Previously: Many people think that if one makes a personal criticism in debate that it is a fallacy. That is not the case. If the criticism has a bearing on the issues then it is justified. For example an individual's lack of qualification on an issue may very well be a legitimate point to bring up. I'll leave it to the reader to decide whether Ray and Wade are qualified in assessing the psychological well being of others or talking about relationships and how best to conduct oneself in one.[/quote]
Pahoran
But at what point did that become "the issue?" Before or after you chose to make it "the issue" by diverting the discussion to them as people?
Pahoran, in this discussion I first brought up that the issue (anger on RFM) they brought up didn't exist to the extent it was a personal problem or excessive on the M.B. I then pointed out that they(Wade & Ray) are in no position to be counseling on anger, even if that was an issue.
previously: I addressed the merits brought up. They (Wade & Ray) have not established that the majority of posts on RFM are filled with anger and/or unjustified criticisms of Mormonism.
Pahoran:
I think it would be mightily difficult to "establish" what "the majority" of anything is in that particular cesspit.
Sure it is a matter of opinion. Just like your opinion "cesspit" But it is my experience from reading that board off and on over a 5 year period that the majority of posts are not particularly angry. I don't consider critical comments on Mormonism indicative of anger..
previously: Ray presented himself as a bit of a relationship expert. the way he presents himself anyone would think he'd been married successfully 22 years. So he's got quite a nerve to do so. I'll quote him " So it's always better to talk things out rather than bottling up. But how you talk things out is also very important in a relatioship. I think I know a thing or two about this, having been married for 22 years and having five children. I could say a lot about this but it would involve disclosing private matters.”
Pahoran:
So you very helpfully disclosed them for him. How very kind of you. If it was me doing it to you, or someone like you--or even if I did it to Ray, and he was to be on the other side of the fence--it would be screamed from the rooftops as evidence that I am "totally heartless and evil---rotten to the core, in fact."
Why? Do people pick on you? I disclosed what he's disclosed on Mormon discussions previously.
Pahoran:
And the accuser might actually have a point, at long last.
It's a cold cruel world on message boards.
Pahoran:
I do not read his statement as claiming to be in a 22-year successful marriage. He says nothing other than that he had been married for that long. If you leap to any conclusions about the success or otherwise of his marriage, that can hardly be his fault. He rather explicitly said that there were personal matters he didn't want to bring up.
I disagree.
Pahoran:
I have little interaction with Wade. I've had a number of discussions with Ray; I've felt the sharp edge of his keyboard, and he of mine, more than once. But I do not agree that he "reasons poorly."
But if perchance he does, I'm sure you should be able to demonstrate it without resorting to a personal attack.
Well Pahoran, if you go back and read the thread you’ll see Ray was the first to make a personal insult.
Pahoran
Do you imagine the anger is under good control here? Have you read any posts by "Smart Bitch" or "Vegas Refugee" or "Nortinski" or "Polygamy Porter" or "Mister Scratch" recently? Do you expect to credibly deny that their posts simply reek of their rage?
What was brought up Pahoran was the RFM board..those people you mentioned rarely post on RFM. I think P. P probably the most but he doesn’t often.
I do see anger by Smart Bitch, Vegas, & P.P. on this board, but much more than anger what I see is condempt, disrespect for Mormonism and anyone arguing for it. Mister Scratch I see as less disrespectful, not particularly angry but critical. People can have contempt for something and it be justified(or not) and it not be detrimental to one’s well being.