Wikipedia Mediation Cabal | |
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Article | Non-lethal weapon |
Status | Closed |
Request date | 22:46, 20 August 2011 (UTC) |
Requesting party | Andering J. REDDSON ( talk) |
Mediator(s) | TransporterMan ( TALK) |
Comment | Mediator's opinion appears to have been accepted by requesting editor. Closing as resolved, but will reopen if further discussion desired (contact me on my talk page, if so). |
The dispute is the use of Amnesty International as a source for the Allegations of torture section on Non-Lethal Weap page. Wikipedia itself acknowledges that AI is NOT an unbiased source, and therefore anything referencing them must be removed as biased; It’s like asking HITLER to write on the NaZI Party (assuming he was alive, of course). There are actually MORE disputes, but at this time I want to overcome one mountain at a time. Andering J REDDSON
Please place your signature here to indicate that you are aware of this mediation process and want to participate in it:
Andy REDDSON: AI’s bias is very well documented; They must be removed. I myself said if a reputable source said the exact same thing, that would be different (just because I don’t personally know of one doesn’t mean they don’t exist; the FBI might have a similar report). I DID try to resolve this matter, but was accused of doing a “driveby.” At that point I removed the offending material myself, but ⋙–Berean–Hunter—►, Binksternet, and Marcus Qwertyus simply revert it back and now I’ve been accuse of starting a edit war.
The entire section is inappropriate and biased, however the overwhelming biased passage is Amnesty International in 1997 released a report titled USA: Police use of pepper spray is tantamount to torture. The repetitive use of pain-inducing non-lethal weapons on a human may be considered cruel, if not torture by itself. Such use is likely to be considered abusive or in violation of the 1984 United Nations Convention against torture and other cruelties.
Simply removing that piece would rectify this matter.
Correct the problem.
Here I’d like to apologize if I didn’t get this perfectly right; I’m struggling to understand how to do this. A REDDSON
I am mentioned here because I removed this request for clarification in my capacity as an Arbitration Committee clerk as 1) not a clarification on an existing case and 2) not ripe for arbitration. As I explained to the filing party, arbitration is the final step in dispute resolution, not the first, and I suggested other forms of dispute resolution. As such, I am not an involved party to this request for mediation and my lack of participation here should not be considered as a barrier for this request for mediation to progress; I indeed encourage this dispute to be resolved at this stage of the WP:DR process. Alexandr Dmitri ( talk) 15:02, 21 August 2011 (UTC)
Does this edit satisfy everyone? Marcus Qwertyus 19:28, 21 August 2011 (UTC)
Is it normal to use a attribute a source if that source is questionable? Xavexgoem ( talk) 20:21, 31 August 2011 (UTC)
I hold that a paper cited by other scholarly and professional authors picks up legitimacy. Here is a list of papers that cite the AI study:
These very authoritative papers list the AI piece as a source. I have not read them, so I don't know the extent to which they quote AI's data or conclusions, or even whether they argue against the AI piece! I merely bring this list to the discussion to show that AI may be perfectly suitable as a source if other high quality sources cite it. Binksternet ( talk) 04:30, 4 September 2011 (UTC)
Why is it not sufficient for the source to be directly attributed in prose? Xavexgoem ( talk) 07:31, 6 September 2011 (UTC)
I could write an unfavorable article on the formation of the current state of Isræl, citing the background information thereof (and let’s be honest here, I’m referring to the deathcamps), and in that context cite Meif Kampf as part of the article. ¿Does this make HILTER (of all people) a reliable source? No. Even the pamphlet “The Eternal Jew”, which he cited as ‘proof’ of a Semitic conspiracy, is of highly questionable authenticity.
¿Does this mean I could cite Mein Kampf for other things? Yes (mental illness being one). But in context, its reliability and truthfulness is highly dubious.
The same basic situation presents here; A highly dubious source was used to justify extremist claims in what is supposed to be a reliable article.
AI’s neutrality issues are acknowledged by Wikipedia itself, and therefore there should be no dispute on this.
