Re: [Ed's Lynching]

["Ed Ezergailis" <moriarty>]

Finally read through most of it - holding a few Patti ideas for when the
smoke clears - Mitch, I'll discuss that hippie/punk thing soon, just don't
want a real discussion to get lost in the nonsense.......... 
I'm just laughing too hard now to type much. I gotta say I love all the
posts that go along the lines of "yes yes I'm all for freedom of speech....
BUT/However and so forth on and on". Not to mention the hypocrasy of how
frequent flamers are miffed that they or others have been flamed. This
stuff is great. 
Makes me think about hippies turning into yuppies/boomers/etc. and all that
Me Generation stuff - but more on that later.

Ed

PS - also love all that "I wouldn't ban him from the list stuff" combined
with the "please Michael list owner say or do something about this guy".
This stuff's great.

Just one example:
----------
> From: David Baer <DBaer>
> To: babel-list
> Subject: Re: [Ed's Lynching]
> Date: Wednesday, February 04, 1998 1:09 PM
> 
> I fully agree with and endorse everyone's right to free speech, even
> when it's unpopular. I also appreciate the shock value of some of the
> remarks made by this guy and that some of these may have stimulated
> discussion.
> BUT -
> I cannot get over an early remark that implied that the deaths of Fred
> Smith, et al., were great things for Patti (and her fans). I can't
> imagine anyone who considers themself a fan making a revolting remark
> like that. Correct me if I'm out of line here, but aren't people subbed
> here because they ARE fans? Did any of you join this community for the
> opportunity to see Patti Smith ridiculed?

NEVER did I ridicule Patti by the way. Fans yes, groupies no. 
Never meant to imply I was glad Fred died (think you took that out of
context - but I do hurry this stuff sometimes and make errors on occasion -
ask for clarity instead of sniping next time). BUT great art is often born
of tragedy and suffering. That was the idea for what its worth.

> ALSO - 
> The right and liberty of free speech only works when all the parties
> agree to abide by some basic rules - a fundamental aspect of
> civilization. For example, everyone must agree to treat each other with
> appropriate respect. Whether or not there is conflict over specific
> topics is not the issue here. IMHO, the right to speak freely goes out
> the window when one party violates the agreement to be respectful of
> those with conflicting ideas. I have seen a couple of heated moments
> between list members before, but this is the only time I 've seen anyone
> publicly hurl spontaneous vulgar personal attacks (which I won't dignify
> by reproducing quotes). There are people here that I like, dislike or am
> indifferent to, but I insist that each one must be treated with respect.
> It is everyone's duty here to preserve a basic level of mutual respect
> so that anyone can feel welcome to speak freely.
> 
> I guess it would be kind of fascist to boot this guy.

Kind of Fascist? Is that like kind of racist? Freedom and Fascism are
opposites. You decide which side you want to be on. I'm with Patti.

 I agree with
> Sonic5 about the power of choice vis a vis just hitting the delete
> button. I just wonder if it's naive to afford the privilege of free
> speech to someone who refuses to treat others with any minimum amount of
> respect. 
>