Bradley Burston: The talkbacker as terrorist
Talkback
Title: Cyber warfare isn`t for wall flowers Name: American in NY City: State:
I disagree that TB is a waste or that it does not serve a useful purpose. I think that TB is useful. Although It may not be obvious. 1. There are a few TalkBackers that are very intelligent, obviously very talented and knowledgeable. It can be very informative to read their point of view and also to observe the reactions and arguments to their posts. 2. There are also many others who are actually well intentioned and willing to exchange views or question the arguments of those with opposing views. This also can be very heated. 3. Then there are those that want to impose their views and if possible prevent an opposing view from being expressed. If this were a public meeting it would probably turn into a brawl. This is the crowd that you point out. I find it interesting that the bitterest arguments frequently occur between two parties that are on the same racial/religious side of the argument. For example, Jewish moderates and Jewish extremists. It seems that the most vilified posters are those promoting peace. The most vocal and vicious are those advocating a more belligerent and aggressive policy for Israel. Another group that falls automatically into the anti-Semite category are Americans who do not support Israel, regardless of why. I find this amusing. But also, indicative of the third category mentioned. Censorship in almost any form goes against my grain and I do not think would change anything. However, censorship would be appropriate at times when there are vulgar attacks or in cases where someone uses another person?s alias to corrupt the discussion. TB tends to be self regulating. Some people do not post to others or do not respond. Not everyone attempts to engage everyone else. This is real life, these are real people and they are representative of the views that are commonly held by significant segments of the population around the world. I say let the games continue.