... on the ChipBoard, Chuck.

>> Is there anyone who traverses this Board pleased with the fact that a
>> contributor has reported that he is being sued for things he said on this
>> Board while exercising his free-speech rights? It's a sad day for the hobby!

Freedom of Speech is a concept that has application only with respect to governmental action. Unless Michael Powell and the FCC come in here and try to control the content of our posts, the First Amendment doesn't apply. Greg has the absolute right to determine what content he will permit (or not permit) on the board. He can impose any "borders", "controls" or "limits" he chooses and such restrictions would not implicate free speech rights at all.

>> I advocate: BORDERS - CONTROLS - LIMITS
>> not the abatement of free speech.

With respect to the First Amendment, however, I do disagree, philosphically, with the idea that "borders", "controls" or "limits" can be imposed without "abatement of free speech". I am a Hugo Black "absolutist" when it comes to the First Amendment. It says "Congress shall pass no law abridging" freedom of speech. That constitutional provision applies to governmental sub-divisions (states, counties, cities, etc.) through the due process clause of the 14th Amendment. Any governmental "border", "control" or "limit" on speech, it seems to me, "abridges" free speech within the meaning of the First Amendment.

Prohibiting the "abridging" of free speech, however, does not mean "no consequences" for the exercise of that right, when doing so causes harm to another. Thus, for example, no governmental law, rule, court decision, etc., can prevent someone from making a statement which is libelous. Once that statement is made, however, the person making it (with some specific exceptions) can be held liable for the resulting harm. Ditto any other harm which results from the exercise of free speech.

As I said above, however, all of this has no application to the ChipBoard. I have said before and repeat here that I will fully support (and abide by) any restrictions Greg chooses to impose on the content of ChipBoard messages. I would prefer that he continue the current unrestricted content policy, but will support any decision he makes on the issue.

----- jim o\-S