Joking vs mockery, respect or disrespect?

[Joel]

I usually respect people up until the point where they assert that they "know more than the people here."

In his case, it maybe due to mental illness. It's often people with mental illness feel they should be leaders and enlighten people, and know more then people in general.

So I say, always try to give the benefit of the doubt.

Considering all the stuff he comes out with, I assume he may have some issues that affect his mental state. As a result, I'm not going to outright insult him; but he should learn that his methodology isn't working - nor is it going to work if he carries on in the same way.

I may go as far as to say it contradicts his own beliefs.