In this thread I’ve criticized RickJay for being rude, lissener for being insulting, and both of them for exhibiting far more animosity than the issue merits. I have been told by Pitter and Pittee, respectively, that I am “absolutely right” and “right on all counts” (which, of course, I am). One might think this would follow:
[QUOTE=Wishful thinking]
lissener: Okay, my post was insulting (however gently so), but I was reacting to a rude question. It was phrased as if a topic I happen to know and care a lot about couldn’t possibly be worthwhile. I guess I overreacted. Sorry.
RickJay: Hmm. I start questions with “What the hell…” or “Who the hell…” all the time in friendly situations, but I see your point. And I overreacted as well. I’m sorry too.
Frank: “If we shadows have offended,” &c., &c., okay, thread’s closed.
All: Huzzah!
[/QUOTE]
Instead, this thread, this fray, this frayed thread, goes on. Lefty and lissener are happily accusing each other of condescension that reminds one of how the PRC and USSR used to while away the hours at the U.N.: “You seek hegemony!” “No, you seek hegemony!” “Reactionary!” “Antiprolitarian!”
“Jerkface!” RickJay pops back in to admit he was wrong, and also, unfortunately, to further admit that lissener is weird and stupid. And Equipoise, in a rare (for him) loss of balance, is nonetheless perched on lissener’s shoulder, whispering, “let’s you and them fight.”
Maybe it’s because there haven’t been any great big fun threads lately. A lot of us, me included, are abnormally irritable and aggressive, like kids cooped up too long indoors on a rainy day.