Freedom of speech is a hallmark of democratic society. It was important enough that our founding fathers spelled it out fairly succinctly in the FIRST amendment to the Constitution (not somewhere near the end of the amendments). It is important because freedom of expression is one of the tools that a liberated people can use to prevent oppression and injustice and to assure the survival of democracy. It obviously comes with a price tag. Citizens will sometimes be exposed to opinions and viewpoints with which they do not agree. But it’s a small price to pay for freedom. On the other hand, people talk about free speech, but fail to recognize that freedom of speech does not cover what a private enterprise can and should allow. In case we’ve all forgotten the first amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Nowhere does it say that freedom of speech is protected in a private, non-governmental enterprise. The Supreme Court has generally agreed with this theory. If this forum is a private enterprise, and not a publicly sponsored enterprise, some censorship, or "moderation" as some on this forum like to use in its place to try to soften their position, seems to me acceptable. But which is it? J South **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000002) ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html