It is ridiculous how..........

Thank you, Geraldine, yes, I agree. We should also consider that while 'you are stupid' is unarguably offensive, maybe also 'your wife is stupid' or even 'Jews/Christians/ Muslims/Hindus/Buddhists/Zoroastrians are stupid' may also be taken as knowingly offensive.

And, Bags, yes, robust political debate allows for comments you know will be offensive to the opposition, invites it, even. But it has to be between equals. Youknowwho has a go at people who maybe aren't his equals either in terms of public profile or even, intellectual capacity. And a lively discussion at High Table isn't the same as him v whoever happens to be within earshot of the radio.

So are you suggesting RD should talk down to people who "maybe aren't his equals either in terms of public profile or even, intellectual capacity?" That really would be patronising. Who is he to judge? How would he know? He can't know who is listening to the radio. Radios can be switched off, even, if the listener doesn't like what she is hearing.

If I've misinterpreted what you're saying, sorry, and please can you explain further. At the moment I'm at a loss if that's not what you mean.

Surely you have to assume people are equals when you are arguing with them? And as for views being offensive... hmmm. What about freedom of speech? I don't like what extremist politicians of either the 'left' or the 'right' may say but I still think they have a right to say it. They are not saying what they say in order to be offensive. They are saying what they think. If I choose to be offended rather than just trying to argue with them, that's my problem, not theirs.

If you really think politicians don't deliberately try to offend, watch PMQs. Academic debate takes no prisoners. To go into the Bible Belt to engage in winding up people who are neither politicians nor academics seems to me like seeking an easy victory. You can modify your attack to take account of your opponent's idiosyncracies without being patronising. I think people are getting annoyed about this particular discussion so I shall desist until the next thing gets me going.

He may be deceived in thinking so, but RD was saying quite recently how welcomed he is when he goes into "the Bible Belt" of America. He says the halls are packed and people are enthusiastic about what he has to say, as if they were relieved to be free for a while from the harassment they feel from the full on religion all around them. He thinks that maybe the US isn't quite so concentratedly religious as some people would have us believe.

I have no opinion on this. I'm just repeating something I've heard, possibly on his forum, but I can't remember. Will check and reference if anyone wants me to.

lily, I don't watch PMQ for two reasons. One is that I do know what they're like – often pretty awful. The other is that we don't have a telly. But I think there's a place for politicians provoking each other deliberately, don't you? Even if there isn't, they'll still do it so my attitude is Shrug! Nature of the beast.

No Telly ?

Who on earth is RD?

Oh POGS
Thank you.