So Kevin brings up the notion that people's voices have been threatened with censorship. I'm guessing that he's referring to David's rebuke of Pat's racially insensitive remarks. Which leads into the bigger point for me - which is how to deal with the Pat Thing.

For me it comes down to intent. If you're a bigot, a racist, or prejudiced against gays - that is your prerogative. And if that was the case with Pat - then I would guess that the will of the board would eventually turn him away. Which is to say that Pat would not find a nurturing community here on this board to help him strengthen those beliefs. And in the end, he would leave. But if the intent is to simply bring the words and beliefs associated with bigotry and racism to this board to rouse the rabble - then attempting to eliminate that is not censorship. Pat has publicly stated that he uses inflammatory language to get a rise out us here - and that his intentions are sometimes purely instigative.

So, again, it comes down to intent. Put yourself in my shoes for a moment. You maintain a forum where people can discuss music, politics, food, drink, and their daily going's on. Your name is linked to the site in a very public way (even more so for David). And on that site there are inciting statements being made - racist statements. Do you simply hold your tongue? And does silence make you guilty of association?

Why should I continue to maintain and support this site so someone can have fun inciting anger and vitriol? On this message board on the internet held together by people from far and wide - there is an understanding of common decency that is inherent to the board's success. When someone comes along to simply disrupt that decency for disruption's sake - then two things can happen. The board can fold or the disruption can be dealt with. I really would rather not fold the board. So it comes down to dealing with Pat - and to be honest, I don't have the answer on how to do that. Banning Pat is not possible. Deleting his posts would accomplish nothing. It just sucks that Pat feels the need to continue.

Dan