Rule no. 1 of the forum. " Expect others may disagree with you - that is what a forum is about - ideas, opinions and discussion." - Quote

I'm all for robust discussion, and a forum where everyones opinion counts; no matter how unpopular that may be. Part of living in a country where free expression of ones opinion is supposedly paramount in our right of free speech. Yet when we have this little subtle system of green/red thumbs - giving approval or disapproval, it is nothing but a discreet form of censorship. By giving people the option to green thumb/red thumb a forum poster you them a power to legatimise (green thumbs up) or negate (red thumb down) their opinion - counter to the forum rule no. 1. If you want true free discussion Laurie get rid of the thumbs up/down - or should this remain a popularist forum where majority rules?