Re: [atlarge-discuss] tone of debate...

["Ron Sherwood" <sherwood@islands.vi>]

Paul wrote:

> I accept that I have not conducted a scientific study,
> and the garbage I've seen may not be representative of
> the list as a whole.  But I suspect that many would-be
> members and supporters will be put off by this sort
> of abusive carry on.

    How right you are, Paul.

    It is sad that such an important (may I say, imperative) need to bring
together a representative leadership for netizens at-large, must suffer the
noise and bad graces of those incapable of civilized discourse.

    Unfortunately, democracy, in it's truest form, is subject to the noise
generated by the lowest common denominator.  The fact that much good talent
is lost to the worlds political democracies for lack of a thick skin is
simply that, a fact.  Complaining about the phenomenon, unfortunately, does
not change the situation and we are left to choose among only those who are
sufficiently dedicated, or insensitive enough, to be able to swim in the
filth.  I, for one, wish it were different...  but am resigned to the fact
that it is not.

    If you, and I, were prepared to delete all postings from those whose
social disposition requires that they use gutter language, misogyny and
bully tactics to make a point, we would likely find more time and a greater
inclination to read the thoughts of others.  Unfortunately, we would also
miss out on a set of voices that are as much a part of the netcitizenry as
are we.  That, sir, is the price of democracy.

Ron Sherwood



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