why read only buffer?

[notbob]

Jes tried to edit a file from emacs dired w/ edit cmd (e).  I get this
error:

Buffer is read-only: #<buffer .slrn.sig~>

As you can see, it's a backup file.  So?  I can edit the regular file,
but not the backup (~) file.  Identical permissions.  WTF!?

nb

-- 
vi --the heart of evil!
"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain
the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the
government." -- Patrick Henry