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From: Jasper
Date: 13 Sep 2005
Time: 08:52:35 PM
Jean, …. Whenever I find a serious discussion board that sets down strict rules of discourse to “protect” majority or minority sensibilities or to control the flow of discourse by other means, I go the other way. Under those conditions, you can never be sure what has been censored or will be censored for other reasons. The fact that I took that step in only one case is all it took for anyone here to even think of urging me to do it again. Doesn’t it tell you something that no one ever suggested doing this before then? ……I do not have the right or the wisdom to delete posts because I disagree with the content or because I believe they might be harmful to someone. To take such drastic measures, I have to KNOW that they pose an imminent danger to the innocent. Otherwise everyone’s free speech will, in effect, be held hostage one man’s opinions. That sucks. ……….This discussion board was set up specifically to get only what free speech can give – an honest exchange of ideas. It takes an unusual amount courage to post here honestly, which is why most people don’t post at all. If some people choose to use it for dishonest, disruptive or even cruel purposes, only our integrity can protect us. If that’s not good enough, we have no right to exist. We are not innocents. We are warriors. Our integrity is our most potent weapon and our most effective shield. ………Bob August dipped into areas that all of us knew would cause the maximum amount of suffering le on them and those of us who love them. I love them both. I respect them even more. They are smart, tough, honorable and courageous. They don’t need censorship to protect them. None of us do. –Jasper