I write as a reader of the Corner, and what I was writing about in

talking about the tone of “dismissive contempt” was the overall

impression I’ve gotten as a reader of the Corner since the president

issued his immigration proposal. It is possible, of course, that I am

mischaracterizing. But I do not think so.

As for the assertion that I was making a “sorry excuse” for the

president’s vote on campaign finance, it’s not “sorry” at all. It’s

real-world realistic. Does his decision merit criticism? Yes. But not

scorn, which was the overwhelming spirit of yesterday’s Corner. Ramesh,

had you been contributing, the tone would have been leavened by sweet

reason. But the dominant tone was the dominant tone, and there’s no

arguing it.

John, I will take your word for it that you consider what you were

doing yesterday to be poking and prodding so that Bush would do his

best. Generally speaking, though, constructive criticism is probably

best delivered without acting as though you despise the person you’re

trying to poke and prod to do his best. And what’s with asserting that

I said Bush “trounced” Gore? I said no such thing, but he sure did

better in the debates than Gore did.

Anyway, I’ve had my say, and I thank all of you for your arguments.