We're supposed to read this crap by the guy who said "pitchers are only responsible for the homeruns, walks, and strikeouts?"

David--

If you're so smart, why do you spell your last name with a "Y" instead of an "I."

Wouldn't an "I" be a better choice. I have a very hard time taking criticism from a guy who spells his name so strangely.

Hey Voros, I enjoyed your article, and I just wish more people would be able to argue by sticking to the basis of discussion. As soon as the basis is changed, the argument is lost. I know people are bad arguers when I ask a yes/no question, and they give me a song-and-dance.

If someone can point out ONE TV debate where the debaters actually answer each other, I'd love to hear about it.

David--

I suppose I could just keep going on like this, attacking you personally for everything you say, but I probably shouldn't.

It was a joke, from the beginning. You see, I was using an ad hominum, just as you suspected. But I was doing so to be funny, not because I'm a "turkey-stuffer." (That reference, I have to admit, was lost on me.)

Look Voros, you can prove anything with your fancy-schmancy "logic" and communicate it effectively and entertainingly with your "sarcasm." However, because you never were the president of a debating team, there is no way you know what you're talking about. So, spin all of the "well crafted, witty, and incisive" articles you'd like; I'd rather hear about this subject from someone who's been there in the rhetorical trenches.

Or Ray Knight, if he's available.

Jonah,

I see, you're trying to trick me with one of those underhanded tactics Voros warned me about. How to counter, how to counter......(Ah-ha!) No, I'm only saying that Derek Bell, were a memeber of a debate team, would be able to write a better column because he's a proven veteren. Or something.

(How was that Voros?)

Well, it appears that on the origin of the quote we are both kind of
right. Though I would venture to say that I am more right than you
are, since I'm a respected baseball journalist. :)

Seriously, here'a link that sufficiently explains our diverging opinions
on the matter:

http://executive-speaker.com/spkib008.html

It appears that the quote appeared in Mark Twain's autobiography, but Twain
himself attributed the quote to Disraeli. So either:

1. Disraeli said it, or
2. Twain made it up and attached it to Disraeli for literary purposes.

Either are plausible, I suppose, so we'll have to call this a draw.