If you disagree with something I’ve said, and you challenge my words, my position, even the factual basis on which I argue, I’ll respect you, even if I continue to disagree with you.

If, on the other hand, you choose to attack me in an effort to get me to stop expressing my opinion not only will you fail, but I’ll lose all respect for you, both personally an intellectually.

If all you have is attacking your opponents then you have NOTHING, you position is unsupported, you are, by the admission of your own actions, definitively and absolutely WRONG. Why else would you stoop to such an intellectual low, except that you know you are defeated. It is an intellectual Hail Mary, but without any of the grace, honour or bravery.