How nice. I apologize for not having heard of you, for you have an impressive array of writing. I just don't get out much. I promise to read more. I love good writing and argument, and don't you agree, the blog is the worst possible way to engage in it? Better a series of letters to The Times.

I confess, it is nice however to meet someone who at least can think his way into a paper sack. Not sure about thinking out of it, time will tell, but on your side, the journey in is almost as difficult as the one out. You write well, with a lot more skill than I have. My son would especially like to read more of you, as he is a science ethicist, always venturing into the mysteries of atheism. My own experience is that most atheist don't really disbelieve God, but rather disapprove of Him. The hard thinking of a Invisible Hand actually not existing befuddles them. Easier just to be pissed off about it.

About your intentions, I can find no profit in letting you make a fool of me. I hope you'll understand. My wife would laugh at that notion anyway. She knows where all the skeletons are buried in that department. But I can see where you'd find some profit in trying. Not exactly a reciprocal understanding, don't you agree?

9 days out I assume you want a colloquy which you can spin into a plus for your side in the O'Donnell race? Since I don't know the lady I can't say much about her. As I've said before, I'd vote for my dog Spot against a Marxist, only as you already know, my side hasn't had equal success at getting dogs to the polls. I would also vote for Elvira Mistress of the Dark over a Marxist.

It's the underlying premises...People of faith v Atheism, the common man vs elitists, human liberty vs social justice and other forms of tyranny, Good v Evil...stuff like that, I like to talk about. Not a lot of journalism in that, gotcha or otherwise, we agree although I've found my side to be better at being able to reason themselves into the bag, and out again, than yours.

I'd love to meet you sometime, shake hands, and have at it. But not in this format. I genuinely enjoy good companionship and bright minds, especially when both of us know the ultimate stakes of the game.

Cordially
VB