The discussion currently run amock on this network is, in my mind, heartening. What is being debated here is nothing short of a debate on the nature of the society we would like to be living in.
Sustainable agriculture is a piece of the vision, as is freedom of speech.
To advocate limiting the discourse to verified scientific, peer-reviewed information is to silence the voices of many users who have valid and important points to make in these discussions. To advocate that networks be run in this fashion is to advocate the imposition of a stratified heirarchical virtual society. As users of telecommunication technologies, we all bear a responsibility towards the way in which the technology is utilized, disseminated, and controlled. As well, we have a responsibility to assure wide-spread access to this technology. I question whether the networks, as currently operating, are accessible to all people.