Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 23:52:37 +0000
From: vladimir bilenkin <achekhov-AT-unity.ncsu.edu>
Subject: Re: Let's vote then


Comrades:

I had a very busy day and could read today's posts only
at this late hour.  I also would like to apologize to those
comrades who recently wrote me privately for not 
being able to answer them so far.  I'll do this shortly. 

Now it appears that some subscribers accuse the "minority"
who has voted in favor of my proposal in something like
an attempt to highjack this list.  This happens of course
and cannot be considered something extraordinary.  What I
find extremely unusual is the method which this minority
has chosen for such an evil act. By saying "aye" this
minority has agreed to obey the decisions of the majority
of this list.  We have then a paradox. And since the hour
is late and my mental powers are rather feeble now I leave
it to skilfull dialectitians, like Hugh, to ponder on its
solution , if a paradox can have one.

There was also another charge or doubt expressed in regard
of the so-called "inviolable" or "non-negotiable" principles
of this list.  To my knowledge, this kind of principles
may exist perhaps in some hypothetical metaphysical heavens
but certainly not in the profane space of virtual or 
the more tangible reality.  Principles, as any other ideological
contents of our consciousness, are products of social struggle.  In
short, nothing and no one can garantee that the "inviolable" principles
of this list will not become
violated (I almost feel like a rapist) if the majority
of this list is not willing to defend these principles.
So let us take our "organizational" solutions with a grain of salt.

Lastly, I once again ask the "silent majority" to vote
and to affirm its will.

If you, the majority, want to rule this list--write "Aye."

If you, the majority, do not want to rule this list--
write "Nay."

Good night,
Vladimir

PS. Isn't it strange that I was never more optimistic
about the future of this list than now?