Wikipedia talk:Requests for arbitration/RJII/Proposed decision
Defense by RJII
"7) Although RJII does not give biographical details on his user page, does not discuss his interests there and declines to identify his point of view when asked [5], viewed as a whole his point of view can be characterized as taking the viewpoint that capitalism is an ideal system which has never actually been implemented. This is evident from his first edits [6] to capitalism."
- This is a gratiutous attempt to impugn a bias on RJII. Assuming this was written by Bauder, Fred Bauder does not know what is going on inside RJII's head. RJII is a free thinker, and seek nothing but to learn the truth and to be honest. There is no evidence that he have ever claimed that "capitalism an ideal system which has never actually been implemented", neither in Talk or an article Post. Bauder is unjustified in making this claim. In fact, in the "Which Economies are Capitalist?" section, which he was majorly responsible for bringing into being, RJII never makes such a claim, but merely make it known that some people consider some modern economies mixed economy ( or even corporatist) rather than capitalist --an important bit of information (even a source as mainstream as the McGraw Hill Online Learning Center textbook says that "The United States is a mixed economy based on capitalism" [1]. How does Bauder know that RJII is not undecided on these issues? With all due respect, Bauder is out of line here. RJII's POV, whatever that may or may not be is irrelevant. This is tantamount to an ad hominem. His questioning to RJII on the statement page whether he has an "Objectivist POV" take the character of a witchhunt or McCarthy interrogation to detect secret Objectivists [2]. This should not even be relevant. I'd like to make a motion for Fred Bauder's recusal from the case on the basis of this show of prejudice. RJII 17:34, 31 Mar 2005 (UTC)
"8) RJII has seldom, if ever, added information to the article capitalism, concentrating his editing on disputing definitions and characterizations which contradict his point of view. He has expressed a relish for conflict [7], [8], [9] and contempt for research [10]."
- This is a false statement. See RJII's answers to the question from Fred Bauder on the Statement page under "Questions to RJII by arbitrators" [3]. RJII has contributed significantly to the "Which Economies are Capitalist?" section ..more than any other user, and is responsible for the existence of that section (though did not come up with the title) (the material for that section was initially under "Characteristics of Capitalism" section back in late November and intensive editing and debate lasted for about two months. It can be seen that RJII contributed instrumentally, both before and after the material was moved to the new "Which Economies are Capitalist?" section, by anyone that wishes to take the effort to examine the record.) RJII also recently took it upon himself to help a fellow editor, DrThompson, who expressed his feelings in Talk that some things said in the article were POV; RJII remedied the situation by neutralizing the edits, and adding some new substantive comment [4] Also, as a result of RJII's objections, editing, and prodding, the introduction to the Capitalism article is beginning to take a more sensible form in style, rationality, and content --it was horrible before. It is true that RJII enjoys intellectual debate (conflict), though his emotional states should not be considered materially relevant to this case. Conflict can be very productive, and I say necessary to come up with good articles. Change upsets a lot of people and that is unfortunate. RJII is an instrument of change, hence the antagonism of a few who are inclined to preserve the status quo. As far as the claim of RJII being contemptible of research the statement in [5] was obviously said in jest. One need only consult the definitions of capitalism article where he inserts the results of his research from economists, philosophers, as well as dictionaries in order to devise a "typical definition of capitalism." (Note that he has inserted definitions from both pro and anti-capitalists, Such as Friedman [6], and Oppenheimer [7]. Also he researched Noam Chomsky's views and put in a quote from Noam Chomsky in the capitalism article. [8]) RJII 17:16, 31 Mar 2005 (UTC)
"9) RJII has generally only advanced dictionary definitions of capitalism as sources for his contentions. These definitions are sourced. He has characterized one of them as a "Marxist" definition in the talk pages but has not shown any source for this contention in the work of Karl Marx, maintaining there was no necessity to do so, it being common knowledge that Marx characterized capitalism as a system under which private interests control the means of production."
- This is true. And it's important to note that this post was to Talk, not to the article. Posts to the article may require being sourced, but not comments made in Talk. RJII 17:41, 31 Mar 2005 (UTC)
Motion to Close
My client appreciates the motion to close this case. I ask that arbitrators vote to so the necessary votes can be obtained to close this frivolous and ridiculous case. This case has had a significant impact on the quality of RJII's life. His entire life has been put on hold. He has lost his job, his home, his family has left him, and he has taken to the bottle due to the distress this has caused him. On behalf of my honorable client, I intend to pursue all legal avenues to remedy these damages. This was a pathetic and dishonest attempt by Slrubenstein and Ultramarine to harrass RJII and get him banned from Wikipedia. These two individuals are a disgrace to the Wikipedia community. Please vote to close this case so my client can move on with his life. RJII 19:13, 23 Apr 2005 (UTC)