by Guy Page
Today, January 3, is the 132st birthday of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973), author of The Lord of Rings.
In a September 12, 1960 letter to his son Christopher, he quoted from a recent book by his friend C. S. Lewis: ”I think we must get it firmly fixed in our minds that the very occasions on which we would most like to write a slashing review are precisely those on which we had better hold our tongues.”
Hear, hear….when the subject of our slashing is another VDC commenter.
Over the holidays, the Vermont Daily Chronicle comments section saw a kerfuffle over “censorship” involving edits or deletion of a small number of comments which without exception violated our minimalist comments policy: no profanity, no explicit racist or sexually demeaning language, or no personally mocking other commenters.
To that end, we’ve posted the rules where every would-be commenter can read them: “All topics and opinions welcome! Real names preferred. No profanity, explicit racist or sexually demeaning language, or personal criticism/mocking of other commenters allowed.”
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Categories: Letter from the Publisher
”I think we must get it firmly fixed in our minds that the very occasions on which we would most like to write a slashing review are precisely those on which we had better hold our tongues.” C. S. Lewis
And, apparently, have our tongues held for us by someone else?
Another C. S. Lewis epiphany:
“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. They may be more likely to go to Heaven yet at the same time likelier to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be “cured” against one’s will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals.”
Just sayin’.
Because of my investment in your credibility, I have no problem submitting to your editorial over site.
I appreciate being able to comment and remain anonymous, given interference in my real life experienced covering and speaking the truth to unwilling and closed ears over a period of 6 years, culminating in destruction of my livelihood, and personal injury.
My conclusion after that experience was exactly that:}
Sit.
Stay.
Be quiet.
Take care of your own patch, and do it well. My utmost for His highest can still and best done privately, in prayer, with God.
But that is exactly why I support VDC and all you are doing Guy… because I no longer can risk what you are doing, and because you do it so much more adroitly… even tongue in cheek now and then…I appreciate that.
Freedom of press and expression are values that need to be balanced with wisdom and restraint, discernment, and courage to speak when it is time. “Everything in its time…”
Much appreciated Team Truth!