Re: Cabin Fever - q rights content only

["Matt & Jenai" <matjen@xsite.net>]

Although I appreciate the intent behind your recent post on this subject, it
seems to me that you have glossed over the real issue at the heart of this
thread.  The post to Phil went WAY over the line.

Contrary to your assertions, the "genesis" of this thread was Phil's post to
the list which disclosed another lister's personal response to one of Phil's
prior posts (who's on first?).  It seems obvious to me that Phil made this
post to point out that another lister was using a form of economic coercion
to muzzle him.  The result:  Phil's post highlighted the problem and
responded in kind.  To use your analogy - he has returned a caught low blow
(perhaps a bitten ear would be more accurate) with an overhand right landing
squarely on a glass jaw.

The tone of your post seems to imply that Phil and QSHIPQ are being too
sensitive - (i.e. "if you cannot catch what ye throw, or whine about the one
thrown a little too hard").  However, in the very same paragraph (from now
on known as "Bruce's Bill of Rights") you state "you have the right to say
what you like, using manners of course."  All Phil and QSHIPQ are saying is
that Eric's e-mail (past posts to the list credit Eric but I do not know for
sure it was he)crossed the line.  They are using proper manners in pointing
this fact out.  Perhaps if Eric had been advised of "Bruce's Bill of Rights"
he would not have made the original transgression.

In his e-mail to Phil, Eric acted as the judge, jury , and executioner with
regard to list content.  And make NO MISTAKE - Eric's e-mail was not merely
"sharp" or "one thrown a little too hard."  The e-mail was meant to bully
and intimidate and it used economic threats and action as a means for
enforcement.  This type of action has a chilling effect on discourse and is
distinctly different from belittling someone's ride or theories.  Hell, that
stuff is funny sometimes (when done with a graceful touch).

My .02
Matt Pfeffer

P.S.  Bruce, does Eric have you on retainer or is he a case study with
regard to the fascinating human condition ;-)