Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of

The NG is a public forum, but is theoretically a group of people who have
agreed to discuss a common theme. Obviously, as per rec.boats and most other
groups, this is a "purist" vision that doesn't play out in the real world.

I think the freedom-of-speech, off-topic relationship is like a guy printing a
political poster. He's allowed to print and distribute the posters, but he
might be prohibioted from pasting his message on the front door of City Hall.

If a person joins a group that was established with a moderator, there should
be no expectation of ability to post whatever comes to mind.