[venus]

> Trying to muddy the discussion with irrelevant speculation about people's motives is totally unnecessary

In an ideal world, where we all had an infinite amount of time to research any and all items of controversy in their entirity, I would agree with you.

In this hyper-specialized world, where we basically look to others to do the research and summarize for us, motives are extremely relevant and it is the height of naivety to pretend otherwise.

[bostonpete]

Everyone has motives and biases but it's not fair to attack someone in this forum just because you happen to know their motives and biases. I don't see your contact info or bio listed in your profile -- how are we to trust your motives without knowing more about you?

We should discuss ideas on their merits rather than trying to psychoanalyze or dig up dirt on the commenter.