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From: mmar@sphinx.UChicago.UUCP (Mitchell Marks)
Newsgroups: net.legal,net.politics
Subject: Re: corporal punishment in schools (and ACLU)
Message-ID: <1075@sphinx.UChicago.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 30-Aug-85 05:06:26 EDT
Article-I.D.: sphinx.1075
Posted: Fri Aug 30 05:06:26 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 31-Aug-85 08:28:49 EDT
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Organization: U Chicago -- Linguistics Dept
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>P.S.  What also bothers me is the ACLU, based on an admittedly small amount
>of information from reading the newspapers.


Like Tom Benson (who posted the original concerned note about corporal
punishment), I'm an ACLU member.  I think their positions have been
consistent, vigorous, and worthwhile -- within the limits imposed on
any organization that has a diverse membership and a long history.
Taken all in all, I'd say they're one of the very best of the political
or quasi-political organizations in American life.
	So, what bothers you about the ACLU?  Let's try for a calm,
serious discussion of this, abstaining from flamage all around.  Since
you offered the criticism, it's your option to set the agenda.  But to
save time, let me propose some topics and ask whether net readers object
to ACLU positions or activities in any of these areas:

1.  Defense of free speech for unpopular or unsavory people and groups
    (e.g. Nazis).

2.  Emphasis on `establishment clause' before `free exercise' clause in
    freedom of religion (e.g. civic-sponsored Christmas displays).

3.  Rights of suspects.

4.  Family and government -- in re Walter Polovchak.

Of course the list remains open for whatever you'd like to bring up.  I
don't promise to defend them 100%, but I do think usually the ACLU position
makes sense.
-- 

            -- Mitch Marks @ UChicago 
               ...ihnp4!gargoyle!sphinx!mmar