I do appreciate that you are dialoging. You indicate the flag is because my post seems hateful or motivated by or expresses hate. Is that accurate? Are there any other grounds?
You are correct that the First Amendment reaches only acts or omissions of the federal (and State) governments of the United States. My point is that there are compelling reasons why there is no "hate speech exemption"; hate speech is fully protected. (See e.g. Snyder (2011))
My post did not express hate, either of you or of any identifiable group. If I beat the fuck out of you, it would not be a "hate crime" under California law. My post merely spoke against the practice of paying bot operators to upvote your post. My post expressed my disapproval and opposition in strong terms because I feel strongly about the issue.
I hate selfishness. Selfishness ruins everything. The difference between selfish and normal, unselfish, behavior, is analogous to the difference between cancer cells and normal cells. Normal cells promote their own self interest in a manner that benefits the body of which they are a part, and within which they have a purpose. Cancer cells promote their own self interest with a "fuck everyone else" attitude, with no concern for the effect of their behavior on other cells or on the body as a whole.
The behavior that we are discussing, paying bots to upvote so that you gain exposure, robbing the rewards pool in the process, is a cancer on the platform that will destroy steemit if it spreads. Perhaps you just never thought of it this way before and will thank me for bringing this perspective to your attention.
If so, then please remove the flag and join me in the fight against cancer.
Refs:
Snyder v. Phelps, 131 S. Ct. 1207 - Supreme Court 2011
https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=2981429692939250360
You really need to do more research, you can quote state laws but we are not abiding by California laws. Also, as many have tried to tell you all info is transparent. This bot and others are making money off of others. This one is no less different. They are gaining their own exposure and payouts. That is the real issue.
How the First Amendment came into play is a bit ridiculous considering this platform and intention is to be decentralized.
Glenn was absolutely correct in his assessment, you are way too new and appear to just love to argue and twist info.
In addition, you really need to do more research in the fact that assault is assault in any state. Making an attempt and actually putting one's hands on another person is in fact assault.
https://www.shouselaw.com/assault.html
SMH.
That's the beginning of intelligent conversation. Me challenging someone's opinion is not arguing. I don't think that you comprehended my other points; please reread them and if you show me the courtesy of actually hearing what I say, I will return the courtesy by replying thoughtfully.
challenging something you do not understand is not challenging it is arguing without knowing all the facts. so, i'm done here. i have responded thoughtfully as did the person you upset to the point of getting flagged. i will not respond again, i gave you facts even in response to your alleged california laws. just remember people will be looking at your words.
I might well deserve to be told, "RTFM". I come here as a man drowning in the surf, crying out desperately for help. You are not catching me in my best form. I know that I have many faults, but in this desperate moment, I do not have the capacity to put on my best suit and sit down with you for a polite chat over tea.
Continuing the metaphore, there is such a drowning man in the surf at three crowded beaches. At the first beach, someone on shore yells, "Look! He is drowning! Let's help him!", and many quickly spring into action, some calling the life guards, others grabbing objects that will float and running to him, jumping into the water to reach him before he goes under.
At the second beach, someone yells, "Look! He's drowning! Twenty dollars that he dies!" and many people place bets and enjoy the spectacle, hoping that they will see someone die that day.
At the third beach, no one hears the man's desperate cries.
Which beach metaphore fits the people here at steemit?
only time will give you that answer. there are many speculations and there are still rules. such as the thumbnail argument you had with someone. this platform is what you make of it, if you are looking to fight you may get one. however if you wish to create and encourage then you will find that too.
you make that choice. after all this is a blogging platform, created to encourage writers. writers with original content. personally IMO the entire world is crying out and can any one help, yes but the person must listen and work along with that help. if the person keep wallowing in self pity that helps no one, especially the crier. peace
So, which beach do you want this platform to be, @eaglespirit? Do you want to find humanity here while contributing your own humanity (beach #1)? Or, do you want this platform to become beach #2, where everyone pretends to be loving people giving unconditionally of themselves in sacred relationships, but who in reality are all vote whores, participating in social intercourse, not out of any love, but for money or other personal gain?
BTW, please dispense with the condescension. I am still waiting for you, or anyone, to respond intelligently to my original point with a reasonable counterpoint.