RB> Mr. Moderator, the above is a hazard to this echo in particular and
 RB> potentially the entire FIDO system in general. Theorhetically any
 RB> oppponent to the above candidate can ask for equal time on this
 RB> medium. Impossible to  verify, of course. So, said candidate could
 RB> ask the ACLU to intercede, and  those folks, not knowing the ins
 RB> and outs of FIDO, would apply sledgehammer  tactics and just close
 RB> down FORLE, possibly all of FIDO US, just to make sure that no
 RB> candidate had an unfair advantage.
 
 RB> This is not a joke. This is a crisis. If this situation is not
 RB> corrected, we  will see system operators getting their systems
 RB> confiscated in the name of  "fairness" on a scale that makes the
 RB> Steve Jackson raid look like a schoolyard bully stealing a kid's
 RB> candy. All from an action not completely thought through by a
 RB> would-be politician.
 MF> No, Roland, it is not a joke.  It could very well be an over-reaction,
 MF> though.  Remember that, at this point in time, Mike is only
 MF> technically a candidate  for anything (unless he has publically
 MF> declared). I can't speak for Robert,  but I do not see anything wrong
 MF> in someone asking for advice in the echo.
Therein we disagree, as I see it as Angwin using a neutral platform as a
campaigning channel. I will wait for Robert to weigh in on this.
 MF> I  see it as being very much
 MF> in the spirit of what Rush espouses in his writings  and radio program,
 MF> since I see him as wanting very much for we the people to  be actively
 MF> involved in our government. 
I do not think Rush wanted to see a politically based destruction of FIDO US.
Especially using an echo devoted to conversation of HIS show and writings as 
the starting point for said destruction. 
I did not expect to see such a glaring threat to be so lightly taken. But I 
will be content to wait for further reactions. But not forever. My Sysop has
provided me with FIDO Policy files, and I shall peruse them. I would STRONGLY
recommend all the regular usership here to do likewise. Clearly this violator
has not, or this situation would not have arisen. Further, I will be working 
on AOL to open a backup FORLE if it becomes necessary, and contacting the 
folks at Electronic Freedom Front for counsel. 
Jan 15, 1201 hours EST
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