| From: | Bruce Eggum <bruce.eggum(at)gmail.com> |
|---|---|
| Date: | Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:42:06 -0500 |
| Subject: | Is Free Speech FREE? |
Vijayaraghavan, Giorgio, Martin, WDDM members,
Is free speech Free?
Free speech
sounds like a given, as though it is without “rules”. However, the people have
long had rules of engagement, even in war. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rules_of_engagement
In discussions there are rules limiting false accusations, name calling and character
assignation of your opponent. Without rules, people would likely fall back on
physical confrontation.
Parliamentary
procedure is rules of argument.
Charles rules of Argument are here and contain some things to consider; http://fishbowl.pastiche.org/2004/03/21/charles_rules_of_argument/
I have long agreed with Bernard’s idea of local groups making decisions for their own community. Bernard’s Phoenix is excellent, it has rules, a moderator; discussion has a procedure to follow. http://www.planet-thanet.fsnet.co.uk/phoenix/index.htm Whoever joins Phoenix, agrees to these “rules of argument” and it is a sensible way to proceed. Any “local group” will likely develop its own “rules of argument”.
WDDM is no different, we need to develop “rules of argument”, and follow some procedure in making decisions. [Necessary for Democracy] Often one person’s model is adopted by vote, or the group can discuss individual procedures and adopt them. However, it is necessary that procedures and rules of argument exist. Undefined process such as be “polite” or discuss in a “civil manner” are useless for “guidelines”. Once process is determined and adopted by democratic procedures, it must be followed. Moderators are used to enforce the procedures.
Sincerely, Bruce