wrote:   
      
      
   >    
   > Also, a word of note.  Some folks get "freedom of speech" and   
   > "freedom of the press" confused.  The two terms are not synonymous.   
   > The First Amendment of the US Constitution states four freedoms -   
   >    
   > 1. Religion   
   > 2. Freedom of Speech and of the Press   
   > 3. The Right to Peaceably Assemble   
   > 4. The Right to Petition the Government for Redress (correction)   
   >   of Grievances   
   >    
   > All of these rights concern freedom of the mind and conscience.   
   >    
   > Let's see what you can come up with in regards to Fidonews (and/or   
   > other echos) and Fidonet.  All are welcome to chime in as well with   
   > their own thoughts.   
      
   I'll chime in....   
      
   I am not familiar with any ownership rights that FidoNet may have (guess I    
   need to read the docs again), however freedom of speech is not a right on    
   Fidonet or any other public but privately owned computer network.  Example:    
   I run a BBS, it is a public forum, however it belongs to me and I dictate    
   policy.. Same thing goes when posting messages on any website..the websites    
   owner decides what language is allowed and who is allowed to view or post on    
   it.  My BBS is part of the FidoNet network, I agreed when I signed up to    
   follow the policies as set forth by the FidoNet administration and as such    
   the users of my BBS are bound by that same agreement.  Bottom line...    
   Freedom of speech is not guaranteed on the private property of others...be    
   it their backyard or thier computer network forums.   
      
   > Could be an interesting thread.  ;)   
      
   I'm sure someone is going to disagree.... and they do have the right to do    
   so... but, if the Moderator says to cease, we cease.  We've all agreed to    
   FidoNet's policy.  Through our use of this system alone, whether we've read    
   the rule or not, we agree to abide by the rules as set forth in the FidoNet    
   policy4 document..   
      
   Do you agree?   
      
   That's just my 2 cents...You can keep the Change!   
      
   --    
      
   Nicholas Loch (Fat Rastus) | Electronic Warfare BBS    
   telnet://ewbbs.synchro.net | http://ewbbs.fatrastus.com   
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