Furthermore: With the voracity that certain parties have prosecuted this matter, I highly suspect their motives for this having to get to this point, including that they have attempted to have this process ended before it is heard out, made baseless (that means false) allegations against me, and tried to derail the case by presenting other uses of the propaganda in question as proof of it’s “legitimacy.” This could have been taken care of over a month ago when I first rasied the objection in the effective talk page; I offered a perfectly legitimate alternative (using another source and removing the offending section in the interim). These was duely quashed. I was accused at that point of a driveby, so I took that as the green light to make the edit in question; This was reverted, and I was accused of waging an edit war. A REDDSON — Preceding
undated comment added 07:58, 6 September 2011 (UTC)
I am a few minutes early on this, but if I don't do it now, it will be 12-14 hours before I can say it so I hope no one has been waiting until the very last moment to join the discussion. I've taken a look at the arguments of the parties and the sources which they have cited. It seems to me that Amnesty International has long ago been accepted as an unbiased reliable source for facts which they report. In this case they are not being cited for fact, but for an opinion or, actually, two relevant opinions: first, that "use of pepper spray by police in California against peaceful protestors, including a 17-year old, is cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of such deliberateness and severity that it is tantamount to torture" and, second, that they believe that "the USA has defied its solemn obligation under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment." The report in question, from which I've just quoted, is clearly sufficient as a reliable primary source for AI's opinion. The claims that the quotation should not be included because it is biased are no more valid than a claim that a statement of opinion by a political party about an opposing candidate should not be included merely because it is biased ("The acts in the candidates past make it clear that he does not deserve to be elected."). The mere fact that the organization is influential and generally considered to be a reliable source is enough to justify the inclusion of such a statement, so long as it is attributed under WP:RSOPINION and WP:ATTRIBUTEPOV. The fact that the report has been referenced in the sources cited by Binksternet, whether cited as a supporting or as a opposing view, further indicates that the opinion of AI is sufficiently important as not to merely be ignored, as is established by WP:USEBYOTHERS. In short, it is not the truth or falsity of those opinions which is important, but the fact that AI gave them, biased or not. I agree with Binksternet in his comments here that the position of the United Nations on the use of tasers as torture devices is better - though not firmly - established (the missing UN paper can be found as document A/63/44 on this page and says on page 32 that the U.N. Committee "is concerned that the use of these weapons causes severe pain constituting a form of torture") than the AI opinion on pepper spray, but I see no reason that both cannot be used in this section which is clearly labeled "Allegations of Torture". Both are sufficient sources to establish that the use of these devices have been alleged to legally constitute torture. In short, it is my opinion that existing Wikipedia policy allows the use of these sources so long as they are clearly attributed to the organizations which made them. Those who feel that the statements are biased are free to suggest opposing statements from other influential organizations, which will be evaluated at the time they are proposed, but the lack of those opposing opinions does not mandate the exclusion of the AI opinion until they can be provided. I would close by suggesting that if those opposed to the use of the AI report still feel that they would like to pursue this matter, the next best step would probably be a Request for comments to see if other editors support their view. Best regards, TransporterMan ( TALK) 21:55, 6 September 2011 (UTC)
Now they’re stalling. The section was declared a violation of neutrality; User:TransporterMan gave something back to them so they could keep the propaganda in place, and now they’re trying to hide behind “acceptable sources” even after they’ve been presented. That I don’t understand how to put a citation in does NOT change the fact that it is here. A. J. REDDSON — Preceding undated comment added 16:32, 19 September 2011 (UTC)
Wikipedia Mediation Cabal | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Article | Non-lethal weapon |
Status | Closed |
Request date | 22:46, 20 August 2011 (UTC) |
Requesting party | Andering J. REDDSON ( talk) |
Mediator(s) | TransporterMan ( TALK) |
Comment | Mediator's opinion appears to have been accepted by requesting editor. Closing as resolved, but will reopen if further discussion desired (contact me on my talk page, if so). |
The dispute is the use of Amnesty International as a source for the Allegations of torture section on Non-Lethal Weap page. Wikipedia itself acknowledges that AI is NOT an unbiased source, and therefore anything referencing them must be removed as biased; It’s like asking HITLER to write on the NaZI Party (assuming he was alive, of course). There are actually MORE disputes, but at this time I want to overcome one mountain at a time. Andering J REDDSON
Please place your signature here to indicate that you are aware of this mediation process and want to participate in it:
Andy REDDSON: AI’s bias is very well documented; They must be removed. I myself said if a reputable source said the exact same thing, that would be different (just because I don’t personally know of one doesn’t mean they don’t exist; the FBI might have a similar report). I DID try to resolve this matter, but was accused of doing a “driveby.” At that point I removed the offending material myself, but ⋙–Berean–Hunter—►, Binksternet, and Marcus Qwertyus simply revert it back and now I’ve been accuse of starting a edit war.
The entire section is inappropriate and biased, however the overwhelming biased passage is Amnesty International in 1997 released a report titled USA: Police use of pepper spray is tantamount to torture. The repetitive use of pain-inducing non-lethal weapons on a human may be considered cruel, if not torture by itself. Such use is likely to be considered abusive or in violation of the 1984 United Nations Convention against torture and other cruelties.
Simply removing that piece would rectify this matter.
Correct the problem.
