Are Legal Members of the ISP-Webhosting list discuss a recent court ruling in which a federal judge found that port scans cause no damange. You would think they would consult with someone that actually knew what a port scan was. But they figured, 'Hmm port scan, that must scan ports. I doubt it, unless you actually enter. But the intent is still pretty clear.
Port scanners scan ports on a particular machine or group of machines.
Web browsers scan port 80 on every URL you type into the address bar. Remember, the Internet is a public place, not a private residence or car. If you're on the Internet, we have a right to visit. I believe he saved us a great amount of unnecessary work and headache in the future, chasing down bogus security breaches or breaches that never really happened. If you prevent port scanning, you effectively remove a useful tool for enhancing network security.