> At 08:18 AM 9/22/98 -0400, Gifford, Nathan F wrote:
>
> > I would argue that a threat that causes a person to take an action
> >should be illegal: "I'm gonna to whup yer butt" would cause me to get some
>
> That sounds too vague to be used as a rule. Doesn't the action depend on
> the interpretation? What if you take action but there was no intent to
> threaten?
>
> > Note that the basis for libel is a physical one based on ones
> >position. Thus, we have the Clinton fiasco, while the rest of us are
> >relatively free to commit adultery ... within the constraints of the sexual
> >harassment laws. Can you give an example of when causing psychological pain
> >that is CURRENTLY illegal?
>
> I'm not entirely familiar with the laws in your country, but isn't
> stalking illegal?
>
>
Stalking involves an implied physical threat, or violation of laws intended to
protect against such threats.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > How can I care enough to be hurt about someone who allows themselves
> >to be convinced to be hurt? That seems to be "victim's" thinking ... ala
> >the various "anonymous" groups. Do you blame the people selling drugs for
> >the people who take them? Do you blame the liquor manufacturers for the
> >alcoholics? Of course currently America is blaming the tobacco companies
> >for nicotine addiction ... but I think thats a scary trend.
>
> I'm not suggesting that we blame anyone. My question was when is it
> ethical to intervene on behalf of the alleged victim we care about.
> And yes, I think it is possible to care about someone even if they
> allow themselves (perhaps unknowingly) to be victimized.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Of course everything is not black and white ... but it seemed to me
> >that you are advocating legislating things that are not black and white ...
> >and that is a slippery slope.
>
> I don't know where you got the idea that I was advocating any sort
> of legislation.
>
> > What does this have to do with memetic engineering? The world is a
> >scary enough place with me worrying about getting sued for selling a faulty
> >appliance at a garage sale ... can you imagine what it would be like if we
> >had to start worrying about causing psychological pain by offering a
> >reasonable argument for getting your navel pierced? <or even suicide>
>
> This has to do with the ethics of belief, and when it is right to
> attempt to alter someone else's belief system if you perceive it to
> be harmful.
>
> Of course it is easiest to take a live-and-let-live attitude. If someone
> is stupid or deluded enough to let themselves be victimized then they
> deserve whatever they get, right?
>
Are you suggesting that we leagalioze practicing medicine without a liscense, or
swearing on school PA systems by students (somebody in my school got suspended
for 2 weeks for that)?
-- Nathan Russell frussell@frontiernet.net"Oppenheimer funds, a secure investment for your future"
-Billboard at a stadium