Why would nuanced, respectful debate diminish my credibility? In the other thread I have merely pointed out that a representative democracy like in the U.S. and most of the western world is still a democracy. The people don't make most decisions directly but they elect their representatives through a democratic process. If you call this splitting hairs it may say more about your ability to engage in intelligent debate than anything else.

Why don't you address the points I make instead of simply accusing me of hair-splitting. It's true that oversimplified black/white statements make for better headlines and provoke more reactions on forums such as this, but that doesn't make them right or appropriate.