From: utzoo!decvax!cca!ima!inmet!porges Newsgroups: net.social Title: Re: words and actions - (nf) Article-I.D.: inmet.17 Posted: Sun Feb 13 03:22:55 1983 Received: Wed Feb 16 02:57:46 1983 #R:watcgl:-17800:inmet:8300001:000:1110 inmet!porges Feb 11 13:01:00 1983 [Context: we're talking about women who are offended by girlie posters, right?] Your notorious Voltaire quote misses the point, I think, and it's a point that causes a lot of needless argument. To the best of my understanding Voltaire would defend your legal right to say something, that is not to be imprisoned for *lese majesty* (sp?) by the state. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with social pressure at all -- in fact, that's what free-speech advocates are banking on, that in an open environment what is "accepted" and "not accepted" be chosen by consesnsus. (Don't misinterpret this as a recommendation for mob rule and mob veto.) This distinction is also behind a lot of left/right political argument. A lot of it comes down to "I have a [legal] right to....[charge as much money for heating oil as I can get" and the correct response from the left would be "Yes, you have a *legal* right to be a %%#$$#". The same thing works if you switch the sides and the issues. Ready for flame! -- Don Porges ...harpo!inmet!porges ...hplabs!sri-unix!cca!ima!inmet!porges