Is the Instapundit retarded?

First, a disclaimer: I understand that it's insensitive to use the word "retarded" as a slur. I know this, and yet I continue to do this. I'm sorry...I was a psychology major, I have lots of friends in the mental health industry (some who use this term in the same way, by the way) and basically, it comes down to the fact that I'm an asshole.

In reading The Washington Monthly, I found myself agape at Glenn Reynolds idiotic claim that it's okay for George Bush and others to question Democrats patriotism based on the fact that they are asking whether they were misled into the war. His quote:

And yes, he should question their patriotism. Because they're acting unpatriotically.

Bear in mind, this guy is a professor. People send their children off to learn from this guy. And he's presumably supposed to be one of the reasoned, centrist Republican bloggers...

So, I sent him off an email, taking solace in the fact that the mere act of sending it off would make me feel better. Instead, I got something better. Here, then...our brief email exchange:

Me: I just wanted to thank you for what you're doing for this country. It's very encouraging to see that retarded people can become full professors and have popular blogs.

You are retarded, right? Otherwise, the following comment makes no sense coming from someone in your shoes:

"And yes, he should question their patriotism. Because they're acting unpatriotically."

Good lord.

Glenn Reynolds -- punditmail@gmail.com: Actually, they've put it pretty much beyond question by this point.

Me: That you're retarded? Thanks for confirming.

Hm...I was right. That DOES feel better.