It allows curious people to easily and quickly see the article in question. Seems natural that people will want to see hidden articles.

"I mean, we as readers should be able to JUDGE FOR OURSELVES if someone's comment is stupid, racist, unintelligent, etc...."

Santa Cruz Indymedia has an editorial policy. As stated on Indymedia.org, "Indymedia is a democratic media outlet for the creation of radical, accurate, and passionate tellings of truth."

SC-IMC's editorial states, "posts that contain blatantly racist, sexist, homophobic, or other hateful material intended to objectify, intimidate, or injure traditionally oppressed or under-represented groups or that link to websites that advocate the same, may be hidden or deleted."

"You not only make more work for yourself by hiding and linking back, but you are stifling debate on an allegedly open comment wire."

Thanks for your concern about the workload for sc-imc volunteers, but i can assure you that our indymedia 'work' comes from our love and passion to tell the truth and change the fucking world!