Posted by SLS on September 1, 2004, at 7:50:35
In reply to Re: please be civil » KaraS, posted by Dr. Bob on September 1, 2004, at 2:13:14
Hi.
> > they insulted him so viciously
> Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused.I'm not sure this is so much a characterization as it is an observation based on the most common definitions of the word "insult". Oh well, I guess it still necessarily depends on a subjective judgment to determine what is or isn't an insult based upon a conclusion of intent. The intent seemed pretty clear to me, though.
I must agree that Dr. Bob had no choice but to block Chemist if he was to block anyone else. Unfortunately, Chemist posted the following:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040717/msgs/384535.html
This lay the groundwork for speculation that sarcasm was the motivation behind his previous post:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040717/msgs/384535.html
It is hard to blame Chemist for becoming emotionally involved in the discourse, and I doubt I could have restrained myself from saying anything inflammatory. It is so easy to get caught up in a conflict, especially when it becomes "viscious". :-)
I think it would have given the appearance of impropriety, therefore, for Dr. Bob to toss out the other two posters without doing the same with Chemist. Again, I find that the doctor has acted with precision in an effort to maintain the goal of objectivity. Note that precision doesn't always guarantee justice, but it does help to promote equal protection.
I like Chemist, and agree that his contributions here are unique, invaluable, and irreplaceable. I know he will be back. He has a sufficiently strong ego and adult perspective. I don't think his self-esteem was ever at risk.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:384533
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040717/msgs/385156.html