The rules for commenting on this site are simple:

1. Make your comment relevant to the topic in the post.
2. Do not directly attack another through name-calling or threats.
3. Think before you click “submit comment.” Ask yourself if your comment meaningfully addresses any of the issues brought up in my post or any of the comments. If the comment functions only to waste my time and yours, don’t submit it (see 3a for further explanation)
4. I am free to break any of these rules as I see fit.

If you break rule #2, I will delete your comment. If any of your comments break these rules, I’ll probably give you a break and merely make you look like a jackass. If you become a repeat problem, I will block your IP address altogether.

3a. I’m so so so tired of comments that attempt to turn complex issues into “liberal” v. “conservative” problems. The world is not that easy. Sorry. I am not a liberal. I hate that word and I hate when people use it. Phrases like “you people,” or “you liberals” are clear indications of this. If I don’t identify with the word, than it is name-calling and that is how I take it (see #2 again).

If you’re not cool with any of this, go somewhere else. There are zillions of blogs that love that kind of discourse. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. I think difference of perspective is great. I do, however, expect everyone to be respectful. Even my 18-year-old students understand this.