Mud slinging and the Left Coast Rebel

I’ve been blogging for several months now, but I’m still uncertain about some of the blogosphere’s subtle rules of political engagement. I’m not sure what exactly constitutes troll-like behavior or if linking back to a blog who recently linked to you needs to be carried out promptly before being considered rude. I’m not even sure after blogging for 8 months if I’m considered a new or established blog. However, whether in blogging, in face to face debate, or in life, you know someone is insecure about their position when the disagreements degrade into mud slinging. I like to believe that there is a classy and respectful way in delivering constructive criticism, if you feel you must. Hit pieces get no respect from me.

I’m a big fan of The Left Coast Rebel. LCR is an excellent writer. He has an eye for pointing out when leftward arguments and actions hit a point of hypocrisy and silliness. He is able to reach his readers with his pithy arguments, eloquent writing style, and does so while never failing to entertain. What is also impressive about LCR is that he does not engage in mud throwing or blog wars with the bloggers that disagree with him. It is no surprise to me that his blog has been exploding all over the blogosphere lately and won large accolades from Memeorandum, The Other McCain and Legal Insurrection.

However, I’m always shocked by those that take personal shots at clean bloggers like LCR. There have been a few who have LCR in their sights lately and I won’t ingratiate them with any links (feel free to utilize google if I have peaked your curiosity). It’s easier to discredit people instead of their ideas. Especially since the essential arguments behind the left/right debate have been argued and counter-argued throughout the millennia by greater minds and is not likely to be settled anytime soon.

What does belittling, grandstanding, and cursing have to do with rational arguments? It says more about the author to me. It’s a distraction from the importance of the issues being discussed and it’s not worth reading. Do yourself a favor and don’t waste your time with blogs that have an insatiable appetite for attacking everyday people instead of the issues.