CompuServe Messages

Tom (what is the "cout<<"Sir, I exist." thing? I didn't get it…) Hmm, having been known to be ill-mannered from time to time I have to agree with your argument. On the other hand, that argument also cuts both ways (i.e., coercing someone into a mode of behaviour that they find objectionable is also ill-mannered…it just isn't as visible because it's based on something that didn't take place, rather than something that did). However, I would most vehemently object to barring/banning a communication based on its being ill-mannered. 'Ill-mannered' is too much in the eye of the beholder. This reminds me of Voltaire's famous comment: "I do not agree with what you are saying but I will defend to the death your right to say it." That's kind of the bottom-line on what freedom of speech means, to me at least. And if it doesn't apply to ill-mannered communications I don't know what does. – Mark