Journal: Offtopic on the Middle East

I posted this earlier today as a comment in response to one from Troed, who has a sig that I regard as problematic. I am reposting it here in the event someone wants to respond both personally and publicly. It also, I suppose, might serve as an example to some about how to have a side conversation on Slashdot.
 
My Comment:
 
I am posting this without any bonuses because I freely acknowledge that it is wildly off-topic.
 
Nevertheless, it is no more so, and no more inappropriate, than the signature above. A look at Troed's journal provides no means to publicly respond to him, as the discussions are archived. He has not even provided an email address. I regard these circumstances as calling into serious question his contention that he is interested in the free exchange of ideas. Rather, it seems he is attempting to sneak his message in whenever he can, no matter how irrelevant it may be.
 
I do not question Troed's right to post anything he wants in his sig. I do question his discretion. This topic has nothing to do with the Middle East, so his objective is simply to goad. I need not list the places around the web available for informed and lively debate about the Middle East. /. is not one of them. Moreover, the rather underhanded means of calling attention to his view puts other users in an uncomfortable position. Should moderaters mod Troed down? The sig is certainly off topic, even if the post is not. Should those who disagree with him post responses, even though they contribute nothing to the discussion at hand, and set themselves up to be modded down for being offtopic?
 
The tactic is clever, I'll give it that. I do care, Troed, and my eyes are open, not only to Palestinian terror, but also to your bullying. I urge you to reconsider your sig, and take the discussion to your journal. Otherwise, though it is not an ideal solution, I may add myself to those who mod you down on sight.
 
Please don't compound your inconsideration, or mine, by carrying this discussion further. Post to your journal, or send me an email [mailto].
 
-db