No, she couldn't have succeeded, and that was kinda my point. Google Groups has no control over Usenet. It simply provides access to read and post there for people who use their (Google's) website.

As to our intellectual disagreement, I rebuked her for going off on one of her magic carpet rides/ego trips, within which she saw fit to insult a very accomplished individual, along with the entire scientific establishment, in her trademark treacly way. In her response, she not only threatened to have me removed from Google Groups(!), but also accused me of being in the pay of a certain discussion board proprietor . . .

Brian came to my defense in an effective, succinct post, and we all let the matter drop. Rather a tempest in a teapot, anyway.

Michael Williams
Arroyo Grande, CA