[Taxacom] More precise sound bite

[Kenneth Kinman]

John and Ronaldo,
       Yes, you could say that cladism is a method.  As a method of
analysis (phylogenetic analysis), I have no huge problems with it.  As a
method of classification (cladification), it does cause problems when it
is carried to excess (no paraphyletic taxa allowed).  I sometimes prefer
to call myself a cladisto-eclecticist, since many eclecticists think of
"cladist" as a pejorative term (those guys that simplistically convert
their phylogenetic analyses into cladifications).        
       As for being rather obsessed with this problem, I guess I'm
guilty as charged.  Obsessed with a return to more common sense and
balance in classifications.  I just wish more people had been obsessed
with blowing the whistle on financial derivatives which undermined the
stability of our financial system.  Unfortunately, I don't think strict
cladists really realize how they are slowly undermining our
classification system (although the adoption of PhyloCode will no doubt
then make it glaringly apparent to all).
       ----------Ken Kinman