I think the counter argument to this is (allowing people to...

I think the counter argument to this is (allowing people to short) is that it makes the market more dynamic and less susceptible to bubbles. I don't really mind either way, I think people blame shorting for everything when a stock goes down which is unfair and probably wrong.

In the long run, shorting shouldn't matter because the stock should in theory balance it self. The market and be fickle and people are obviously emotional. In fact i think its the emotional nature of the market and not shorters which is dangerous.

In any case people should try to be civil here. It kills discussion when people bicker and bitch with one another.

I do find the "this stock is trash" "only worth 2c" type comments interesting though and I often wonder if those overly aggressive comments are relating to people being burned and frustrated with the stock rather than them having a short position.