I want to say that the listserve should have room for all "tones"  . . . we
certainly have enough of the light hearted, which are endlessly
enjoyable--but sometimes serious concerns need to be raised and people whose
sensibilities are piqued should be heard and respected. I don't like to think
that any one member should dictate what level of seriousness should be
acceptable here, any more than we should limit number of submissions on the
same topic from the same person or even if a person is "qualified" to talk on
any given topic.  We are all capable of taking histarch as it is or going
elsewhere. Setting the TONE for others who respond seems unecessary . . . the
various view points ARE the purpose.