Thanks, Sid.

I’m not sure I’d describe it as going to “such lengths.” The times I’ve done it have been rather easy, and required very little dedication of time or energy. Now, that post you made trying to defend your anti-Sanford/anti-school choice views may best fit that description. Then again, you probably have that particular spin memorized. After all, my contention was you were just looking for a way to work it into the discussion. And you now reveal it is a passion of yours, although that was kind of obvious.

As for “uninformed personal judgements and accusations,” methinks thou dost protest too much. Most likely I struck pretty close to the truth. After all, I did predict the “moderate” claim. I also pegged you as being far more an “insider” than myself.

And as much as you may want to dispute my claim, I’m just a poor little surfer from outside the Palmetto State who stumbled across an interesting blog. I’m not so concerned with defending Will or Mande. They cam probably take care of themselves. I’m more concerned with defending logic and common sense. I do it on other sites, as well. I imagine my postings here are a mere drop in the bucket compared to others–yourself included–and I’d wager I’ve NOT responded to far more Will/Mande slams on this blog than I have. And in this particular thread, it was as much about your insinuation regarding Sanford as it was about Will/Mande/your failure to accept the message of the article. I’m not even sure either Will or Mande was involved in the article that inspired your initial jab at the Guv.

You, however, do seem to have a strange fascination with Mande. I’m not sure what to make of that. And all I really know about Will is what FITS has posted here. Oh, and what you have now offered, which only goes to show you are more the “insider” than I. I met the legend once, but merely exchanged pleasantries. Took about a minute.

Yes, that means I have been in your state. Probably will be again. Nonetheless, I remain a decided outsider to the world of FITS, but one who does enjoy visiting once in a while. Hope your weekend is going super!

I do consider myself a moderate politically — and not much of an ideologue, even on the school choice issue. At the same, you may be correct to some extent: I’m not a moderate when it comes to my opinion of really bad public policy proposals, like PPIC.

In any case, you’re an interesting guy, Sid. You claim to be an “infrequent reader” and say that you don’t even live in South Carolina. Yet, there is a distinct pattern to your posting: If people get a little tough on Will Folks or Mande Wilkes…well, that’s when Sid turns up. And you’ll argue to the minute detail and, again, will challenge the honesty and integrity of others when folks criticize the arguments of Will or Mande.

‘Tis true that I know a few folks who have blogs in SC. How did you know? In fact, I know Will Folks a little. A funny and talented guy. A good writer. Some excellent taste in music. I like Will. I just don’t agree with all his arguments — especially where education is concerned.

Meanwhile, for someone who claims not to even live in SC or know anyone involved in this blog, you sure go to some impressive lengths (though not impressive reasoning or attitude) to defend the arguments (including attacks on others) and honor of the FITS writers.

Again, the whole thing appears contrived to me.

Gee, I thought you were done with me. I guess I just got to you, so you feel the need to continue defending yourself and your posts.

I’ve put no words in your mouth, however. I’ve merely pointed out where you were either in error, or intentionally biased.

And, yes, I have corrected you in the past when you have been wrong. Probably on a Mande article, as you seem to have a bizarre interest in questioning her pieces and/or abilities. I seem to recall straightening you out when I thought you stepped a bit over the line with your comments. If I recall, it was mostly over your inability to understand a pretty basic concept, but I’m not 100% sure on that.

As for contrived, that’s a pretty big stretch, unless you are conspiracy-minded. I am probably more an outsider to FITS than are you. You likely have at least a passing acquaintance with any number of people in the SC Blog community, and likely some at FITS. I, on the other hand, don’t know any of the players involved. I’m not even in or from SC. Once again, you are so completely off base that you aren’t even in the stadium.

If you want to consider me arrogant for being direct, that’s your choice. When I call you out for what I believe to be your true motivations and intentions my goal is to simply call you out, not to appear superior. I may be in many areas, but since I don’t really know you, and all we’ve done is exchange a few posts, I couldn’t say definitively.

I find it funny, though, that you seem to take offense at the tactics I use. I’m just more direct than you. You try to be vague and appear non-confrontational, but your posts are extremely passive-aggressive. I believe you know that to be true, which is why you feign being offended when someone actually challenges you directly. It’s the only way you can keep up your facade of being a moderate. Again, have a swell weekend!

In fact, I’d say it comes across as contrived.

Such have been your efforts, and the tone of those efforts, to defend the FITSnews crew and (you went round-and-round about something Mande Wilkes wrote not long ago) and their opinions — including their attacks on others — that it really does seem contrived. Almost like a FITSnews insider, rather than an “infrequent visitor,” as you have described yourself.

But, I don’t know…I’m not too much of a conspiracy guy, and I generally take folks at their word.

Yeah, this is a place for opinions, so you shouldn’t be surprised to see some. Likewise, I stand (although I’m actually sitting) behind each argument I have made. In contrast, I know you are wrong in every area where we actually disagree. You’re probably wrong on many of the areas that are not actually part of the initial discussion. Fortunately, I don’t care enough about your less related soapbox material to do any research on it to counter your proffered opinions. Count yourself lucky, and have a swell weekend!