DMV,
I find all of this very puzzling.
Do you not understand the difference between the classroom and a bbs? That is crucial. In fact, it makes all of the difference in the world.
I actually do not attack individuals on this board. Never have, except in defense of myself and occasionally as a well-intentioned joke. You are delusional about this, frankly.
You no doubt have Mike in mind. Recall what he did, however, and you'll see that it was hardly ME tearing down Mike. He insulted my wife (who is not a cbid person, innocent to all of this b.s.) and then tried to sabatoge my career by emailing my boss. You, by the way, commended him for this publicly. Says a lot about YOUR character, methinks.
I never talk down to people. Never have, never will. I engage in intelligent debate, but my left-wing views bring out the personal venom in many here. Sometimes I respond in kind. Yep. Those are my working-class origins coming out, proudly, as well as my sense of joy at heated political debate. Do you think I should just ignore the personal attacks on me? Well, you sure don't. Why would you expect me to do things differently? Because of my degree? Whatever. I am me on this board, and a professional in my work life. Do you level personal insults at people at work everytime they voice a view different than you? I doubt it. So you can understand that 'here' is not 'there.' Or maybe you do act the exact same at work, in which case I'd just say that we are different.
Everytime I post, you insult me personally. Then YOU chide ME for attacking individuals? Ha! That is funny.
I guess I'd close by saying 'don't idolize professors so much. We're just like everyone else.'
You know my email if you want this off the board.
John