[quote=davelj]I was unaware that I “always try to turn debates into a volley of personal insults.” You sure about that? Please, reference specific posts where I’ve engaged in ad hominem and not brought specific data to the table. Now, I do like to point out hypocrisy – of which there is plenty – when I see it (and I quite enjoy the “snarky” – as you put it – riposte in that regard)… but I don’t consider those insults. I also like to point out when someone simply has no clue as to what they think they’re talking about (and, as you’re aware, I provide detailed analysis to back these instances up) – plenty of that as well. But if one is insulted by data and logical inconsistencies unveiled… then there’s nothing I can do about that. So, I doubt you’re going to get much support on your view here.
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Dave,
I specifically quoted your response to Scarlett in my post:
[quote=davelj][quote=Scarlett]Back in the 1950 and 1960, the median home price was roughly just below TWO times the median household income – which was then predominantly ONE income.
Nowadays, the median home price is roughly THREE times the median household income – which is at least 1.5 full-time incomes, if not close to TWO incomes. In San Diego that ratio is probably even larger.
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As has been pointed out here before, this is largely a matter of choice. The size of the average house in the U.S. has more than doubled since 1960. So, people CHOOSE to spend more today on housing than they used to – wisely or not, mind you. I’m quite certain that if you cut your housing (size) expectations in half (to live like those folks in the ’50s and ’60s)… the ratios will follow accordingly. But I’m betting you have no interest in doing so… what with the Jones’ big house and all…[/quote]
Perhaps you don’t think that what you said was rude/obnoxious/snarky/arrogant, but I can assure you that most people would be offended by your attitude and assertion there. Scarlett has NEVER made any indication that she was the type to “keep up with the Jonses,” nor has she ever said anything to my knowledge that would indicate a superiority complex or any such thing. There was no reason, whatsoever, for you to take that tone in your response.
I also mentioned that you had said almost the exact same thing to me in another post or thread, which I ignored, and you’ve made a number of comments to me and others that were totally inappropriate and offensive — and you meant them to be offensive.
It’s just funny that you’re accusing a decent and more humble poster of trying to “keep up with the Joneses” when your username is the one with “LJ” in it. I’m assuming it stands for “La Jolla,” no? You’ve also mentioned something about living in or buying a penthouse condo/apartment. So, it seems to me that the only one trying to “keep up” with anything around here is you. And yet, you’ve said that you like to point out hypocrisy.
I’m not trying to get into a pissing match with you, and I’ve stated on multiple occasions that your knowledge, input, and perspective is much appreciated, especially when the conversation revolves around banking. But many of us have had to correct people’s assumptions about things, and most of us manage (or try to) do so in a tactful and respectful way. The arrogant tone in many of your posts does not add anything to the discussions, and it does not make you look smarter or superior to anyone else. Do realize that most of the posters here are higly educated and very intelligent people with their own history and knowledge about certain topics; almost everyone brings something valuable to the discussion, even if it’s something you or I don’t agree with. It would really add to the quality of our discussions/debates if everyone would stick to the topics, stay away from personal attacks, and remain as respectful as possible with one another.