We are all responsible for giving reasons for our beliefs. After having done so, they are open for discussion and, perhaps, rebuttal. Unlike Marx, we needn't resort to invective in place of argument. It can be emotionally satisfying to do so; however, it works the other way for the target. Anyway, it's not nearly as much fun as some of the more sly forms of criticism or unflattering comparisons. Of course, arguments eventually work their way down to the discussion of basic assumptions. Reasonable people often find that at that level, there isn't much to argue about and can agree to disagree. This doesn't mean that both are correct: it just means that, given present circumstances or the present state of knowledge, they can't agree as to who is correct. At least they know what they are arguing about. Sam Bostaph