The yellow rat snake that may enjoy some human contact.

[Cory]

Politeness and respect are due to all people. If something needs criticism it should be the ideas and evidence promoted, not the person. In essence, no ad hominem attacks. Since science seems to be admired by many of those who have posted already then scientific discourse may be a good model to draw from. In scientific discourse, the position is up for critique, not the person who posited it.

There is also no value in calling an idea stupid. Instead, any weaknesses and flaws in the idea or evidence could be exposed. In other words, show how the point posited is wrong with substance and explanation, not with simple insults that may serve to anger or intimidate but not to enlighten. It is quite possible that the person whose views are being critiqued has missed something and could benefit greatly from correction. We are merely human, after all. Such a person might be far less willing to learn if s/he is frustrated by the person critiquing his / her views in a rude manner.