[lbo-talk] Re: tone, etc.

[Shane Taylor]

Doug Henwood wrote:
> I don't like it that a rough tone keeps people from
> posting, but on the other hand, I think political
> discourse in the U.S. often suffers from an
> excessive politeness. 

I do not mean to endorse being abrasive and driving people away, but this
quote bears upon Doug's concern over "excessive politeness":

"Some people consider the style of argument prevalent in Cambridge,
England, too rude, but it is aimed at getting points clear.  I have
suffered far more, especially in the USA, from politeness, being fobbed
off with compliments just when I was hoping to clinch an argument."

-- Joan Robinson

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