Reply #271: Criticism is one thing.

[Caliman73]

Name calling and throwing verbal tantrums is an entirely different thing. For example, I can say that I do not agree with many of Blanche Lincoln's policies regarding health care or environmental policy and that I think she is too beholden to the major energy interests in her state and is not protecting her constituency according to Democratic standards. Or I can call her shit eating DLC corporate whore.

One is a point of view that can be discussed and debated, the other is an emotionally charged reaction that prompts a equally impassioned defense by someone who likes Lincoln.

I think Skinner and the mods are trying to ensure that the site is a place where we can discuss the issues without becoming either a robot factory or a chaotic hell hole where abuse is heaped on for the slightest disagreements.