Following yesterday's post about Internet censorship in China, I've been asked the above question.
I believe there's a simple answer.
As Voltaire said, I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.
A vibrant society depends on the willingness of its citizens to share their views without trampling on the rights of others to espouse theirs. Racists, religious and political fanatics of various hues do not accept that other views may be just as valid; that is why governments legislate, I believe quite rightly, against such organisations.
When it is the government that limits the right to oppose them, then we see the rise of authoritarianism, beit communism, fascism or capitalism. Here in Indonesia we had Pancasila democracy which, during the Suharto era, served as a doctrinal cover-up of the massive rape of resources and corruption which is only now, seven years later, being pegged back.
Jakartass has a recognisable voice; I am an environmentally concerned libertarian. I am not a consumer, partly because of the reasons above. I don't try and proselytise, though obviously I'm pleased if a reader or two find themselves thinking outside their usual box. My contention is that Life is an Index of Possibilities. In the immortal words of the Cole Porter song, don't fence me in.
So here is a belated list of blogs which have given Jakartass a permanent link, although I haven't returned the favour because they don't fit in my self-imposed remit: