I suppose I read the original post as more frustrated than hostile (though certainly a little hostile). Certainly I thought it was seriously asking for a response, for a debate. The fact that no one even considered engaging the man on his points is probably a function of the fact that this has become something of a private space, one that doesn't take well to strangers, differing views, etc. I can understand that. And I can understand not wanting to engage in redundant debates. But let's make sure you admit that such an attitude doesn't help the cause of the left's "marginalization" (something, even having followed the list for only a few days, I've seen arise several times). But I'm sure everyone behaves better in the real world than they do here.
As for the slurs on TNR: Whatever.
AMP
<<< hncl at panix.com 11/ 1 9:20p >>> In response to the obviously sarcastic quip:
> >
> >Really? You have some numbers on that? This is news to me.
> >
The Assistant Editor of the New Republic Online replies, deadpan:
>
> Yes really. (I thought you were supposed to be aware of stuff like this...?)
>
And goes on to post a lengthy article from the Jan 21 2001 NY Times (hey, don't they charge for that? And won't it cost extra for all the redistribution on this list and the LBO Talk Archives?).
Gosh, I guess we've just seen the birth of another anti-left canard. Chomsky as Holocaust denier, I.F. Stone as Soviet agent, and now this. When can we expect to see it in TNR, you creep? -- Curtiss