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On 11/24/10 2:06 AM, Frank Reed wrote:
> See?? From thousands of miles away, I CAUSED you all to think of a
> telescope, probably several in fact. You couldn't help yourself! As soon
> as you read my words, an image was conjured up in your brains That is
> the extent of my power over NavList. I can make you think by using words.

I was formerly an active member of the list.  Life circumstances have
dictated the bulk of my energy be directed to pragmatic issues.

I do continue to "lurk." (Which sounds too much like a "Peeping Tom"-- a
US of A term for someone hiding in the bushes and watching people
through windows.) I have interacted on the list with most of the regular
contributors and have glimpses into more recent contributors (too often
a use of the word "contributor" I am unfamiliar with) and despite
personality/philosophical differences have found the exchanges to be
helpful and good learning experiences.

The current thread distresses me. It is to much like politics
(especially in the United States for a long while now) where the goal is
not to improve the nation's condition, but rather to sully the
opposition to again gain favor/control and screw things up further.

PRAGMATICALLY

You knew this was a moderated group when you joined. What's the gripe?
Even democratic societies that support free speech draw the line on
disruptive behavior at some point.

OPINION

I personally could not ask for a better moderator than Frank Reed.  He
allows the boys to play despite fouls, shrugs off continued personal
attacks by those that would be alpha dog but lack the credentials, and
provides scientifically sound answers and rebuttals.

At some point, gross "unsportsmanlike like" conduct must come to an end.
If I find any fault, Frank has been too lenient.  In the past,
fouls--intentional or not--have been committed.  To the credit of the
list members, apologies have been made and fences have been mended.
Continued flaming is not an option as I see it. Personal attacks are
unacceptable.

Regarding Frank's assertion, "I can make you think by using words," I
caution him.  As I posted on 23 June, 2005, "Careful George. 'If you
make people think they are thinking, they will love you; but if you make
people really think, they will hate you.'   I do not
know the source of the quote, but have always liked it and valued people
who do not resent being made to think."

On the flip side of the coin, be thankful for the burden Frank's
censorship has lifted from our collective backs.

To quote P. J. O'Rourke, a regular contributor to "National Lampoon" and
usually regarded as a humorist, "Authority has always attracted the
lowest elements in the human race. All through history, mankind has been
bullied by scum. Those who lord it over their fellows and toss commands
in every direction and would boss the grass in the meadow about which
way to bend in the wind are the most depraved kind of prostitutes. They
will submit to any indignity, perform any vile act, do anything to
achieve power. The worst off-sloughings of the planet are the
ingredients of sovereignty. Every government is a parliament of wh_res.
The trouble is, in a democracy the wh_res are us."

Frank's jack-booted hijacking of Douglas Denny's alleged manifesto may
have denied us our democratic right of censoring him ourselves. Bring it
on Frank.

I must toddle along now and feed my Sea Monkeys (or brine shrimp as the
case may be).  If you don't get it, Google it.

Bill B.

   

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