid of being fooled. Then I realized that if a troll contiues to lie to me when all I do is treat him/her with respect then it is the troll who has reason for embarrassment. The behavior of some Mudcatters toward guests, because of some trolls, is causing the same sort of attitude that much of America feels toward terrorists. It is a perception that it is better to clobber anyone who "seems suspicious" than to let a single troll succeed. Of course here the stakes are much lower and perhaps we should give the benefit of the doubt.

Or perhaps not. I'm just sort of thinking out loud here.