I say let the discussion continue.  We are literally in crisis mode in this state and this country.  Anyone who is being a disrespectful spammer is going to be quickly blocked.  That is their problem.  Likewise anyone who is intolerant is going to block everyone and be totally disconnected.  That is also their problem.  I don't really see any abuse here. 

  Would you rather have a chaotic email forum or a bankrupted state with out of an control criminal element?

   I think this is an opportunity not only for Arizona, but for Linux.  I often wonder why we have the most active LUG in the country... could it be our unique relationship to California and Silicon Valley?  There are certainly elements here in our tech scene that see PHX as a colony and a marketing opportunity for Silicon Valley-based products[1].  The Silicon Valley model does not appear to have a bright future at this point.  How will this effect adoption and development patterns?  What is the best way for Phoenix and AZ to prepare for these changes?  Don't think that this is idle talk... discussion leads to discovery, discovery leads to understanding, and understanding leads to policy implementation.  And don't assume the brains at the university are going to help here, typically their studies are highly politicized as well.  There are many groups here AZ who are very open to ideas on how we can improve our economy here.  The ones who have had the mic in the past are typically those who look to California.  Maybe that will change.

  -jmz

[1] some point out that Apple is not made in California, but it is most certainly an expression of Californian wealth and outlooks.