[ak_yo]

I think you're exactly right. His argument is completely self-defeating: it's a perfect example of shutting down criticism on the basis of tone. He's just dismissing critique out of hand (because it's "politically correct") without actually engaging with its substance.

[jedharris]

The people involved felt they had to leave town. That's pretty substantial.

[bqe]

Assuming these people actually exist, don't you think they should have a little more backbone? If you can't handle any criticism of your ideas, how can you be an effective advocate?