If I want to the public library and the fire extinguishers didn't work the fire marshal would put a lock on the door. If the shelves fell over and smashed the patrons they'd be sued out of existence. Just because something is 'public' and/or a 'library' doesn't mean there isn't a necessity of upkeep to ensure it's not a danger to others.
> I think of the internet more like a public highway and not a library.
I think I asked a reasonable question.
I would argue that locking the doors on a library for non-working fire extinguishers is an overreaction and fairly authoritarian. If there was a sign on the entrance that told library-goers that there are no currently working fire extinguishers and to use their own judgment on whether or not to enter the building, what’s the harm in that? The vast majority would walk out unscathed with a book in their hand.
If I want to the public library and the fire extinguishers didn't work the fire marshal would put a lock on the door. If the shelves fell over and smashed the patrons they'd be sued out of existence. Just because something is 'public' and/or a 'library' doesn't mean there isn't a necessity of upkeep to ensure it's not a danger to others.