i think Offler's ideas are good ... anyone can say e.g. "Tony Blair kills babies and worships Satan"* so having at least a little evidence would help
maybe we could find some areas that we agree on, and then move on and find out where and why we disagree
i also think it's a bad sign if your sense of humour deserts you - usually time to have a break from the argument IMO
good call, i wish everyone good luck
*although this is in fact true
