On Independent Media:

With thanks to the Internet, we now have websites that allow us to publish our views and opinions, and let us see the opinions of others. Here are just some things I'd like to say on the subject.

We now have true freedom of speech all thanks to the Internet. We are allowed to publish our opinions and report on things as seen from the 'true' side. (I say true with a bit of suspicion)
Others are allowed to reply and comment on our opinions, a global network of free media is rapidly growing and gaining publicity.
I like the way Indy also allows discussion as well as news bulletins, as discussion, I find acts as very good stimulation for the brain, and can widen peoples viewpoints.
I can read peoples opinions, it doesn't matter if I agree with them or not, I respect their opinions and the fact that they've openly published it.
What I don't like is when people, for example, a person replies to someone's views with something like 'stupid capitalist idiot' or 'dumb commie fag'. It is almost certain that the person who has replied with such absurd comments doesn't fully understand what the original poster is trying to put forward, so replies with such crap or she/he is just being an idiot desperate for attention (In most cases, the latter most likely).
What also appears often on indymedia now are posts which have no basis, for example, posts with titles such as 'America rules the world, so get used to it' or 'Kill Zionist filth'. The content of the posts with such titles appear often to be short and pointless. People should try to ignore such posts, as they do not really say anything and probably written by someone who wants a reaction.

Lastly, I am becoming increasingly suspicious about websites being shut down. A few weeks ago an Anarchist from L.A had his website shut down because it shown Black Bloc tactics and how to make explosives. There are hundreds of thousands of sites that show how to make explosives, why did they specifically target the anarchist site.
I also now hear that Action of Children from Holocaust has filed a lawsuit against IMC Switzerland because it showed a cartoon they say was 'ridiculing' the holocaust. The Person who drawn this cartoon has repeatedly protested the fact that he did not mean to cause offence, and that it was not directed at Jewish people, it was showing current events in comparison with the things that happened 60 or so years ago.
I fear for the IMC, as they could become the next target for the clampdown on real free speech. But in the event of that happening, we must carry on showing our views and the things that the mainstream doesn't show. It is important that we all should do this.

Your comments are dearly welcomed.
CWRL.