Oops. I missed the following in Ajit's missive, which might have been misinterpreted as a comment by me: >>Let me add one thing here. The problem here could be cultural as well. I hope I'm not condemning all Indians of impolitness, but it is true that Indians argue among friends with a lot of passion and not much concern for politness. But heated philosophical and political arguments usually do not affect personal relationships and friendships. In West, I have noticed that people attach their ego a bit too closely with the ideas they are arguing for. So i need to be more sensitive about that. << I've been told that US folks are much more sensitive about such than are the Brits, Ozzies, etc. However, seeing academic papers being given in several venues, I've noticed that academics often get into caustic commentary that isn't helpful and often gets personal. There are some similarities between academic and sectarian behaviors. Anyway, I think that sensitivity about the possibility of insulting someone is a good thing, promoting intellectual discussion. that's all from me today. Three missives is too much. Jim Devine [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://clawww.lmu.edu/fall%201997/ECON/jdevine.html "A society is rich when material goods, including capital, are cheap, and human beings dear." -- R.H. Tawney.
