If you haven’t already, I urge you to read Bob Cuddy’s excellent column on the behind-the-scenes (and not-so-behind-the-scenes) battle between Oceano Dunes adversaries Kevin P. Rice and Nell Langford.

This is the kind of perspective that only comes from a seasoned journalist who knows the players and issues on his beat and can provide us with the kind of candid look that typically only insiders are privy to.

To be sure, the issue of vehicle use on the Oceano Dunes is an explosive one, and Rice and Langford have emerged as the primary operatives for their respective positions, going to often extreme lengths — as Bob describes — to discredit the other side.

Rice in particular appears to be carrying out an ultra-aggressive campaign against not only Langford but other off-roading opponents, using techniques that seem to border on intimidation.

The one about him sending a fake legal document to an off-roading critic and including the person’s Social Security number is especially troubling, especially in a day and age when identity theft is a very real and omnipresent fear.

He describes steps such as these as his taking an offensive tack in a battle in which the Dunes riders are often on the defensive.

Rice has his own list of accusations against Langford and believes she or her allies are behind their share of aggressive behavior.

In writing the column, Bob’s key question is how far is too far and have these two reached it?

I would answer yes.

Oddly enough, I had the chance to talk with both Rice and Langford several months ago following one of my earlier posts on the Oceano Dunes.

I found each to be intelligent and engaging with a clear passion for their opinions about the use of the Dunes.

Now, though, the trading of insults, the back-and-forth stalking and the various other measures that reach farther than that all seem to be following a trajectory of escalation.

In a word, this fight is simply getting too personal.

Like Bob said, both sides have worthy arguments behind their beliefs. They have respectable and reasonable reasons for their positions.

I only wish their debate could be respectable and reasonable as well.

What do you think? Share your thoughts here.