> Manners are usaly the last resort of a weak argument.
Couldn't disagree more. In my experience, politeness and soundness of
underlying argument are strongly correlated. Not that you can assume that a
polite argument is correct, but often rudeness has a weak argument
underneath.
Basically, when you have a good solid argument on your side, you don't have
to resort to other tactics.
Or, as I half-remember a rule of thumb for defense attorneys:
When the facts favor your client, argue the facts.
When the law favors your client, argue the law.
When both facts and law are against your client, attack the prosecutor.
--Mark
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