Because Stinger asked

Marcie I agree with you about the reviews and often they are attacked by people who claim to have no interest but whose statemants clearly reveal they are members of the cast or crew. Adverse reviews have at least on one occasion been removed because of accusations of Defamation. Other posts have been similarly removed for the same reason. Posts can be moderated down by readers who disapprove of them and this should be the limit of censorship here. I am aware of what the removed post said and feel that Mr Ross's response was an overreaction. Did it really cause him harm? Will those who know him really believe what was said? Was it true? The answers should be Yes, Yes, No. before any action to gag should be applied Freedom of Speech. This was not introduced into the US Constitution to allow people to criticise Government Departments it is enshrined in one of the ten amendments to the US Constitution known as the Bill of Rights. It's intent was to stop Government or individuals from gagging people by bullying techniques. It was written by Thomas Jefferson one of the greatest political minds of his generation. It is not unique to the US and is included similarly in the French Consitution. It is also included in the UN Declaration of Human rights. It has been largely negated in the US by the introduction of various Homeland Security legislation. Common Law which is the ever increasing skein of legal usage which has been growing since medieval times also has certain protections in it regarding Freedom of Speech. If you think the press in this country is free ask a journalist friend about D Notices although I believe he/she is not allowed to tell you anything. Artists in this country are limted by the sedition acts introduced by the last Governemnt and maintained by this one. It means you cannot criticise the Government particularly in its attempts to "save" us from terrorists. A visual artist in Melbourne was I belive arrested for displaying an Australian flag in a work of art which could have been interpreted as supporting the Moslem members of our society. She was released without charge but her work was confiscated and never returned. Each time we allow a piece of censorship to go by uncriticised we hammer a nail into the coffin of our freedom. I do not support statements which are racist or incite hatred but do feel that this attitude is sometimes used to gag thoise who have genuine concerns. And clearly certain legislations that have been introduced actually incite fear and hatred of other cultures. The media regularly uses pejorative terms and slanted reporting and no action is taken against them if it supports the Governments fear campaigns. Freedom is a two edged sword it can cut you as well as your enemy. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au