Shameless donning of the flag has become fashionable these days, with an awful lot of people hiding behind it in an attempt to blurr the issues, or mislead outright. While my particular issue certainly doesn't rise to a thousandth of the importance of those in the news, I have to remark upon the statement made by the new Patrick Henry (Hell-Hath-No-Fury) on the Rag board, despite my attempts to ignore him whenever possible.

Tom (Pain?)-- in context, this is pretty funny stuff. You posted that on a site run by an outfit which went to great expense to insure there would be no dissent, and which continues to allow attacks, some of them personal, while not allowing replies. As you have avidly followed this board for a long time you know that I allow (and in fact encourage) an awful lot of opposing opinions to see the light of day here, and only eject those-- like yourself-- who behave badly. Never for having conflicting opinions.

There is no greater proponent of free speech than yours truly. But even in public forums-- and this is a private, business owned site-- there are things you cannot do or say. They will get you incarcerated.

I strongly suggest that no one take this as an opportunity to post political comments in reply here. I too have strong opinions-- but this ain't the place, and I'll take them down.

Unrelated, but it is 9/11-- a buddy of mine was part of a reading last night of 110 Stories at The Public Theater, along with Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Mary Stuart Masterson, the guy who played Doogie Howser, and others. It's a collection of interviews with New Yorkers (and others who were there or came to help) about the attack and days that followed-- firemen, iron workers, those that got out, doctors etc. It was great. They are doing it again tonight with a slightly different cast (Sarandon, among others), tickets are $25 and $50, with all proceeds going to Denis Leary's firefighter fund, which supplies high tech fire fighting equipment and training facilities to fire departments around the country. There is also a reception next door afterward ($50, again to the charity), I'm going myself. If you're in the city and looking for something to do tonight, go to the show and say hello afterward.



TGJB