I Don't Understand Why People Moderate Blog Comments. I Don't.

I recently was reading an article about a recent executed inmate in the U.S., Kevin Watts. This guy was convicted of shooting three Korean restaurant workers in the States point blank in the head while they were kneeing down, in a robbery that obviously became much worse. Then he raped one of the deceased's wife. He was convicted pretty easily and sentenced to death. He was executed this week.

There is a blogger website called "Death Penalty News". These people are your typical anti-capital punishment group, but they spend their time highlighting cases in which criminals get executed. Now, capital punishment is not the topic of discussion here, and I've already put in my two cents on this issue a little while back, but what really irked me about the "Death Pentalty News" website is the fact that while they allow comments, the comments are moderated (which is OK, I guess), but moreover, they succinctly state that any pro-death penalty comments will not be posted. I posted a blurb there that will never be published, but at least they got my two cents.

That is a pretty sad state of affairs when a person or group will only give one side of an issue. Even if you have your own belief system or philosophy, wouldn't it be better to allow no comments at all rather than just allow comments that are in line with their position?

You'll never get that here. I not only welcome divergent comments (and I've received a number of them here) from people who don't agree with me, but I don't moderate them either. I would expect that people would remain civil and use some degree of written word decorum. Makes sense, since I doubt anyone wants to read an expletive-laced tirade. A different viewpoint is always welcome, as long as it is seriously put forth. If I moderated blog entries by sheer philosophical or political position, what you are getting is only what I allow through, which makes the credibility of this whole blog suspect. Sure, I am very opinionated, and sure, you may not agree with me, but I support your right to voice an opinion, and I won't censor you as a result. I think by allowing free speech to flow here, it helps encourage discussion and debate and allows the different sides to put forth their positions. Plus, if you take the time to respond to any of my postings, then the least I can do is afford you the chance to be heard, whether you agree with me or not.