YOU HAVE BEEN NUKED

As I have stated in a previous blog, I am an avid reader of the Sun-Sentinel Political blog put forth by Brittany Wallman, Scott Wyman and Anthony Mann. Clear and concise representations of the political goings on in Broward County. The public is invited to comment as they see fit. Well to a point.

Many if not most of the comments are of a civil and respectful nature. A small number of posters run the gambit of rude to downright offensive. In a post I wrote back in March titled Freedom of speech not freedom to vilify I defended the poster Robert Walsh. For some reason unbeknownst to me, Mr. Walsh attacked me and posted personal information about myself. I spoke to the Sun-Sentinel writer, and in consultation with his senior editors that particular post was removed.

Mr. Walsh's postings in the past have been civil if not entertaining. Recently, he started spewing hateful homophobic remarks directed at a sitting County Commissioner, hateful comments towards a nationally recognized citizen activist, and the leader of the statewide LGBT Democrats amongst others. His posts put him over the edge with the Sun-Sentinel editors. In a decision, for which I am sure did not come easy, the editors took what can best be described as the "nuclear option" and has barred Mr. Walsh completely from posting any comments on the Political blog. (applause applause)

When his previous posts were taken down, Mr. Walsh cried "censorship". Is barring Mr. Walsh censorship? I think not. Like this blog, the Sun Sentinel Political Blog is the private domain of a private company. The content, and any comments fall under the guidelines and controls set by the Sun-Sentinel. The removal of offensive, if not hateful comments is commendable.

I would like to make a few suggestions to the Sun Sentinel. Require a log-in complete with real name and confirmable e mail address. Once confirmed, the poster would then be allowed to comment using a pseudonym, but at least that person can be traced by the Sun Sentinel. Should a comment be deemed removable, the poster should receive a warning, then if offensive postings continue the nuclear option can be applied. Now would be a good time for the Sun Sentinel to post their netiquette for a civil discussion. Everyone should be given a fair chance.

So to Homo Agenda #15, STFU and the other haters on the Political Blog, I say tread lightly as one day you will hear "you have been nuked".