I tried to put this at the end, but the line simply kept lengthening.
First, I think the list should be open to all, with the proviso that
persistent disrupters, after warning, should be excluded. This should
provide for maximum opportunity for dialogue yet prevent abuses. This
seems easier on most of us than refraining from replying (for some
perpetually hope for a breakthrough to rationality) and individually
using "delete." Second, it is unfortunate that some folks are so petty
that they cannot stand views dissonant with theirs. If I had not
tolerated material with which, at the time, I strongly disagreed, I'd
still be as ignorant as when I started out. I keep running across stuff
that makes me say, "He may be right," or even, "She's got something
there." I have also discovered that some things that don't touch me are
highly relevant to others. So I rejoice in all who join the discussion
genteelly.
Dave
On Mon, 17 Sep 2001 08:00:27 -0400 "Jack Haas" <haasJ@mediaone.net>
writes in part:
Greetings:
I have been concerned with some discussion on the ASA list in the recent
period. As one of the founders of the group I hoped that it would not end
up at the rhetorical level of much (not all) of talk.origins.
Until recently we have done reasonably well. On occasion, people have
admitted that they were wrong or apologized when they went too far.
Today, the list of contributors is, perhaps, more narrow than is healthy.
I am more disturbed by the disruptive contributions of one or two non-ASA
people who have severe mental problems. Private expressions of concern
have had no effect on those with a 'mission.'
Some are asking whether this sort of rhetoric should be part of a list
supported by a Christian organization. One person has resigned from the
ASA membership in protest. Do we risk failing in 'our mission?'
How should we deal with disruptive participants?
Remember that we are a un-moderated list which allows anyone to join and
participate - without censorship.
Jack Haas
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