I think the main problem is that Richard's "style" has a tendency to reinforce the increasingly wide spread idea of America as an intolerant and self-absorbed nation. At least for those of us who don't know him, in fact for a lot of people who aren't American. That's sad, as it obviously isn't true. I've got more or less used to it, but consider it very irritating, negative and counterproductive. There is seldom any rational argument or logic in the posts, they are just confusing, rude and offensive to other nationalities. This has often put me off, and I have cut down on my Pet Talk participation exactly because of this.

I'll never forget my first incursion into the Dog House. Here's a couple of quotes from some of Richards replies: "kick ass and take over denmark tour dates have not been given out yet … i'll post them when they become available", and: "just wait a few months and you can state your opinions to the US armed forces, when they come to take over your country".
And from others: "more than I can say about those little insignificant countries who sit on their duff and wait for everyone else around them to keep the world safe".

These are acceptable then???

If Richard is going to be constantly arrogant, sarcastic and insulting to people, why do others not have the right to retaliate in kind without getting mobbed by his fan club? It all gets a bit one-sided doesn't it? Where's the tolerance and open-mindedness that the world needs so much more of? Richard's way of discussing political matters is a very bad advertisement for what the majority of Americans stand for. Don't forget, the Internet is an INTERNATIONAL forum, and Americans are, after all, only 4,54% of the worlds population. We've all got to somehow work it out together, with a bit more respect for our differences. You can't have "globalization" and unilateralism at the same time. That in itself is hypocritical.

This may be an American based forum (and very well run), but I think we should all respect the fact that we come from widely varied countries and cultures, and have many different opinions on the worlds' problems.

Richard - is it worth all these misunderstandings just to get a cheap laugh and a bit of applause from your fan club? Presumably it is.


… and by the way WilsonVB, although it's nice to know there are others who feel so strongly about all this, I didn't notice any "hatred for what you’re incapable of understanding and support for the use of the nuclear solution" in lbakers post. Or are you just being deliberately provocative?