Let this be a warning — DemocraticSPACE will not tolerate abuse. We have identified a large number of cases where a single person in a given riding page has posted comments using multiple identities, often in support of his/her alternative identities. This is not an isolated incident as it has occurred in many ridings (Ottawa-Orleans, Richmond Hill, Ancaster-Dundas-et al, Willowdale, Parkdale-High Park etc). Moreover, a clear pattern has emerged — in all cases, these multiple identities are in support of Liberal candidates. I would strongly urge all campaigns, and especially all Liberal candidates, to inform your campaign workers that such efforts will not be tolerated here. We consider this a blatant attempt to subvert genuine debate by fabricating multiple identities in an attempt to amplify their voice and create the impression of consensus. It is with the greatest regret that we are forced to remove all such comments. We are committed to free speech, but such abuse will not be tolerated on DemocraticSPACE. We hope our readers will understand our position. Here’s an example from the Ottawa-Orleans riding page, all posted by the same person (since removed):

To Orleans, The Liberals have fumbled but are recovering and gaining steam… PC Mr. Tory wants to extend taxpayer funding(your money) to all religious schools….Christian private schools should be allowed to be taught creationism if they receive public funding, PC Leader John Tory said yesterday….this is bad for Ottawa-Orleans and the province. by Bob 09.06.07 @ 8:45 pm

John Tory explains faith based schools is controversial and it will divide all the religions in different areas of the city and we will spending over 400 million dollars…..spent it on health care idiot!!! QUESTION: why did you associate your name Graham FOX with the TERRY FOX run…you don;t need to get votes that way or is it…that was very sleazy..have some respect … by David 09.24.07 @ 11:54 pm

orleans is not and will not vote for subsidizing $400 million dollars faith based schools. do not vote for the progressive conservative party because you will be supporting a segregating society eliminating our multicutural canadian society. ron p.s. shame on you and getting votes from the terry fox run for votes. by Ron 09.25.07 @ 9:35 pm

You are so right Ron!!! Faith based schools is promoting the elimination of our multicutural society, I am not voting for the Progressive Conservatives. by Mark 09.25.07 @ 9:41 pm

I cannot beleive this please read on…. It is for these reasons that I am so disgusted with local Conservative candidate Graham Fox and his supporters who chose to try and take political advantage of this occasion. They arrived at the run wearing shirts to support Fox and take advantage of the fact that he shares the last name of our hero. by mike 09.27.07 @ 7:45 pm

And so on… So free speech = good. Abuse = bad. And we will remove all abuse.