Date sent: 4-MAR-2000 15:20:08 TIPSters, The facts are: I was in the process of writing a letter to Dr. Davis warning him that his personal attacks on others were inappropriate for this list and could lead to his removal when I received a note from him asking to be removed. I sent instructions to him for his own assistance and then removed him. I then sent a note to the list indicating the Dr. Davis was no longer with us. As stated below, Dr. Davis' inaprropriate behavior was the fact he starting making personal attacks on other TIPS members. As I have stated many times, I believe it is ok to attack issues but not people. My suggestion is that we move on to the discussion of teaching. Best wishes, Bill > I think the difference in this case is that it was _specific_ list members being directly flamed, rather than offensive generalities. > > While a great deal of offense was taken by many list members concerning the >implications that Russians are cheats, that isn't what resulted in his >removal. Rather, it was his direct attacks on individuals who disagreed with >his views. > > Freedom of speech is a very important thing to me. I abhor racism, sexism, >homophobia, and anti-Semitism--but I would never call for the outright >censorship of an individual for speaking his or her opinions frankly about >any of these groups. Censorship calls for an end to communications; free >speech allows those who disagree with such bigotry to respond and present a >different viewpoint. > > On the other hand, while I support freedom of speech--that freedom does not >include the right to deliberately attack or hurt individuals. The concept >that "your right to swing your fist ends at the tip of my nose" applies here >very precisely. It's one thing to speak in generalities which can result in >productive dialog from others who disagree--it's another thing altogether to >insult and attack individuals. The difference is a clear one and when the >line is crossed and deliberate flames are posted, it is definitely time for >the list owner to take a part in resolving the issue. > > I applaud Bill for ending the problem. > > Rick > > > >-----Original Message----- >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On >Behalf Of Gary Klatsky >Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2000 12:36 PM >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: RE: recent TIPs behaviour (long) > > >I wasn't going to enter into this discussion but was provoked by the trash >talk from the opponents in my 12 year old son's soccer game. The question I >have is what is offensive speech. I find it interesting that recent >anti-Semitic remarks were defended in terms of freedom of speech while >everyone is vilifying Dr. Davis and cheering his expulsion from the list. >Yes his comments were offensive, inappropriate for a professional list >server, but the comments that resulted in the greatest reaction were made >after he was removed. I found those previous anti-Semitic comments just as >offensive. I'm still waiting to learn what provoked the list-owner from >taking action. What types of comments are deemed appropriate or protected by >the 4th amendment and what types of comments warrant expulsion from the >list. >Gary J. Klatsky >Department of Psychology [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Oswego State University (SUNY) http://www.oswego.edu/~klatsky >Oswego, NY 13126 Voice: (315) 341 3474 > > > ********************************************************************** * * * TIPS LISTOWNER - CONTACT DIRECTLY IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS * * BILL SOUTHERLY INTERNET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * DEPT. OF PSYCHOLOGY [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * FROSTBURG, MARYLAND USA 21532 PHONE : (301) 687-4778 * * * **********************************************************************
