Brian, in the hierarchy of values, freedom of speech rates higher than anti-racism.... This is because racism comes with a right of reply, whereas, suppression does not.

So, if you are going to run the forum on 'principles' please remember which principles trump others.

Sappho wrote on May 4^th, 2013 at 8:35am:


As I've said, with every right comes a responsibility.  I'd prefer not to see any rules imposed but anarchy simply doesn't work and absolute freedom of speech has its own problems.   Something even the supposed absolute bastion of the right acknowledges in its Supreme Court judgements.

We've see what the old D&R looked like and IMHO it was pretty ugly place.   It scared off any potential new recruits and it had simply become place where those who couldn't act in a responsible, adult way had free reign for their petty sniping.

Now, it is your choice, either you can give the new rules a chance or you won't.  If you don't, I will be both sorry to see you go and be sorry that you wouldn't rise to the challenge they offer.  Surely even you could discuss issues without resorting to unnecessary, offensive comments?

I am returned to the world after a brief exile in the wilds of (soon to be independent) Scotland. Good to see so many of the old gang have showed up. The new DR will have my patronage as soon as I am able to get signed up.