"Freedom of speech" does not eliminate censorship. There has always been confusion about that. Freedom of speech allows one to express their opinion without fear of persecution but it does not guarantee every opportunity to express those opinions. Never has, never will.

For example, you are free to write an editorial to a newspaper and will not be arrested for your opinion.  This is the right that is granted by the Constitution of the United States.  However, the editors of the newspaper are under no constitutional obligation to print it.  Similarly, television stations are under no obligation to broadcast promotional commercials for programs on competing stations.  You are legally allowed to organize a parade or demonstration to express your cause but you do not have the right to march down Main Street USA in the middle of the night blaring your speech through a bull horn.

So what is censorship?  Censorship is usually a tool used by those that directly control a form of communications such as radio, television, movies, print, etc.  This tool is also used by those that indirectly control communication such as a government through regulations. The censorship "tool" has usually been used to restrict criticism of those in control.

Good Censorship and Bad Censorship.  Yes, there are two types.  Good censorship is the kind that protects the public safety and well being such as the examples given above or as in prohibiting someone from shouting "FIRE!" in a crowded movie theater.  This type of censorship does not restrict the expression of ideas, just the time and place when they can be expressed.

Censorship and Wings Of Valor.  This is not meant to be an exhaustive list but it is the policy of Wings of Valor never to censor a post in the forum because of the following:

• Criticism of WOV website, its policies or it's administrator(s)
• A dissenting opinion

However, post will be edited, deleted and the author possibly banned for posting:

• Inappropriate language
• Personal attacks on other members
• Racist remarks
• Remarks against a religion or culture

To underscore the point, you have every right to be unhappy with this site and/or with the administrator.  You even have the right to express that opinion, right here if you want to.  Such a post will not be edited.  However, what will not tolerate is a personal attack against anyone (including the administrator) that goes beyond the limits that have clearly been defined.

If censorship is a stifling of dissenting opinions, then there will be no censorship here.  So discuss away! Keep it lively and heated but also keep it civil and respectful or I'll censor your a**.

Salute
Chevelle
WOV Administrator