Seems we as a forum ought to be able to address issues of great import to the hobbying world and 1/18th, especially when it relates to 1)proposed or enacted regulation that will undoubtedly impact it greatly, and 2) when through proper discussion we can become informed about the existence of an issue which has such broad potential impact and thus educate ourselves further thru resources of our own choosing, and 3) thru such education, challenge such issues and ultimately affect the implementation of such regulations thru petitioning our elected representatives, or ultimately, challenging those responsible thru the election of new representatives with our vote.
I thought that's one of the great things about this Country; our ability to communicate with our fellow citizens thru forums such as these concerning the actions of our government which affect our lives and interests. Try to do that over in the PRC! If an inappropriate comment is made in that process (yes, maybe I'm at fault there from time to time, but only for humors sake), sure, go ahead and delete it. But I for one do not like the generalized lockdown approach. Is'nt the protection of the right of free speech and individualized opinion the reason many of the actual machines which we revere and collect existed in the first place?
This are clearly regulations which have the potential to kill a hobby line which is already reeling from a series of economic hardships and setbacks, and this may well provide the actual deathblow, or at least set in motion many changes to the hobby which will ultimately change it drastically. I think that may well deserve a little debate here.
I for one can handle the slings and arrows. But we all should have the right to be respectfully heard....dont ya think? Politcs after all is us....and I think we can handle a little discussion alongs those lines. If you can't, that is why they included a mouse with your computer; click it and go to a different topic and/or website more of your liking.
But as Brad Pitt said in the movie 'Fight Club'...."but thats just me, and I could be wrong...."
