... Censorship in any form without external control is unacceptable ...
AMSAT is not "censoring" anyone. In America, only the government is not allowed to "censor" folks. You know, that First Amendment thingie:
"Congress shall make no law respecting ... abridging the freedom of speech ... "
This messagegroup - and millions of others - is a private party. NOT government-run nor sponsored. We're mere visitors entering and using it, and we have to abide by its rules - else we go elsewhere. Like guests in your home, there's an expected set of rules for behavior, and AMSAT just laid them out in black and white.
Similar to a Web site's "user service agreement" - a concept and device I've been using for my sites' visitors for over twenty years. A properly-drafted user service agreement spells out what I promise to you as the Web site owner, and what I expect from you as a visitor. Kinda like shaking hands before you peruse my sites.
Clint Bradford, K6LCS http://www.k6lcs.com