Patterico has laid down the first rule of respectful argumentation:
Rule Number One of respectful argument is to phrase your opponent’s argument — the argument you’re responding to — in such a way that your opponent would agree with it.
The rule, when followed, has at least two benefits. First, helps to ensure that the argument is about actual issues, rather than a spiraling series of accusations that the other guy is misrepresenting your position, and vice versa. Second, it forces you to think a little more about what the other guy believes, and why.
Seems like it would be a good idea if more people practiced it, even if only occasionally. But then you wouldn't have stuff like this or 95% of what is written on Pandagon.
It's a lot easier for some people to make their points if they can distort what their opponents say.
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