... of my response:

>> ... humor based solely upon prejudice just ain’t funny.
>> So, for you, and for Jim, who seem to think it is ...

My original comment was not based on prejudice, which arises out of a lack of knowledge or understanding, or unreasonable or irrational feelings, but on my considerable experience with lawyers and the stated (nonsense) basis of the lawsuit. Yes, my comment was derogatory, but it was not based on "prejudice".

>> So, the real issue is this — who should be responsible to insure
>> that statements made in feedback are accurate, eBay or the seller.
>> This guy thinks its eBay, I disagree but that's why we have courts
>> and judges, to decide disagreements.

You've just reinforced my original point. Only a lawyer could think this "issue" even remotely belongs in a courtroom. And asking for $2.5 million in punitive damages is just ridiculous.

The defendant apparently said two things:

1 -- that the plaintiff should be banned from eBay -- a statement of opinion which is not even remotely slanderous.

2 -- that the plaintiff was "dishonest all the way" in his claims about the transaction. This is also a statement of opinion and at best only marginally a basis for claiming slander.

>> So, in fact, all of this has nothing whatever
>> to do with the profession of the plaintiff.

The underlying dispute does not -- but the filing of this nonsense lawsuit certainly does.

>> These remarks are nothing more than prejudice no matter how much Jim
>> tries to assuage me by assuring me that I’m not one of the bad ones.

Again, you've missed the point, Don. Criticizing lawyers for specific inappropriate or bad conduct is not "prejudice". And some lawyers (a large number of them, in fact) do such things and deserve to be criticized. And who better to do so than other lawyers.

>> Enough said, if anyone wants to continue this
>> dialogue with me please e-mail me privately.

You, of course, can disengage from the public discussion any time you like. You should not presume, however, to tell others they have to do the same.

----- jim o\-S