The first amendment protects citizens against *government* censorship. There is nothing in the bill of rights that says that the *people* can't censor things. (It's called a free-market for a reason.)
Also, just as Terrence has a right to make an offensive laser show, we have a right to complain about it. There is no book burning going on here. No one has broken into the offices of ILP and stolen the hard drives where the laser shows are stored and then tossed them onto a bonfire. Terrence is still free to sell his shows to anyone foolish enough to buy them.
ILDA is an international organization that aims to promote the image of the laser show industry. As such, it is in ILDA's best interest to *avoid* associating with organizations or individuals that would reflect poorly on the industry as a whole. This is exactly why they have chosen to condemn the "disco inferno" show that ILP produced.
This is not a freedom of speech issue. First, Terrance isn't even a US Citizen. Second, even if he were, he is still free to produce whatever laser show(s) he wants to. He is simply *not* welcome to promote those laser shows using the ILDA mailing list. It's not the government that is censoring him, it's ILDA (and to a lesser extent, the members of PhotonLexicon now as well.)
Also, you are only getting about 1/5th of the story. There is a lot more happening on the ILDA list server with regard to this particular show, and to Terrence's general behavior in the past. Saying that he's been "polite" is innacurate at best. (I'm sure DLSI-Jon's posts above gave you some hint of this.)
Bottom line - I find the show distasteful. I also believe that Terrence's political views are not based on reality. (Despite the fact that previous US foreign policy may have *provoked* the attacks, it does not equate to Terrence's stated belief that "9/11 was an inside job".) Finally, I believe that futher association with him can only serve to tarnish the reputation of other laserists. That is why I support ILDA's actions.
Yes, you did. Following the backlash from the laserist community, the flash animation of the laser show in question was removed from the ILP website. I'm sure several people have copies of the animation (it was even posted to YouTube for a while), but given the offensive nature of the show, I don't see the point in posting it again.
Quite possibly, no. I doubt that LMR did, and I *seriously* doubt that ILP did. Nonetheless, two wrongs don't make a right. At the very least, both participants are guilty of copyright infringement. (Assuming no license existed.)But what I can comment is on Looney Toons. Did ILP and LMR got a license from Warner Bros to recreate and sell those frames?. Who is fooling who here. If they did get a license I would gladly withdraw and apologise.
However, copyright infringement isn't really what this discussion is about. I believe DLSI-Jon brought it up to shed some light on Terrence's checkered past, but I'm not sure.
Adam