Good manners ;defense of liberal posters

I, too, try to make a point of referring to people as Mr., Ms., Sen., etc. I don't always remember and sometimes I get in too much of a hurry, but in general I can't stand the dismissive tone of 'Bush did this' or 'Medved said that'.
I even extend this to those whom I disapprove: Pres. Clinton, Sen. Clinton, Sen. Byrd.

I have to wonder: do we both do this because we seek to be civil, or because we're both military?

We supported Rock of the Marne in OIF3. In fact, our building was located on Z Lake just next door to 3ID headquarters.

I think the military thing helps. And I notice in your posts that you always are tolerant over the oteh sides view even though you disagree. I think that is because we have sat through so many EO classes.
I was at Taji for OIF 3 but visited Div Hq a bunch. I am on Victory right now assigned as a HQ staff guy and wishing I was contributing more.

One of the conventions of academic discourse, when quoting an author—particularly if the sex be in doubt, as is often the case when reading a paper ny A. Scholar or Prof. A.N. Other)—is to refer to the author without an honorific. It is a convention which is not meant to be disrespectful and is not, in my view, inherently disrespectful. Contrariwise, though I myself usually refer to Ms Coutler or Sen. Thompson, or whatever, on TH, I should like to know why referring to every single adult man as Mister, whether he like it or not, should be considered respectful.
I certainly support civil argument in posts, and I should go further by suggesting that those who cannot keep their comments civil should be banned from posting further comments. This would not be an infringement of the freedom of speech: nowhere in your Constitution, as far as I’m aware, is there support for the freedom of irrational, mischievous or gratuitously contumelious calumniation.

Henny, good questions. In the case in question I did not spell out Mister but wrote it our in blog for emphasis. I wrote Mr. in the actual posting. If I knew someone objected to Mr., I would use another form of address. Iwould use Dr., Prof., Rev. Pastor, Rabbi, etc if I knew a position or status. If someone prefered to be by first name such and I know it I would certainly do that. I agree with you about the really vulgar posters because while I certainly believe in almost unlimited free speech, a private venture such as townhall.com has the right to police their own website. Of course thats why they have as the flag as offensive tag. As long as they don't stop "offensive ideas.
Thank you for visiting my Blog. I will google and read more about academic forms of address because now I am interested.

Thank you for saying this - I frequently find myself frustrated and embarrassed by "conservative" posters who choose to express their opinions by calling names, insulting, or even reverting to clearly offensive taunts and remarks. I can only assume such people don't have the intellectual capacity to actually debate the issue, only shout playground insults.

Regarding honorifics, this is something that I also find lacking from not only TH but a huge section of American society. I was raised to call adults by Mr./Mrs. (or Dr., Rev, etc. as you mentioned) and their last names, and I believe showing respect for people in such a basic way is valuable and good. There are a lot of countries in the world who are appalled when they meet a typical American who wants to be on a first-name basis immediately, no matter rank or status or lack of familiarity.

Of course, I'm also a military vet (and daughter and granddaughter of military vets) so perhaps that culture of "customs and courtesies" does make us more accepting/aware of such things?

Great job, by the way, of presenting your ideas and comments intelligently, coherently, and respectfully. I always enjoy reading what you say. And, thank you for your current service!

When he had such a comment it is equivalent to raising your voice in a debate or argument. I didn’t learn too much from my father, but he would always make that point, speak softly you will make a better impression than yelling. Name calling is a form of yelling. See my blog for my opinion on name calling. Mr. Tinsldr2 made some very nice comments on my blog some time ago, I must admit until now I hadn’t looked at his, for shame. Then I noticed that he and I don’t agree on a few issues, but that didn’t stop him from being a gentlemen. Mr. Is very appropriate. Keep up the good work, we need involved people to make this country better.

Go to my blog for a response to your response on my post about "Receiving Recruiting Letters". I am sincere in my offer of help, if you need anything.

Mom in Wisconsin