Every tyrant who has lived has believed in freedom - for himself. ~Elbert Hubbard, author (1856-1915)
In my opinion, the recent controversy within the blogging community was not a waste of time. We learned we each felt strongly about important issues — freedom of speech, the value of dissent, the control of the conversation, the use of satire, the difference between the individual and the idea, even niceness and meanness. Besides seeing a little into people’s hearts and minds, I believe we will see positive change. I believe the practice of attacking people, as opposed to ideas, institutions or companies, will decrease.
We will begin to realize that if we want a true community, we will have to respect that bloggers, like all writers throughout history, are artists. You may not like the art but, for their sake, allow the artist his or her freedom of expression without resort to petty personal insult or name-calling. (Yes, it is your right to name-call but if you dish it, don’t deny others the right to give it back to you in kind.)
Finally, we must understand that intellect without compassion is not a noble trait. It is the mark of tyrants.
[Author’s Note: I have disabled comments. Make of it what you will.]
