[MD] A Confusion of Weasels

[ARLO J BENSINGER JR]

[Dan]
Thanks for weighing in. It is good to hear from you.

[Arlo]
Thanks. I've been a little busy, I am rushing to try to get Northrop's E/W book
all digitized before the fall semester begins. For what its worth, I've
realized I take some of the stuff here too personally, and I've put my ignore
filters on hyperdrive.

[Dan]
Well, as I said before, if it isn't a constructive criticism, then why even
offer it? Is calling someone a jackass constructive?

[Arlo]
No, its not constructive. But sometimes it is necessary, I think. We all draw
our own lines in this regard, I suppose. I agree, though, if it can be
eliminated or gotten rid of, great (with the caveat that this also covers the
"polite insults" and those that feel saying "but I love you" makes them
innocent).

[Dan]
It is a discussion being read by who knows how many others. And I think that is
something (I think) we all should keep in mind when we post here.

[Arlo]
See, this was the same argument I made for aggressively condemning Platt's
egregious distortions. I never sought out Platt to send him "insults" off list,
but I can tell you several people HAVE and continue to send me offlist insults
(not Platt, just to be clear on that).

But I do agree with your general statement, and I think most here do adhere it
to mostly. I have no problem with Steve or DMB personally, I've never felt
either one of them were ever unnecessarily rude or insulting to me.

If there is heat, it is from a friction caused by BOTH sides. I've seen DMB
continually attacked by the (1) Bo contingent and (2) the anti-intellectual
contingent. I am NOT saying its a one-way street TO DMB, but it most certainly
is not a one-way street FROM him either. I'm just trying to highlight that.  

And you know, in many ways it IS the same as issues I had with Platt. And I
take umbrage at your suggestion that poor Platt was attacked without cause or
provocation. When I first joined the list I made a comment about derivative
theories of labor alienation and the comments Pirsig makes in ZMM (to Mark
Heyman, RIP), and spent the next few months honestly trying to fend of
continued attacks by Platt, distortions, insults, dishonest remarks. I think
the archives will bear out that for a time I really did try to "dialogue" with
Platt, but all I ever got was talk-radio bombast. And, as I said, I hit a point
where I thought "why the fuck am I trying to be nice to this idiot?"... Platt
was the "bless his soul" type insulter, and I resent him being portrayed as a
poor innocent nice guy attacked by mean guys who saw his as an easy target. 

Anyway, this is low zen to keep talking about, I wanted only to make some
clarifications about my motives and reasons in this, because you or Horse
brought it up. 

[Dan]
For the record, I wasn't suggesting a love-fest nor was I condemning dmb and
Steve or anyone else, including you, Arlo.

[Arlo]
I know you weren't Dan, you're one of the fairest people on this list. I think
your comments were appropriate and perfectly understandable. 

Thanks for listening.