Since when is there an ability, let alone a need, to "back up" gratuitous rudeness? Is there a certification that qualifies one for that?
Maybe if the guy invents the transistor we'll listen to him long enough to get the formula, and if he amasses Ty Cobb's batting average we'll probably elect him to the Hall of Fame (but, perhaps, neglect to remember where we put our tickets to that year's ceremony), but even these things don't excuse being a jerk. They just coexist with the jerkishness, uncomfortably.
You make a good point. What I meant was that, yes, Ted's a dick. He says enough interesting things in the midst of his dickishness for me to justify continuing to read what he writes.
Maybe if the guy invents the transistor we'll listen to him long enough to get the formula, and if he amasses Ty Cobb's batting average we'll probably elect him to the Hall of Fame (but, perhaps, neglect to remember where we put our tickets to that year's ceremony), but even these things don't excuse being a jerk. They just coexist with the jerkishness, uncomfortably.