Russell McMahon wrote:
> Olin's stated aims, previously and above, are to use confrontation and
> "verbal violence" to not only bring to somebody's attention the
> paucity of their position but also to drive off those who he perceives
> don't belong.

Things devolved and we were talking about consulting situations, where yes,
sometimes, pointing out to the client that someone is a moron and should be
canned is the right course of action.  Obviously you can't fire people on
the PIClist, so this isn't much of a analogy.

> I rejected the one post because we had recently had a general
> altercation on list, people were somewhat sensitive and Olin was
> directing comments to a newcomer which were mild by his standards but
> which could be reasonably expected to cause him to react adversely ...

Exactly.  It is grossly unfair to blame me for saying something mild just
because you think someone else might respond inappropriately, whether you
think I'm bating him or not.  This is just plain wrong.  "Theodoric was
reading something from a book to Bazil.  I think Bazil is now going to turn
Aislinn into a witch, so Theodoric is obviously guilty and must be tied to a
stake and burned.".

"But your honor, this guy in a silver Honda Civic cut me off and it made me
so mad I just had to shoot someone.  It's not my fault.  He's the guilty
one, I'm just another victim here."

Let's get a grip on reality, folks.  Here's a heretical thought: How about
people are punished for crimes they *actually commit*, not what they are
believed to possibly cause others with their own free will to commit.

> Olin misinterpreted his use of the word 'demand"

I didn't misinterpret it.  This is a english language list.  He misused it,
although apparently in honest error.  I don't speak french and can't be
expected to guess at all the possible misinterpretations of what appeared to
be a rather clear statement.  I told him he was in no position to demand
anything.  If he had said "I'm sorry, I misused the english word "demand" si
nce in french it means a polite request", that would have been the end of
it.  If I remember right, he dug in his heals and got rude instead.


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