And yet another blog writer gets it??

Rochelle Mazar points to an article in her blog in Inside Higher Education about a professor who withdrew as chair of his department as a result of controversial remarks he made as a private person. Read the article, then read her response, which is very well made. At the end of her post, she writes, "I don't think he should have to tone down his politics. But he should be using respectful language. Post an actual argument about why religion provides a moral vaccum if you will, but don't just insult the faithful. Random potshots aren't particularly smart or political." It becomes a matter of balance. A blog is a public space. On the one hand, one should not have his freedom of expression attacked for it. On the other hand, one has to be ready when the criticism comes along. Overall, the situation does have a chilling effect.