The On and Off Topic of Non-linguistic Flame Baiting (WAS: flame-baiting)

Hi, all,

With all apologies to those concerned, I think that the recent criticisms of
Mark P. Line's commentaries on the state of modern linguistics are
completely out of line.

I fail to see why Mark's critical views about Chomsky should offend anyone.
One would think that those among us who have an intellectual bent would
accept differences of opinion about the words and works of influential
thinkers.

Obviously, Mark has a definite point of view about the state of modern
linguistics, but he has the credentials and experiences to support his
opinions, and I for one find them interesting to read.

As for me, I think I get something out of my occasional evesdropping on
linguists from both the formalist and functionalist camps.   As for
politics, I think that many of Chomsky's criticisms of our government are
right on.   But I don't have to agree with everything Mark says in order to
appreciate his posts.

So, to Mark, I say "Write on!"

Jim G.

Replies