I think many of us ascribe too much importance to ourselves and this website by default of our participation in its message boards. Yes, this lunatic
posted here, as have other
head cases in the past who turned out to be murders, but it is because of the sheer size of ATS. It's the top
conspiracy website on the Internet and a
catch all for every delusional nut out there; it's the first stop on the crazy train for those
slipping off into the deep end. Like Google, Facebook and Twitter, chances are he did stop by here if he had one iota of conspiratorial bone in his
body. Just like he probably Googled where to find the next local congressional event.
So, neither ATS, Google, Facebook or Twitter can be blamed for the people who decide to use these services and then harm others. It just doesn't work
like that as these are service based tools with clear operational terms and conditions that make no judgment one way or another as long as users abide
to the T&C.
And, by the way, Facebook is where the real harm is being done these days with rapists, murders, kidnappers, and thieves using it as directory of who
to harm next. (No need to reference this remark, just Google it yourself).
That being said, I am not worried about the government actively and persistently scrutinizing ATS (passively I believe they do to gather evidence and
look at prior psychological states, just as the media will too) simply because this is a controlled/moderated messages board system that heavily
pressures users to be kind, respectful, thought provoking and inventive. Now, somewhere like 4chan I can imagine is checked by the government simply
because it has no moderation and they plan bad things over there, but at ATS we're just talking heads - and many of us like it that way.
Anyway, a bit of a rant and with that said. My heartfelt condolences go out to the victims of the Arizona shootings, I pray for you all.
edit on 10-1-2011 by Jason88 because: (no reason given)