then it makes no sense at all in the prev commenter's comment. i assumed, in context, what he meant was a kinder response and based my response off of it
Actually, it makes sense in context to most native English speakers. "To reply in kind," is an oft used idiom. In this phrase "kind" is a synonym for type. It is to say, "to reply in the same way." (Usually in a way which is not kind in the kindness sense.)
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/retort
I would agree, however, that one, "has no obligation to react to idiotic comments in kind." I hope I've succeeded.