James Green-Armytage wrote eloquently about the feelings of most of us who've watched the personal argument. I would like to add this, if I may be permitted.
I came to this list to learn from folks who knew more about a subject in which I had developed an interest, and I appreciate the help that many of you have given me over time. The list is valuable to those of us who do not as know as much as we all should about such things. But I read the list for that reason. When I see a posting with an ad hominem, I know that the author has nothing to contribute to my knowledge other than that he or she does not know how to present a logical argument. I may have missed a lot of interesting and useful information because I hit "next" or "delete" when I see such, but I would rather remain ignorant than wade through personal attacks. ---- Election-methods mailing list - see http://electorama.com/em for list info