> What does it say about you when you agree with a voice, that harasses and antagonizes, on how to defend oneself against critics?
Not much? 'Attack the argument, not the person' is day one of debate class. So the only important question for me really is whether this particular article is any good.
Debate class is very good about teaching you how to debate in debate class. It has precious little to do with any other kind of argument.
Not that there's anything wrong with debate class. It's very good about teaching you to do research, organize, marshall arguments, speak clearly, and lots of other things. But it's notable that debate class isn't about arriving at truth -- you're expected to be able to argue either side of the debate with equal facility, and you're judged on your ability to present rather than the merit of the position you're defending.
Not much? 'Attack the argument, not the person' is day one of debate class. So the only important question for me really is whether this particular article is any good.