Free Speech

[Robusto]

I've been thinking about freedom of speech quite a bit over the last few months. Amongst other things, my thinking has been prompted by my experiences in Cuba, by Nick Griffiths's appearance on Question Time, by re-reading George Orwell's 1984 and by what amounts to a succession of edicts about what I am obliged to do in my job and how unnecessary and time-consumingly pointless those edicts can be.

I know I should perhaps get out more.

Anyone up for a ponder?

[ChrisMClark]

I could have a ponder with you...but today I feel on the same intelectual level as a small satsuma; it's been a long week on early mornings, late nights, and very long hours between. Sleep deprivation is not my ally. Oh well, pay day a week on monday, and I'll have to order myself a nice box of something

[Big_T_UK]

Pet topic of mine so would love to ponder on this topic further but you may find my point of view to be hard to take, I love to play devils advocate.

T.

[TJCoro]

Why Are We Here?

Interesting questing, senorRobosto. But sadly, I'm not prone to thinking about such a heady topic today....to busy focusing on my marvelous Bolivar Bonitas and a fantastic cup of Mexican Joe.

No doubt senor missingwing will have plenty to say on the subject, being a most thoughtful lad and all!

BJ,BJCoro

[misterbulgarin]

[Big_T_UK]

Holy cow!!!

What does one say to that? LOL

T.

[Kdot]

Even though I am offended by the "cartoon" posted by Mr B, I know some on this forum will agree with it. but who am I to say you cant do it, without offending others?

When does freedom of speech go too far? when it turns into hate and impacts the freedom of others? works both ways...

[TJCoro]

Let's Get This Party Started!

Even though I am offended by the "cartoon" posted by Mr B, I know some on this forum will agree with it. but who am I to say you cant do it, without offending others?

When does freedom of speech go too far? when it turns into hate and impacts the freedom of others? works both ways...

BJ, BJCoro

[peanutpete]

Even though I am offended by the "cartoon" posted by Mr B, I know some on this forum will agree with it. but who am I to say you cant do it, without offending others?

When does freedom of speech go too far? when it turns into hate and impacts the freedom of others? works both ways...

i agree with every thing kdot said

what are you trying to say mr b, to me it looks like your tring to blame all the problems in the uk on emigrants if i am mistaken i apologise and please explain the cartoon

[Jimmeh]

My interpretation is that Mr B is not trying to offend, however provide an example to be discussed? However that is just my guess.

I know some people will be offended by this image, but the question is - should people be able to say things like this? if not, then is it an infingement on freedom of speech?

[Nuno Sa]

I don?t understand the cartoon like that, I saw last week a documentary on Mr Blair politics after the September 11 attacks, and how it lead to persecution of peoples rights to protest and an even more brutal persecution of foreigners specially Muslims a likes. I think that the British government as used the publics fear to create a kind of "police state", in that way limiting freedom of speech as never been since the WWII.

[moidoid]

They say that a picture says a thousand words. Clearly not true in this case. I just hope that the cartoon was not really as crass as it appears.

But it's a good example of where you draw the line. Where does legitimate criticism of religion or immigration become unnacceptable legally or socially? Should people lose their jobs because of what they say? I suspect that we must draw the line at incitement to violence on a limited number of issues - like race, gender and sexuality - which people are born into and can't change. Things that involve people being made to do things against their will must be out too.

Anything above this should probably be protected in law and just argued about. I think we need a free speech law since it is so under threat atm. In general I would say that I am in favour of more freedom rather than rules!

[moidoid]

I like Stephen Fry's response to people being offended by a cartoon, I think the Danish Motoons:

'You're offended? So f*****g what...'

I think this is a good general point and even though I may find a cartoon like the one above a bit silly, or offensive even, it is just a good starting point to argue about why it is so daft. I don't want to ban things I disagree with though.

Do people think that a cartoon like the one above incites racial hatred? It has some themes the BNP would like.

[TJCoro]

It's on, Hombres!



Great Stuff, Here!

Goes right to the heart of the topic of the thread.

Another fine, thought-provoking thread by the big guy, senor Robusto*

BJ, BJCoro



*Now look who's suckin' up, ya' brown noser!


senor will get a kick out of this!


What's a "brown noser?"


(Hurumph!) Have you boobs no shame?


Geee, I wish someone would "brown nose" me!

[moidoid]

Great Stuff, Here!

Goes right to the heart of the topic of the thread.

Another fine, thought-provoking thread by the big guy, senor Robusto*

BJ, BJCoro



*Now look who's suckin' up, ya' brown noser!


senor will get a kick out of this!


What's a "brown noser?"


(Hurumph!) Have you boobs no shame?


Geee, I wish someone would "brown nose" me!

Of course, another way to avoid offending anyone is to just make sure that no mofo ever UNDERSTANDS A WORD YOU SAY!!!!!!!