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.