From: vanetten@unix.cie.rpi.edu (John S. Van Etten)
Subject: Re: Ferris' Postings
Organization: CIE, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 21:01:23 GMT

Russell Lawrence writes:

>From article <zb=y7+j@rpi.edu>, by vanetten@unix.cie.rpi.edu (John S. Van Etten):
>jve> However, since I am alone (other than Todd, whom I currently 
>jve> can't reach on e-mail -- any other addresses?) in my thoughts 
>jve> that the group's bandwidth can be better spent on other things, 
>jve> then I shall henceforth remain silent on the issue and forever 
>jve> hold my peace.  I've expressed my view and others feel 
>jve> differently -- so be it, the majority shall rule (as it should 
>jve> be).  
>
>The truth or falsity of an idea cannot be established by polling,
>nor should the flow of information be restricted in accordance with
>popular opinion.

I swore I would remain silent and forever hold my peace.  Alas, I must
now break that vow uttered such a short time ago.  Forgive me for
doing so, but I'm afraid I cannot idly sit by and watch Russell defame
my character in this manner.
     Russell, you imply that I wish to promote censorship of another
person's views.  You could not be more wrong, however I wouldn't have
expected you to let such an easy chance to attack an opponent slip by.
And like your parents, I'll continue to hope that, like the "Terrible
Twos" and "Fearsome Fours," this is yet another stage which you will
someday grow out of.  We can only hope, the actual maturity must come
from *you*.
     Be that as it may, let me once again state that I in no way wish
to censor Ferrell Wheeler in diseminating information.  (Why did you
feel the need to cut those words out of the text you cited, Russell?
Were they not convenient?)  I merely made the observation that he is
*not* a participant in this forum, and as such, his stuff should
probably be put in a mailing list, *where it belongs*.  But the cry of
Freedom and Censorship was heard from those that would take our meat
away.  How dare this Van Etten fellow suggest that this info be taken
out-of-band and distributed only to those that *wish* to receive it!?
     The day that Ferrell reads this group and participates in it, I
will respect him for posting here, just as I respect Rob U, and even
Russell, who both have posted the same types of literature which
Ferrell does.  Until that point in time, I will continue to except the
general view of the group that feels our bandwidth should be utilized
for his "wire service," despite the fact that I do not.  It will
always be an unnecessary abuse of the net resources, at least as I've
interpretted the netnews documentation, but if others wish to allow
it, then so be it.  I will not stand in the way of the majority
opinion, despite the fact that Russell is correct in saying that "the
truth or falsity of an idea cannot be established by polling."
     But don't call me a censor, Russell.  You're wrong.


John

--
******************************************************************************
               John S. Van Etten     vanetten@unix.cie.rpi.edu
       Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute  1000 MIPS GaAs F-RISC Project
       --"If sand didn't irritate oysters, there would be no pearls"--
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