The Code of Silence

Hello Everyone

Someone mentioned my article, The Code of Silence, and how it applied to the current climate on the BB.

I thought about it, and asked myself, "Am I really trying to silence opposing opinions?"

After reflection, and re-reading the article that I wrote, I must conclude that I am in no way trying to silence opposing views. However, I am definitely trying to win, and show that my views are "right," and those that oppose me are "wrong." Note, I did not say that any view other than my own is wrong. I don't believe that, and have never thought it. I am saying that there are some who vigorously oppose certain views that I strongly hold. When I contend with these people, I do so earnestly, with the intent of winning.

Under the Code of Silence, people who have opposing views would have their user accounts deleted, and would be banned from the forum. In addition, their names would be slandered while they were not able to respond.

Here, no such thing is happening. First of all, in the Assembly, opposing views would never have been allowed to be spoken out loud. Secondly, someone who vigorously disagreed would not be allowed to fellowship any longer. They would have been excommunicated.

No one on this BB has been excommunicated, ever. In fact, the people who are most opposed to me are some of the leading posters. I may make their posterhood miserable, but I have never, ever forced them to leave, or attempted to silence them in any way.

No one has been run off this forum, ever. Plenty of people have drifted off, left in a huff, or moved on for a variety of reasons, but no one has ever been silenced, Assembly-style.

While I am quite disturbed by the stands taken by some people, I want to go on record as saying that in no way do I wish anyone would leave, or even be silent. I would much rather have a chance to persuade them, or to have their arguments rendered impotent, than to silence them.

Also, I am only Admin for a temporary time period. The reason has to do with the St. Louis sister thing, and a few others.

Laurie and St. Louis sister's IP's definitely match, they are indeed one and the same person.

A few other IP's of different users also match, but there is no reason to name any names, as they were not involved with slander and libel.

If you have any questions about any of this, please email me.

You also have my word that I am going to make an attempt to avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, and concentrate solely on edifying topics.

Brent