Russell McMahon wrote:
> To use the well worn metaphor, and extend it until it is bruised and
> bleeding and cries Uncle, on a level playing field the above will
> often but not always be true. But, not only are the playing fields far
> bumpier than many may desire BUT there are men (mainly) out there with
> earthmovers, backhoes, bulldozers and explosives (and some want to
> resurrect Project Ploughshare (tm) ) doing their utmost to make the
> field slope in a direction advantageous to them. So -
>
>    - If you're not the 600 pound Gorilla you need protection.
>
>    - Nothing will protect you completely from the 600 pound Gorilla.
>
>    - The 600 pound Gorilla's greatest natural enemy is the 590 pound
> Gorilla.
>
>    - The enemy of my 600 pound Gorilla is my enemy.
>
>    - That which does not kill me will keep trying to until it
> succeeds.
>
>       (Nietzsche was an idiot)


Russell, while I have great respect for your intellect and your opinions, 
lately I have no idea what the heck you are talking about.


> One could rail on by the hour about what makes the playing field
> non-level in all sorts of cases. But, if you don't already know it's
> true then in most cases no amount of railing will convince you. And if
> you do know it's true but you have an eye for the main chance and
> think the ski slope before you looks highly attractive, then you'll be
> convinced all the way to the bank.


And yet IMO it's wrong to assume this a priori -- what then is the point of 
any discussion? It's always easier to say "I know I'm right, and I won't 
waste my time explaining why you're wrong because you won't see it my way 
anyway", than to try to articulate what you believe in a way the other 
person can understand.

Vitaliy 

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