Well said.

You handle insults like teflon - much better than I can.

Your point that we should address the substance and not attack the messenger is truly the only route if a disagreeable comment must be made. Sadly, how often do we even witness this both in real life and on social media?

That would require critical thought and to separate oneself from the issue. This is what I feel we need to be addressing in the classroom and practicing over and over so that we can have a populace that can dialogue. Then we can actually work across the aisle and find solutions.

The personal attacks are now the norm. It's toxic.

It seems to be growing like wildfire.

Terribly frustrating and saddening.

Thanks for the class on thoughtful debate. I appreciated it.

I've been personally attacked in a vicious way, the longer I stayed away I realized the only way to respond was to thank them.

They were so consumed with self, they applauded my response and finished lecturing me on how i needed to improve.

What can I say?

At least I was reminded...save our time and energy for where it truly matters.

Keep well, James.