gamiddleton (02/09/83)
This may sound trite, but I agree with the following, commonly attributed to Voltaire: "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
porges (02/13/83)
#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
blk (02/23/83)
Forgive me being emphatic and perhaps controversial, but - *Anyone* who is not willing to speak up on issues they feel strongly about is undermining the principles of freedom of speech. If we don't want rules and regulations governing our speech or our office decorations etc., there *must* be interpersonal feedback! (Sorry, I'm Californian. I refer to complaining and bitchin'.) Quoting Voltaire is nice, but let's not forget the responsibility this attitude implies. I conclude that a co-worker can put up anything he or she wants if noone objects. The situation with an overbearing boss is different, but this situation is different in many many ways. If someone here had been traumatized by horses when young, I would take down that beautiful pastoral scene. Why should it be any different with naked bodies? I submit that this also applies to our lengthy and slightly ridiculous discussion about opening doors. Yes? No? -brian