I would suggest this forum avoid discussing personnel matters for
political, practical, psychological, and legal reasons. Politically, I view
this forum as non-partisan. The list server is not in the business of
taking sides for or against individual politicians or bureaucrats on public
policy issues. Rather its purpose is to discuss policy issues independent
of the people responsible for setting or implementing policy. The
discussion is an attempt to separate the people from the problems and
possible solutions.
Practically, there is nothing to be gained by discussing personnel matters
on the list server. With the exception of voting on politicians, there is
little that people on the list can do individually or collectively with the
information even when it is true. Influencing a vote is itself inconsistent
w/ being non-partisan.
Psychologically, a discussion of personnel matters takes on an "us" vs.
"them" quality. I prefer not to be drawn into taking sides. When these
attempts surface, it suggests to me that the parties-at-interest need to
talk to each other rather than one of them trying to create "allies" for
moral support or vindication.
And legally, slander and libel are illegal and a bore. I am not trying to
create conflict. I am trying to solve it.
There may be rare exceptions to these guidelines, but I can't think of an
example at the moment.
That is how I come out on this issue. What do you think? If you don't tell
me I'll start talking 'bout your mother.
Steve Cooke