Love-Hounds-request@GAFFA.MIT.EDU (08/11/89)
Really-From: Pete Hartman <bradley!bucc2!pwh@uxc.cso.uiuc.edu> I believe we've had the violent arguments over Riech already. I'll grant this: he was not a good scientist in the normal sense. Perhaps he even "deserved" going to jail for selling worthless cures. HE DID NOT DESERVE HAVING HIS BOOKS BURNED. That is the only reason I defend him at all--it is outrageous that this country, based on "free speech" got away with burning his notebooks indiscriminately and without a peep of protest from anyone but his "fanatical followers". And good old Marty Gardner. I used to respect the man. But he has been Enlightened About The Truth, and so book burning is glossed over; apparently free speech isn't necessary if you're a nut.