Comment by netcan

>as observers, what we're left with is two people accusing someone of something and the accused saying they're innocent.

This is the point though, isnt it. He's writing a retrospective about the impact of public condemnation and ostracization as a result of such proof-less, process-less accusations.

Neither the accusation nor the denial come with proof. This is not exactly about what should we do in this circumstance. Its about what peiple did fo in these circumstances.

You can doubt his innocence. But... and this is the crucial point... this post is not attempting to punish the accusers. So to me... normal rules apply. Assumption of good faith and honesty, to some extent, apply.

If I read the other side's story, then I'd probably read it from the same perspective.

That's ok... because we aren't hanging someone at the end of this conversation. If we are, different standards apply.