[MD] Is civility dead?

[Krimel]

[Platt]
Seems to me Krimel engages in many sarcastic personal attacks against DMB in
this post that are totally unnecessary, such as "Rather than engage the
issues raised he slaps on the label SOM and "Presto" no need to read, no
need to engage the issue, time to just sit back and feel self-righteous."

[Krimel]
I thought this post was aimed specifically at the issue of rhetorical style
over substance. It specifically target the abundance of the former and lack
of the later that characterizes Dave mode of discourse. I did include my own
perceptions of the effects of this triumph of style over substance but if
you wanted to present an example my own excesses in this respect I think
this would have made your point more strongly:

> [Krimel]
> I picture him saying this while polishing his Foster Grant wraparounds
> simultaneously grinding a Marlboro filter beneath his Chuck Taylors;
> Bohemian ironic affections trapping him in the amber of the 50s. Refusing
> the new millennium and feeling really good about it. After all color TV is
> just a fad.

I mean really what was the point of that?

[Platt]
Certainly DMB can take care of himself and needs no help from me in his
defense. 

[Krimel]
I'm not convinced that he couldn't use some help but I doubt if he is
interested in yours.

[Platt]
Nor do I hold myself out as a paragon of virtue. 

[Krimel]
Well said. 
We finally agree on something.

[Platt]
But, isn't this the sort of rhetoric Horse has asked  us to avoid? Is there
any excuse for slamming someone for a difference of opinion? 

[Krimel]
It is a source of constant mystery to me that I have never be threatened
with expulsion from this group. I would have thrown me out a long time ago.
But slamming disagreements is what we do here. What other point is there to
this forum? I don't think Horse's intent is to dictate the style of dissent
anymore than I think that slamming the someone's style is necessarily
slamming them personally. In fact I don't think this listserve would be
worth reading if everyone played nice-nice. It is the drama and violence
that give it flavor and character. Outrage and tirades are the car chase
scenes of this genre.

Or are you just jockeying for a position as assistant moderator so you can
tattle on everyone else? I mean you got note sent home to mother why
shouldn't everyone else.

I am kind of disappointed that your bogus goading of Horse while clearly
intended to produce a threat of dismissal has yet to do so. Those banned and
those threatened with being banned and those who have turned tail an run
under threat of being banned are a mixed group. But maybe they share some
common bond of honor among thieves or something like that. I could print out
my personal warning and hang it on the refrigerator next to my "Vanity of
vanities all is vanity..." Bible quote-of-the-day with my custom made WWBS
(What Would Bob Say) refrigerator magnet.

But I can assure you that threat/warning or no threat/warning I will return
to lurking soon. Perhaps not soon enough to suit you and I am guessing it
will be in my own good time.

[Platt]
Is civility dead?

[Krimel]
Was it ever really breathing?