Speaking your mind freely and attacking people on a personal level is not the same. While I agree that people often are too sensitive and more 'direct' language could be needed in discussions, it's also a question of decency how you talk to your opponent.

I intentionally say 'decency' and not 'respect' because I think 'respect' has to be earned first. Furthermore, sometimes it is probably impossible to hold someone in respect, when political and religious opinions are too different and the situation gets charged with emotions.

Still, as civilized people we should always maintain a certain level of decency. If we don't, it gets harder and harder to have interesting and thrilling discussions.

That having said, I think that you did exceed the limit with your remarks towards yankeefan. I have a massive difference of opinion with yankeefan about Bush and his Iraq/Afghanistan policy, but I would never attack him (or anyone else for that matter) the way you did.

There's a simple reason for this: the one thing that is worse than namecalling and personal attacks is when you don't talk at all.

Now, where is this damn gloriole?