Dear Joe,

For the life of me, I can't see how you can make the statement This is supposed to be an open forum, a place where people can free to express ideas" and then turn around and say "So, shut up, already". It sure looks like a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

I haven't even read the 'folk nazi' thread, so I believe that you're mixing your apples and oranges on that one.

I agree wholeheartedly that none of us here on the Mudcat should bully anyone into silence -- and that includes yourself. I haven't told anyone on this thread or the other thread to be silent. I have expressed my ideas about this song, which I do know, and I never told anyone not to post the lyrics. If you'll read the other thread, I even thanked the original poster for requesting the lyrics.

My posts on this thread, however, have been to express my ideas about how some people seem to think that they can simply 'dismiss' anyone that disagrees with them. I reacted to Branwen's 'I am not amused' attitude in her comment of 'how silly', and I had a perfect right to do so. If she had not written those two words, in fact, I never would have posted to this thread at all.

I wholly agree with you that this is an open forum, and please God that it always remains so. The best way to effect change will always be through discussion and debate. However, it is Max that has the last say about who is told to shut up, and not yourself.

I've re-read the other thread, and I can't see where anyone was threatened, bullied or intimidated. Unfortunately, some people believe that anyone who disagrees with them, especially when that disagreement is emotional and strongly worded, is out to bully them. That is entirely a subjective reaction and cannot be determined by anyone, except the person reacting to the disagreement.

-- Áine