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Post by spinno on Feb 9, 2023 20:32:36 GMT
Lee Anderson. Surely even Tory supporters are embarrassed that this bloke was given a cabinet level job by Roland Rat Rishi Sunak? This is a guy who ,amongst other things, scuffled with peaceful, non-violent protesters outside the HoC and then challenged them to a fight. If he lied on the campaign trail does that suggest he may have lied in his previous employment as a Police Officer? |
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Post by mick on Feb 10, 2023 8:28:29 GMT
I know that Question Time isn't held in high regard here but I watched last night and was amazed that the consensus on the panel and in the audience seemed to be, "we strongly disagree with his views but defend his right to express them".
Maybe I shouldn't be surprised because we are supposed to pride ourselves on free speech but in these days of 'cancel culture' it nevertheless surprised me.
I was also taken aback by the apparent level of support (in the audience) for capital punishment.
Mick
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politics
Feb 10, 2023 8:55:51 GMT
via mobile
Post by MJB on Feb 10, 2023 8:55:51 GMT
Free speech or freedom of speech?
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Post by mick on Feb 10, 2023 9:03:54 GMT
In this context the distinction is too subtle for me. I even googled and found "the expressions free speech, freedom of speech and freedom of expression are used interchangeably" Wiki is probably the most easily found.
Mick
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Post by MJB on Feb 10, 2023 9:31:03 GMT
To me freedom of speech means the right of anyone to speak out against people in positions of authority without fear of reprisal. Free speech seems to be used by those who espouse hate and bigotry and usually gets used in conjunction with phrases like 'cancel culture' as a defence to these views. Free speech comes with responsibility, sadly lacking by many who claim to have that right.
In the case of Lee Anderson, I disagree with his views on capital punishment and poverty and will exercise my right to challenge them. However nobody can defend his physical assault on Steve Bray, or his dishonesty in his campaigning to get elected to a position of power. Both these things make him unfit to serve as a member of parliament, let alone be given a front bench role in government.
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Post by mick on Feb 10, 2023 9:44:29 GMT
Thanks.
I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of the case. The 'assault' and campaign were not mentioned at all last night.
Mick
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