Never seen him post on anything that wasnt politics. But he does it well.

Although Eschew is very conservative and we're on entirely opposite sides of the political spectrum, I respect his civility in political discussions, which scores lots of points with me -- civility during political discussions is impossible for some people on RIA. He's intelligent and writes well, which also scores points. He is fervently convinced of the correctness of his political positions, and it takes a lot for him to be open to opposing viewpoints, although every so often he surprises me. (I don't give that a whole lot of weight because I may be guilty of that myself; lots of people are.) He seems often inclined to discount opposing evidence as falsehoods or dangerous, unreal, liberal fantasies. This is a major failing by someone who otherwise would appear to be intelligent and is indicative of a "don't bother me with the facts" kind of personality. He's strictly doctrinaire, and clearly views himself as being on the "correct" team that is engaged in a fight to the death with liberals, all of whom he believes are Machiavellian, without any real convictions or regard for truth. While he's articulate, he has a largely unjustified belief that he is "eschewing obfuscation," exposing weaknesses and a lack of logic in the thinking of others (if they're liberals). In truth his reviews usually just repeat his own beliefs, not the former. He is a victim of his own belief that he is "eschewing obfuscation," rationalizing his essentially redneck social mores with lots of language that he thinks is clearing up arguments, but in fact is simply an avoidance mechanism for acknowledging his prejudices. He is patriotic, but, like many others, fails to consider that people who don't share his views also can be patriotic, just wanting the best for our country in a different way than his way. A serious man, not a lot in the way of a sense of humor. On the whole, a more articulate conservative than most, but a mixed bag of qualities. He does a better job than most conservatives of disguising the emotional prejudices that lie beneath his veneer of civility and rationality.

I haven't been on this site very long, but he's already one of my favorites and we seem to agree on a lot of things. WTG EO.

Never heard of him.

Elise Truman, edt4 and Loerke summed up my fealings about E.O. far better than I could.

Very earnest reviewer whose name captures his direct and focused writing style. When I look for the conservative take, I always look for his reviews first, because they tend to be some of the strongest expressions of that point of view. I wish he were less rigid, bordering on wooden. While it's great to be a man of principle, I guess I also like to see more openness to his opposition's arguments, rather than reactions to a preconceived notion of what those arguments are. But on the whole he's a very worthy exponent of the conservative view of the world.

We don't see EO around much anymore, so its a treat when he does appear. Politically speaking; I've Always admired his debating prowess, only Lance could rival him. He writes great reviews on other topics as well, but will always be remembered for his encounters with "The Other Side" and all the defeats he dealt them.

No question this is a bright guy and a good writer.

I often (usually) disagree with his politics, but he's more pragmatic than he's given credit for, and by no means a dogmatic, by the numbers Republican.

A reviewer that I would personally probably score 6% in common with on those newfangled compatibility lists, but certainly a sharp cookie and a good writer.

One of my favorites and one of the best reviewers here. Eschew always takes the high road. 

Update: I agree with Wise. Eschew should be in the top 10, if not the top 5 on this list. For those of you who believe in prayer, remember him...his son is off for Iraq.

I have disagreed with him on several things, but I'll give him the 4 because he's straight to the point and has a way with words. He's a solid reviewer and a great addition to the site.

Eschew and I have locked horns several times on political and/or societal issues, sometimes heatedly. Considering that we're on opposite ends of the political spectrum (or so it seems when we joust), this should probably surprise no one. As a sort of left-handed (not left-wing) compliment, I can say that if one is a follower of neo-con ideology and sentiment, Eschew articulates it as well as anyone. Obviously, he's not lacking intelligence or passion. As a constructive criticism, I wish he would write more on subjects that don't deal with politics. He can be very entertaining and engaging when writing on topics such as sports or music or family.

Thanks for taking the time to add me to your trusted list.

A much more well-rounded conservative than I am.

I'm not proud of this, but I actually had to look up what his name means, but now that I know, I can appreciate how appropriate it is. Eschew's comments are often enlightening, and always rational. His rant about Superbowl XL was right on the money.

I hope I can give a 5 on this site without drawing the wrath of PBeavr. I have been accused of being on the right. I think that Eschew Obfuscation is on the right much of the time. I don't always agree with him, but I agree much of the time. He has good posts, well reasoned and delivered.

The most astute reviewer on this website.