Here I’d like to apologize if I didn’t get this perfectly right; I’m struggling to understand how to do this. A REDDSON
I am mentioned here because I removed this request for clarification in my capacity as an Arbitration Committee clerk as 1) not a clarification on an existing case and 2) not ripe for arbitration. As I explained to the filing party, arbitration is the final step in dispute resolution, not the first, and I suggested other forms of dispute resolution. As such, I am not an involved party to this request for mediation and my lack of participation here should not be considered as a barrier for this request for mediation to progress; I indeed encourage this dispute to be resolved at this stage of the WP:DR process. Alexandr Dmitri ( talk) 15:02, 21 August 2011 (UTC)
Does this edit satisfy everyone? Marcus Qwertyus 19:28, 21 August 2011 (UTC)
Is it normal to use a attribute a source if that source is questionable? Xavexgoem ( talk) 20:21, 31 August 2011 (UTC)
I hold that a paper cited by other scholarly and professional authors picks up legitimacy. Here is a list of papers that cite the AI study:
These very authoritative papers list the AI piece as a source. I have not read them, so I don't know the extent to which they quote AI's data or conclusions, or even whether they argue against the AI piece! I merely bring this list to the discussion to show that AI may be perfectly suitable as a source if other high quality sources cite it. Binksternet ( talk) 04:30, 4 September 2011 (UTC)
Why is it not sufficient for the source to be directly attributed in prose? Xavexgoem ( talk) 07:31, 6 September 2011 (UTC)
I could write an unfavorable article on the formation of the current state of Isræl, citing the background information thereof (and let’s be honest here, I’m referring to the deathcamps), and in that context cite Meif Kampf as part of the article. ¿Does this make HILTER (of all people) a reliable source? No. Even the pamphlet “The Eternal Jew”, which he cited as ‘proof’ of a Semitic conspiracy, is of highly questionable authenticity.
¿Does this mean I could cite Mein Kampf for other things? Yes (mental illness being one). But in context, its reliability and truthfulness is highly dubious.
The same basic situation presents here; A highly dubious source was used to justify extremist claims in what is supposed to be a reliable article.
AI’s neutrality issues are acknowledged by Wikipedia itself, and therefore there should be no dispute on this.
Furthermore: With the voracity that certain parties have prosecuted this matter, I highly suspect their motives for this having to get to this point, including that they have attempted to have this process ended before it is heard out, made baseless (that means false) allegations against me, and tried to derail the case by presenting other uses of the propaganda in question as proof of it’s “legitimacy.” This could have been taken care of over a month ago when I first rasied the objection in the effective talk page; I offered a perfectly legitimate alternative (using another source and removing the offending section in the interim). These was duely quashed. I was accused at that point of a driveby, so I took that as the green light to make the edit in question; This was reverted, and I was accused of waging an edit war. A REDDSON — Preceding
undated comment added 07:58, 6 September 2011 (UTC)
I am a few minutes early on this, but if I don't do it now, it will be 12-14 hours before I can say it so I hope no one has been waiting until the very last moment to join the discussion. I've taken a look at the arguments of the parties and the sources which they have cited. It seems to me that Amnesty International has long ago been accepted as an unbiased reliable source for facts which they report. In this case they are not being cited for fact, but for an opinion or, actually, two relevant opinions: first, that "use of pepper spray by police in California against peaceful protestors, including a 17-year old, is cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of such deliberateness and severity that it is tantamount to torture" and, second, that they believe that "the USA has defied its solemn obligation under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment." The report in question, from which I've just quoted, is clearly sufficient as a reliable primary source for AI's opinion. The claims that the quotation should not be included because it is biased are no more valid than a claim that a statement of opinion by a political party about an opposing candidate should not be included merely because it is biased ("The acts in the candidates past make it clear that he does not deserve to be elected."). The mere fact that the organization is influential and generally considered to be a reliable source is enough to justify the inclusion of such a statement, so long as it is attributed under WP:RSOPINION and WP:ATTRIBUTEPOV. The fact that the report has been referenced in the sources cited by Binksternet, whether cited as a supporting or as a opposing view, further indicates that the opinion of AI is sufficiently important as not to merely be ignored, as is established by WP:USEBYOTHERS. In short, it is not the truth or falsity of those opinions which is important, but the fact that AI gave them, biased or not. I agree with Binksternet in his comments here that the position of the United Nations on the use of tasers as torture devices is better - though not firmly - established (the missing UN paper can be found as document A/63/44 on this page and says on page 32 that the U.N. Committee "is concerned that the use of these weapons causes severe pain constituting a form of torture") than the AI opinion on pepper spray, but I see no reason that both cannot be used in this section which is clearly labeled "Allegations of Torture". Both are sufficient sources to establish that the use of these devices have been alleged to legally constitute torture. In short, it is my opinion that existing Wikipedia policy allows the use of these sources so long as they are clearly attributed to the organizations which made them. Those who feel that the statements are biased are free to suggest opposing statements from other influential organizations, which will be evaluated at the time they are proposed, but the lack of those opposing opinions does not mandate the exclusion of the AI opinion until they can be provided. I would close by suggesting that if those opposed to the use of the AI report still feel that they would like to pursue this matter, the next best step would probably be a Request for comments to see if other editors support their view. Best regards, TransporterMan ( TALK) 21:55, 6 September 2011 (UTC)
Now they’re stalling. The section was declared a violation of neutrality; User:TransporterMan gave something back to them so they could keep the propaganda in place, and now they’re trying to hide behind “acceptable sources” even after they’ve been presented. That I don’t understand how to put a citation in does NOT change the fact that it is here. A. J. REDDSON — Preceding undated comment added 16:32, 19 September 2011 (UTC)