Be careful what you wish for...you may get it!  That's the old saying, right?  It appears to me (and I'm sure they'll correct me if I'm wrong) that a number of members, including AzHacker, have been switched to moderated status, probably as a result of some recent rather personal exchanges, and complaints about those exchanges.  Despite the fact that they probably deserved it, I think this board is worse off for it!

I believe Voltaire said, "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."  IMHO, this community does a pretty good job of responding to inappropriate posts, and we often cyber-shun those who just talk too much.  (Don't you just love it when a loudmouth's post shows that it's been read by less than 100 people?)

So, on the day where we honor those who fight for our freedoms abroad, let's not forget our own responsbility to defend them at home.  We're living in an age when dissent is painted as unpatriotic.  I say dissent is a patriot's duty!  I also say, let the marketplace regulate the speech on this board.

That's just one (liberal progressive)Patriot's $.02-worth.

[Edited to correct attribution of quote]

-- Modified on 11/12/2005 9:07:20 AM

I hope not.  I would like to think everyone is too busy having fun.

of participation, and we're obviously in a slump right now, but even if we weren't, I think there's something to be said for not having Big Brother regulating communication.  I think most people on this board are probably social libertarians, and it's hard to see how one can believe in personal sexual freedom in the bedroom but not believe in freedom of speech when talking about the bedroom.

I have to admit, however, that I'm surprised to not have seen any replies on this thread from either AZHacker's defenders or detractors.  Am I the only one missing his banter?  [Excuse me while I wipe a tear...I'm getting verklempt.]

I miss it, too.  Kept the board lively.

As one who has been the subject of a few of Azhackers empty barbs I don’t miss him at all.  If the speculation is correct and he has become moderated, there never was a better example of someone who was more deserving of such an action. Sad thing is it’s not so much his message as his method of debate which warrants such action, generally nasty, always predictable and more often than not laced with some sort of personal attack designed to belittle and undermine his target.  This behavior is very offensive and it does little to advance your ideas within a discourse.  For those who find train wrecks looking for a place to happen entertaining I’m sorry for your loss.  But take heart, this is a common tactic and no doubt someone will rise to fill the void as power abhors a vacuum.