Date:  Mon, 31 Oct 1994 11:16:10 -0800

From:  Birrell Walsh <birrell[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]WELL.SF.CA.US>

Subject: Re: offending idioms



On Mon, 31 Oct 1994, David Muschell wrote:



> In response to Gregory D. Waltigney, who wrote:

>

> >Perhaps those out there who feel the need to use this forum as a soapbox

> >for determining political correctness could take their drivel elsewhere

> >rather than degenerating into a bunch of blathering "offending idiots"!

>



[Excision here]



>

> I have read very little drivel as I've followed (and participated) in this

> particular discussion and even less blather. Personally, the suggestion to

> take the debate elsewhere is a kind of prescription in itself--one that

> would negate the very value of this computer conference. Of course I take

> the above suggestion seriously, and at a real conference I'd probably laugh

> it off as a small, crotchety response to the more important issue. But

> since budgetary constraints probably won't allow me to attend a "real"

> conference, this electronic space for analyzing, conversing, and

> "listening" to other fine scholars has become a fine way to breach the

> isolation of individual institutions. Intuitively, ADS has gotten involved

> in a thought-provoking line of discussion that mirrors an issue seen being

> explored in the media with the publication of THE BELL CURVE.

>

>

>           David

>



A rare art is here being practiced: gracious praise.



Thank you, David!



Birrell Walsh