CORRECTION: I did not find the phrase "hateful liberals" in any of Eschew Obfuscations reviews. UPDATE: I was trying to make a point that he consistently attacks liberals, often regardless of the web list topic. "There is nobody further left and more hateful of George W. Bush than Nicholas." (Nicholas Kristof -12/6/05); "those people who hate Bush so much they can hardly express themselves." (liberalism - 11/18/05); "often incoherent hatred for George W. Bush." (should never be used - 12/8/05); "Oh, wait. They stand for I hate Bush, that's right." (Democratic Party - 11/16/05) And if democrats and liberals are not full of hate they are certainly crazy. "left-wing nuts" (David Horowitz - 12/15/05); "I guess wing-nuts like Alec Baldwin, Sean Penn, George Clooney and the rest of the looney bin didn't get the memo." (Bruce Willis - 11/30/05); "but he certainly left the liberal looney bin on gun ownership." (Tom Selleck - 11/30/05) "The left-wing-nut controlled democrat contingent in both houses of Congress (Kennedy, Durbin, Reid, Pelosi are actually slapping him around) and by the left-wing-nut controlled press." (George W. Bush - 11/16/05) ORIGINAL: I am very new to this web site and the first reviewer I had any contact with was Eschew Obfuscation. This occurred because I had a question regarding a review of his formatted into a George W. Bush report card. It was neatly divided into different categories such as Foreign Policy, War on Terrorism, etc. His logic was basically sound and not really all that far from what I might have said. If any have seen it it includes three B-'s and three C-'s. However, he gave Bush 4 stars for that. To me that seemed extremely generous. I mean for 4 stars I would expect Bs across the board at least. I think EO is really enjoying the Republican controlled government, after what must have been eight torturous years, and that joy is being transmuted into political proselytizing. He has a tendency to rate things that the web list is not actually dealing with and loves to make sweeping generalizations.

Its very diffcult to dislike Eschew. Even though his political and social beliefs are completely on the other side of the coin to my own I respect his arguments and even when I don't agree with something hes one of the few on the right who actually let me see another side of the argument (Take for example his views on gun control - very good, I could do nothing more, but tick the helpful). Hes not insulting, never rude and has been nothing but polite.

Eschew Obfuscation is a great RateItAll Reviewer. Articulate and passionate about his views, Eschew makes no bones about where he stands on any issue. But most of all, the trait I most admire in him is great COMMON SENSE!

Thoughtful, articulate, polite reviewer with an agile mind and a good sense of humour. He also shows a genuine intellectual curiosity in the opinions of others and I really like that in a reviewer.

Eschews posts are always well informed and articulate, and He is among the very few reviewers with whom my views are almost consistently congruent. But what I consider his best attribute is his tone. As many of his posts are in politics, it would be easier for him than others to have a tendency to fall in to the hateful diatribes that so many find satisfying. He always seems to avoid this, however, and, as Ive said before, I think this makes him the strongest conservative reviewer on the site. My favorite post of his is on the ~Myths about Democrats~ weblist under Theyre mean-spirited. Youll have to read the whole exchange from the beginning, starting with flick01s post to really understand the comment, but its entertaining and worth the effort.

Eschew is, to my mind, of of the most thoughtful, articulate, common-sense reviewers on RIA. He comes across (again, at least to me) as being very logical and analytical. Thios may sound odd to some of the liberals on this site, but as I read EO's posts, they strike me as pretty balanced - but maybe that's because I agree with them pretty much across the board. His posts are always worth reading, and show a depth of knowledge.

In his review of himself, EO says that he was too young for VietNam and too old for the Gulf War. That tells me he has a conscious and deep down wishes he could have done more for his country. I'm a pretty good judge of character, but I'm sure he'll let me know if I'm right or wrong. I know this because this is exactly how I feel. OE is another good honest reviewer that writes in a style that I like. There is no BS in his reviews and he leaves no doubt where he stands on issues and I like that. I also like that he's not afraid to let his patiotism come out when he expresses himself.

How the hell did I forget to rate Eschew?! Well, where to begin...First, he is by far one of the most intriguing reviewers on this site. Not once have I found a review by Eschew to be boring and must say that although he rates in politics quite a bit (which by no means is bad, but then again my username's Mr.Political so I might be biased) he provides a different outlook onto his political stances. And he most surely does has a good way of cutting through the crap...hence the name eschew obfuscation. Great reviewer...

I find this reviewer writes consistently clear,well thought out posts.If I disagree sometimes,it is not because of his writing ability.He makes a lot of interesting points.

A great reviewer! Eschew is intelligent and it shows with his comments.

Wuz happenin' man. Wuz up.

mostly a pompous windbags whose comments are generally overshadowed by other conservatives on this site with proven depth and intelligence. i wouldn't go to this reviewer for any kind of insightful opinion.UPDATE: Eschew, i recently read that most high school students actually profess to a more conservative base of opinions in greater numbers than ever before. so the chances of going to a high school and getting them to agree w/my message would be a hard sell. you'd probably have better luck. i'll give you the He sucks, you suck yeah, a lot of high school kids do that. but that's okay, i dont mind the comparrisons. being an adult is lousy business anyway.

