Re: Censorship of the AM-INFO list

[Mitch Stone <mstone@vc.net>]

I attempted to shrug off the question of Brett's expulsion from this list 
without comment, but I now find myself feeling very uncomfortable with 
the idea -- and not for the usual "free speech v. censorship" reasons. 
(In fact I am suspicious of the free speech argument, which is as often 
used to destroy meaningful debate as to encourage it.) I also realize 
that this list is a private place, for all intents, and its owners may 
set whatever standards they see fit for its guests. This is their 
privilege.

But for all of Brett's propensity for infuriating and mind-numbingly 
repetitious cant, it's worth considering to what extend Brett's apparent 
need to get up other people's noses was aided an abetted by those who 
felt the need to respond to his every provocation. It takes two to 
debate, and we've always had a plentiful supply of willing debaters.

So I can't escape the conclusion that in at least some small way, Brett 
is the scapegoat in this affair. Sure, it's his responsibility for being 
such a determined chucklehead, but he _could_ have been ignored by those 
who suggest that they know better. A lesson to take away for next time, 
perhaps?

Mitch Stone
mstone@vc.net