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

Jim Grossmann wrote:

>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!"
>
>
>

Seconded.  Freedom of expression, etc.

Could I, however, offer a suggestion to everyone?  Don't get pissed off,
it's just a mailing list.  It really helps nothing, and it rather annoys
the rest of the mailing list who were quite happy before.

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