[Wikipedia-l] Re: Minutemen (vigilantes) article

[Robert Brockway]

On Sun, 3 Apr 2005, Robert Brockway wrote:

> I think the term "Minutemen (vigilantes)" is POV as the term vigilantes 
> has negative overtones in English.  I think it would be better to list the 
> article under the title "The MinuteMan Project".
> 
Excuse me following up to myself.

dictionary.com gives the following definitions for vigilante:

1. One who takes or advocates the taking of law enforcement into one's own 
   hands.

2. A member of a vigilance committee.

I don't see how the MinuteMan Project members could qualify as vigilantes 
since all they are doing, as directed by the group, is to observe and 
advise legitimate authorities.  In this regard the group is acting in a 
manner similar to a Neighbourhood Watch.

This is not to say that individuals in the group could not act as 
vigilantes but I don't see any evidence the group is advocating this.

Thoughts, comments, flames, rebuttal?

Rob

-- 
Robert Brockway B.Sc.
Senior Technical Consultant, OpenTrend Solutions Ltd.
Phone: +1-416-669-3073 Email: rbrockway at opentrend.net http://www.opentrend.net
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