As Voltaire said: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it". This was the Fred Voltaire who used to work in my local garage. Although I don't think that he was ever a member here - it is a principle that I had always believed was shared by most contributors………..

Tried this before but only made things worse
Never before have I tried it in verse
Might be a foolish hope I know
Perhaps our forum can be allowed to grow?

Will we never learn from the pain?
Making the same mistakes again and again?
We know the answer is toleration
And abuse is abuse, whatever the justification

The abusive post is of course taboo
Except when it comes from the chosen few
A place where the double standard rules
Where kings are being made of fools

Praise the vision of our creator
Not the bully, clone nor moderator
He created this garden and cannot today
Understand why we just can't go out and play

The dream was a forum for sisters and brothers
Not a freedom for one, being denied to others
Open to all – that was the plan
Not just a few - a clique or a clan

But that still is the plan – guests ARE invited!
If we set the example – we can all be united
I think this welcome is often hollow
The example being set - not one to follow

It is not who is saying it but what is being said
All that is lost – when you close down a thread
Respect every post – as if it were your friend
One you would always be prepared to defend.

Post what you like – ignore what you don't
If you don't abuse- perhaps others won't
Encourage the positive – just ignore what is not
Share out the ration – don't piss in the pot.

Agree, disagree or make no reaction
Just never ask for editing action
Save these requests for your own posts
Don't waste time hunting witches and ghosts.

This thead is probably example enough but the following link is to a thread setting the example of our appointees having fun - undertaking the the 'witchhunt'.
Forums Discussion Groups

This one is where a member was (wrongly) accused by Joe Offer of making anonymous abusive postings.
Guest postings This thread was also closed, when active, by an unknown nominee - for reasons that remain unknown - and later re-opened. Joe will you never inform us who did this and why this action was thought by them to be necessary? What purpose can be served by keeping this information a secret, in the face of many requests for it to be provided?

Was it closed because it was considered by them to be an 'Anti-Mudcat' thread?