Doxxing and the True Believers

If you don't know what Doxxing is, you are evidently not one of the "true believers" conducting the crusade against antiquities collecting and metal detecting:

http://paul-barford.blogspot.com/2015/11/antiquity-collecting-and-doxxing.html

There are things which, as the Holy Scriptures inform us, "pass all understanding" [Philippians 4, 7}. Surely the perspective of these "true believers" is one such mystery.

To begin with, it is not obvious at first glance what these "crusaders" actually believe in. There is a good deal of reason to doubt whether they believe in God, as their perspective appears to be essentially Marxist. Let me hasten to observe that they have every right to hold such a perspective, and that Marxism is in reality a philosophy, not merely a political perspective. It is however a philosophy that I do not subscribe to.

But despite uncertainty as to what these "crusaders" actually believe in, there can be little doubt as to what they oppose. The oppose antiquities collecting, except under stringent conditions that they advocate [which would for all practical purposes make collecting virtually impossible]. They likewise oppose metal detecting, except under similarly stringent conditions [which detectorists likewise believe would make their avocation virtually impossible].

It seems clear, from the perspective of the ordinary citizen not initiated into the mysteries of their beliefs, that these crusaders are not distinguished by what they believe in, but rather by what they are opposed to.

It is a real challenge to conduct a "crusade" on a negative platform. The public has a natural human tendency to want to pursue positive concepts which would lead humanity into the "broad sunlit uplands" of life and fulfillment of spiritual needs, and intellectual growth. It is by no means an easy task to lead the public into believing that pursuits such as metal detecting and antiquities collecting are inherently vicious and evil.

These "crusaders" have however addressed that difficult task adroitly. The approach has been one of exploiting the theme of guilt - guilt on the part of collectors and detectorists, and guilt on the part of the public which lacks the social consciousness to restrain such inveterate sinners. Some substantial part of the doctrine of Original Sin appears to have been appropriated for the purposes of this crusade. Eve's apple has been transmuted into the despoliation of THE PAST.

Despite their successes in preaching the doctrine of guilt, these "crusaders" experience frustrations. Such frustrations appear to be intense and to create psychological pressures which can only be relieved by "venting." In this particular case that psychologically necessary process assumes the form of invective, satire, ridicule and a host of other pejorative slanging inflicted upon those who deny the truth of their doctrine of guilt, and oppose their "crusade." This observer has been the target of just about every form of such nasty eruptions from the dismal depths of their dark and twisted souls.

Such eruptions have consequences, one of which is a desire to expose to the public the actual nature of those who carry on this negative "crusade" and who so viciously attack those who disagree with and oppose them. Such exposure has been labeled "Doxxing." It is not only inferred but positively asserted that "Doxxing" has the objective of encouraging intimidation, and perhaps actual physical assaults, toward the "true believers." But the reality is that its intent and goal is simply to place them in context so that the public can accurately judge them.

This seems to be taken as a very unfair and unreasonable thing according to their beliefs. It seems to this observer that such "crusaders" crave darkness and obscurity, so far as their actual persons are concerned, and want exposure only for their polemics against collectors and detectorists.

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Confidential Information

On November 4 2015 well-known metal detectorist John Howland made the following post to John Hooker's blog [ http://pasttimesandpresnttensions.blogspot.com/ ]:

"Hi John:
I think it's all down to professional jealousy. Dean appears to be a knowledgeable source, and is stealing certain thunder, One Warsaw website carries the following:-

"Celtic culture, especially its spiritual sphere, still hides many secrets. Particularly interesting are the issues of religion and mythology, being inspired many legends and literary works.
The aim of the workshop is to develop the skills of speaking and reading and expanding general knowledge. Work on language is based on materials that spice up language classes and encourage further work.
Classes are given by Paul Barford, who is a teacher of English and archaeologist, are designed for people at FCE, CAE. For further information: (22) 833 91 12

CONTACT DETAILS

ul. Fr.. J. Popieluszko 21/24
01-595 Warsaw
+48 022 833 91 12
+48 022 833 91 12 "

The PAUL BARFORD Language School has its registered offices at:-

59c, 01-950 Warsaw / Wrzeciono 59c, 01-950 Warszawa

Best wishes

John Howland
England"

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Nigel Swift, in his website [ https://heritageaction.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/heritage-action-threatened-on-two-continents/ ] has made a series of remarks regarding publication of his contact information and that of Paul Barford, culminating in this observation:

"Mr Howland has now published an address and phone number for Paul Barford – twice – on the website of Canadian numismatist John Hooker. This is the seventh and eighth time he has revealed our addresses, phone numbers or personal descriptions or offered our photograph to anyone who asks for them (“I’m anxious to let anybody who wants them, have them“). He has added a denial that he is engaged in a campaign to encourage “violent attacks” on Paul or me (Paul’s“loathsome pal” as he terms me) or our families but the number of instances, stretching now over three years, strongly suggest exactly that. You judge. I have written to Mr Hooker requesting he takes action but have received no reply."


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COMMENTARY

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This observer notes that Nigel Swift and Paul Barford both appear to maintain that commentators who excite controversy in their remarks, such as they do, are entitled to a sort of anonymity in which their personal information, including contact details, is kept secret.

It seems to this observer to be prima facie evident that the reason for maintaining this reserve is to ensure that such commentators can say whatever they see fit in their venues without any possibility of being personally called to account for statements that their targets find offensive. 

Whether it is really beneficial to society for individuals such as Mr. Swift and Mr. Barford to be able to continue publish their views on subjects such as metal detecting and artifact collecting in an intentionally offensive and provocative manner, designed to provoke outrage among those who are assailed, is a matter worthy of  considerable thought and intelligent discussion.

Freedom of speech is a very important human right, but it is not an unlimited right. There are situations in which certain forms of speech are irresponsible, damaging and dangerous. Shouting "FIRE!" in a crowded theater is one example. Defamation of character, and libelous statements, are others.

This observer believes that a good case can be made to the effect that the right of freedom of speech extends as clearly and legitimately to publication of Swift's and Barford's personal details, which they desire to keep secret, as it does to their provocative and offensive attacks upon the antiquities collecting and detectorist communities.