[SOC] French bashing

[JMcAulay]

I do not believe opinions should be attacked, and I try to keep such
comments out of my correspondence.  Occasionally I may fail, and if I do,
shame on me.  I believe this should apply for any opinions, expressed or
unexpressed, including the opinions of the French Government.  

But if someone expresses an opinion and offers reasons for that opinion, if
I believe their foundation is inaccurate, inapprpriate, or just plain
wrong, I will try to attack it with everything I've got.  I hope to do this
even though I may agree with the opinion which has (what I believe to be) a
defective basis.

To do otherwise, lashing out with diatribes back and forth, attacking
conclusions without rational discussion of what stimulated those
conclusions, will cause everything to degenerate into a gigantic urinating
competition.  This is easy to see on some of the Usenet groups which have
deteriorated to a massive batch of opposing positions which appear to be
based primarily on personal hysteria:  "The war is right!"  "No, the war is
wrong!"  And on and on it goes

How terminally boring!  I do hope to avoid being accused of contributing
personally to such drivel.  I believe it's great that this group is
composed of many people with divergent views, and most of the members seem
to be inclined to discuss *why* theior opinions are what they are.  Now,
*that* is interesting.  I might even learn something if I keep paying
attention.  But if all someone says is, "I think the Hittites suck." well,
who cares and so what?  Such isolated negative comments are not really
worthy of reply, as they began singularly undistinguished and should remain
so.

Entitled to your opinion?  Sure you are.  Everyone is.  But do I care what
your opinion is?  No more so than you care about mine, which should be
vanishingly small, unless your opinion is one which could directly and
adversely affect someone's rights.  For example, if you proclaim that all
Hittites should be killed, that's something I'd be willing to debate
vigorously.  But if it's only that all Hittites are stupid, I'd just
chuckle and let you wallow in your silly little delusion.  On the other
hand, if you have some genuine information that you'd like to share, do
pass it on.  I'd be glad to read it.  All opinions should be subject to
change based on more accurate information.   Mine are, and although some
people don't seem to think so, revising an opinion can be an enjoyable
experience.  Everyone should try it.

73
John WA6QPL  SOC 263