Aaron Goldblatt writes:
 
>If there were such a thing as a free marketplace of ideas, possibly the
>complaint would be credible.
 
Considering the amount of press given to the NASM tempest in a teapot, I
don't see how you can deny that there is, indeed, a free marketplace of ideas
in regards to this issue.
 
>It must be remembered that it was tax dollars that went into this exhibit.
>Doesn't that mean something about "representation"?
 
It probably means that we can expect a majority view or an official government
view. I don't know what you meand by "representation" in this context.
 
>The glib characterization of the NAACP (re the re-enactment @ Williamsburg)
>or WILPF, for that matter, as "reactionary" and "fringe" groups adds nothing to
>the debate. Certainly there are silly and illconsidered responses to very good
>work. Does that mean we should throw up our hands and pout about their
>silliness? Get a grip! It means we listen carefully, respond appropriately and
>stay in the arena. If you can't take the heat...
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but THE NAACP didn't come out against the
re-enactment, rather, I think some of the protestors were from the NAACP.
And why, pray tell, should we "listen carefully" to " silly and illconsidered
responses".  In other words, why suffer fools?
 
>It was courageous for the NASM to mount this exhibit. It was couragous of
>Colonial Williamsburg to stage the reenactment.  Let's not trivialize that
>courage by getting hysterical when it is truly called into play.
 
If it was "courageous" (frankly, I don't see it - what, after all, was risked
here?) it's only because of the witch hunting atmosphere generated by the
fringe interests who are trying to use these institutions to get coverage of
free air time.
 
--
Bob Rogers            Internet:  [log in to unmask]
Instrumental, Inc.    GEnie:     R.C.ROGERS
Minneapolis, MN       Phone:     612-920-6188