> I think Jack is trying to work the perception side of
> the issue to influence how the issue is framed and discussed.
> For example, if a point of view can be
> made to carry the emotional baggage of fascist or communist or ...
> then the p.o.v. can be ignored. This is part of the game. I accept
> it. I am not in the business of trying to garner Jack positive
> characterization of my positions. Name calling will not change my
> intention to explore with other what options make sense for our community.
> Jack and others may find this threatening but they'll get use to
> it in time.
Another term for this type of verbal attack is called an
"ad hominem" argument. It is defined as appealing to a
prejudice, emotion, or a special interest rather than intellect
or reason.
One can generally judge the strength/weakness of a position
by the extent to which one has to engage in ad hominem
reasoning.
-- Greg Brown (gregb@uidaho.edu) Computer Services Adjunct Assistant Professor, College of Forestry,Wildlife,& Range Sciences University of Idaho Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 885-2126 Fax: (208) 885-7539