[governance] Rudeness tectics (was Re: Reinstate the Vote)

[David Goldstein]

I'm happy to agree with your sentiments Rony, but it's still a fact that the bullying tactics sometimes used intimidate some people and do nothing to encourage open debate... so the bullying tactics occasionally used *are* a form of censorship in themselves.

David


----- Original Message ----
From: "KovenRonald at aol.com" <KovenRonald at aol.com>
To: governance at lists.cpsr.org
Sent: Saturday, 24 November, 2007 11:19:24 PM
Subject: Re: [governance] Rudeness tectics (was Re: Reinstate the Vote)

Dear All --



The problem with proposals to "moderate" rudeness is that they are a form of censorship.



If there are persons who choose to be rude or offensive, they should be free to do so. Some of the reactions dubbing statements "ad hominem" are overly sensitive. And sometimes rude or offensive comments may in fact be justifiable.



Those who make excessive comments are more or less automatically punished by having their views disqualified in the minds of large numbers.



Calling for courteous discourse is fine. Choosing to ignore discourteous comments is fine, too. But one person's lack of politesses may be another's justified anger.



"Ad hominem" attacks may be unpleasant, but knowing who it is who is saying what is not irrelevant. Jean-Paul Sartre once said that one should judge any statement in the light of "quel salaud l'a fait" -- "what bastard made it."



As for defining "rudeness," I think any definition is bound to be open to criticism. It seems to me that it's more like the comment of a US Supreme Court justice who once said, speaking of "pornography," "I can't define it, but I know it when I see it."



I think les salauds should be allowed to be salauds if that's what they want to be. The advantage is that by behaving that way they show themselves up for what they are, instead of hiding behind a screen of false politesse. 



If that position is liberalism run amok, so be it -- make the most of it.



Bests, Rony Koven


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