Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!ra!Ra.MsState.Edu!fwp1 From: fwp1@CC.MsState.Edu (Frank Peters) Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk Subject: Re: Censorship on the USENET Message-ID: Date: 2 Nov 90 17:18:53 GMT References: <1990Nov01.064916.19218@looking.on.ca> <1990Nov02.044428.2834@looking.on.ca> <1990Nov2.141012.25200@ncsuvx.ncsu.edu> Sender: usenet@ra.MsState.Edu Distribution: na Organization: Computing Center, Mississippi State University Lines: 42 Nntp-Posting-Host: tzu.cc.msstate.edu In-reply-to: hes@ccvr1.ncsu.edu's message of 2 Nov 90 14:10:12 GMT In article <1990Nov2.141012.25200@ncsuvx.ncsu.edu> hes@ccvr1.ncsu.edu (Henry E. Schaffer) writes: In article <1990Nov02.044428.2834@looking.on.ca> brad@looking.on.ca (Brad Templeton) writes: >Censorship does indeed require violence, in the extended sense, where >"don't print that or we will put you in jail" is violence (the >threat thereof) even if no actual violent acts take place because >the repressed publisher complies. In the public sector, plus private universities, censorship can be done by cutting off funding or threatening to cut off funding. The recent flap about the NEA fits under this heading. I don't see how this type of censorship fits the "violence" description in any way. What you have described is not censorship. If I (or your university or your government) refuse to help you buy or publish a book or record or work of art or whatever that is a policy decision. It is NOT censorship. It is simply saying "if you want to use my resources you play by my rules." It may be a poor policy decision. It may not be in the best interests of the people represented. It may be against the proper goals of an institution of higher learning (in the case of a university) or against the best interests of the citizens (in the case of a government). It may be foolish and ignorant and stubborn and mean spirited but IT IS NOT CENSORSHIP. You can still go out and seek other sources of funding. In the case of USENET you can get an account on a public access system. In the case of art you can seek out private patrons. In all cases you can seek to change the policy through exercising your right to vote, petitions, boycotts, advertizements in university, local or national newspapers or lots of annoying phone calls (well, maybe that last could be construed as harassment and be restricted). If I (or your university or your government) try to prevent you from doing any of the above with your own time and money and materials (or from seeking out others willing to provide you with such resources) then THAT would be censorship...and, as Brad indicated, is probably only possible through violence or threat of violence. FWP -- -- Frank Peters Internet: fwp1@CC.MsState.Edu Bitnet: FWP1@MsState Phone: (601)325-2942 FAX: (601)325-8921