One of the best on RIA! Very strong writer. Expresses his veiwpoints articulately and backs up his statements with facts. I have to say that I haven't read a comment I disagree with yet. Kudos!*****Skizero, you denigrating EO's contributions to this website is quite amusing. You, the scattered brain of malcontent, with the philosophical cohesiveness and grip of the systemic applications necessary for succesful government, of say... a freshman in high school- are criticizing one of the most intelligent voices- liberal or conservative- on this site? What comic!

******* UPDATE: He may be selling the kool-aid as he likes to joke, but let's face facts: he knows the product he is selling! I've had some good private discussions with him, and I think he deserves better than the two I originally gave him. He asks questions. He is rational. He is willing to examine new evidence. His posts may have sharp conservative edges, but he is a nice, smart guy. He also has a dry, sharp sense of humor that he really needs to let out more often. I find it ironic that he is the only person who messaged me to comfort me when Bush won. He was being genuine. And he says *I'm* sweet. Eschew is sweet enough to give you a toothache. If he were candy he'd be crunchy and tangy on the outside, sweet and chewy on the inside. Now, I hope I didn't embarrass him too much. ******* Original post: Writes clearly, but his posts are sometimes long and boring. Good that he is capable of going into so much detail supporting his opinions, but perhaps he'll forgive those of us who just don't always have time or desire to read his lengthier spiels. A summary would do nicely in most cases.

This is a good time to respond to some of my reviewers, both supportive and critical. I am conservative in political thought, usually un-evangelistic about my faith, extremely patriotic, loyal to my friends, violently protective of my children and in love with my wife of 27 years. I was too young for Vietnam, too old for the Gulf War, not a veteran but one of those odd types who support and appreciate the US Military. My analytical nature spills over into my opinionating and I continue to be fascinated by the exchange of views on many fronts, the most enjoyable being political, probably because it requires so little personal, emotional investment. I have met and exchanged views with a few spectacularly interesting people on RIA, encountered a few trolls, but I have forgotten what their problem was. If I message you about a post, I am probably trying to understand the building blocks of your logic and determine whether you have a basis for your opinion or are (as biblio so eloquently puts it) parroting the party line. If you understand why you believe what you contend, you have my respect, but being challenged to articulate it is always meant in a positive way. But, if you don't want to play, I'll understand. What I find valuable and the most fun about RIA is my ability to encourage those posters with whom I agree or am somehow surprised or jostled from my comfort zone. This is a website for opinionated people, who seek feedback on their views. UPDATE: . . . and, at the end of the day, it's all an effort to eschew obfuscation.

My sparring partner, it seems. Very strident views (rather like those of the liberals he eschews) most of which are diametrically opposed to mine, But not always! I have agreed with him on a number of occasions. Shows you it takes all sorts to make the world go around.

Given his love of spinning Bush's shortcomings as virtues, and frequent misrepresentions of Democratic positions, Eschew Obfuscation is quite an ironic name. What I like about him is his otherwise good writing skills and vocabulary. I also like that he writes with a pleasant tone as well.

Great reviews on a consistant basis.

Even if I do disagree, it's not because he comes off like an ass about his opinion, unlike some people I won't mention. Great logic, excellent expression. Keep 'em coming. :)

Don't always agree with the guy, but he's got solid writing skills and usually expresses his views clearly.

I agree with GoneAway(go figure) Eschew has his act together.He is pretty well read and has a good handle on things.

Also known as Achoo!Mastication!, this guy resides in Snoresville, USA, which is located in Boresville County. His tedious right-wing diatribes are better than a boatload of Ambien at putting me to sleep.

I really enjoy this guy's writing style - he's clearly one of the strongest writers on the site. There's no question that EO is a bright, educated guy with strong opinions. So why no five stars for EO? Here's why. I couldn't for the life of me understand the degree of adoration - bordering on unconditional love - in EO's posts regarding GWB and the Republican Party. I know many supporters of GWB, and just haven't come across anyone who thinks that he is PERFECT, like EO. So I thought to myself, this guy must have drank the Kool-aid, that's the only possible explanation. But then I thought again. Guys who write like this, and guys that construct arguments like this don't tend to drink the Kool-aid, they tend to SELL the Kool-aid. And that's where I wound up. EO is selling his brand of Kool-Aid - consciously overselling the strengths of his political choices to promote his cause. Not that there's anything wrong, or even unusual about that - especially during an election year. But I have to take away a star for what I perceive as a less than genuine approach to posting. That being said, EO is up there with the most convincing and most articulate proponents of the conservatice cause on this site.