Thank you to everyone - David, Graham, Auracle, Tim, Ray, Telboy and John for your comments. You all make good points and I am very grateful to you for taking the time to set out your views.

I wrote this because I believe that freedom of speech, expression and the press is fundamental in the tolerant, liberal society in which I would like to live. 'Different views' can sometimes be infuriating and their expression (e.g. through demonstrations) disruptive but, nevertheless, there still needs to be a compelling reason to restrict them in any way. (Restricting free speech means shutting people up, and if they don't shut up, taking steps to make them do so. And we all know where this can lead...)

To put it simply, societies which uphold these freedoms are more creative and more fun.

Having said that, I am not so naive to think that the right to free speech is absolute. Democracy has to be defended, as you say, John. Incitement to violence or hatred, libel or slander require remedies. But criticising your government or saying things which 'upset' certain people does not. 'Balance', with a very high burden of proof, is the watchword here, as you say, Graham.

This why we have to reject the playbook of the 'Strongmen' (who are in fact mostly weak, insecure men), whose tactic is to brand anyone who disagrees with them as a traitor or an enemy of the state. In the end this is all self-defeating, as it stifles debate and inventiveness with disastrous results.

As regard pro-Russian opinions, Telboy, I would not object to reasoned arguments being posted, even if I found them objectionable. However, we should obviously not accept attempts to justify murder or destruction in Ukraine. I understand that the line is thin here and no one ever said that the defence of such rights was easy.

And my thanks to Hugh, Jennifer, Holden, K Lynn, Steve, Kelso, Manish and Rob for liking this.

Comment is about A Different Kind of View (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

We should never assume the stability of democracy. It is a fragile construct which needs constant defending. Well said, Stephen.

Comment is about A Different Kind of View (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

I'm completely in your corner Stephen. But if we truly believe in a different point of view folk should be able to post pro-Russian comments on here, but if they did I have no doubt that there would be an outcry from members and a warning from the moderators.

Comment is about A Different Kind of View (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Stephen,the tragedy here in my opinion is that it all makes complete sense, but given a different environment - of fear and mistrust such as existed in the fascist world, the right to express other than the party line and espouse it to the exclusion of any other horizons was the norm. There are those who would gain ground if given sufficient incentive - those of limited intelligence already much admired in the media. Be aware at all times!

Ray

Comment is about A Different Kind of View (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Stephen, what an excellent piece of thought-provoking writing.
When thinking of the complexities of cohabitating as a species and doing it in some civilized fashion is remarkable. Our entire existence revolves around and evolves from personal perspectives, Societies rely on some collaborative point of view. Amazing!!

Comment is about A Different Kind of View (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Breaking the boundaries of your own sanity is very liberating

Humans have developed ways for this for millennia!

Why toss away millennia of humanities for centuries of inhumanities in a couple of decennia?

Comment is about A Different Kind of View (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Stephen the world exists constantly if there is 'balance'.
Sadly when things get out of balance it gets very messy indeed.
As usual you make us think. Good work!

G

Comment is about A Different Kind of View (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Hi Stephen,

there isn't much of more importance than the right to speak up freely, except probably the right to be heard by all.

A right which is often policed by those anxious to have only their own voices heard. Such censorship exists in the highest offices of state to the lowliest agencies of eliteist clubs and closed societies (in fact everywhere) simpler put.

The exclusion of incitement to violence and hate should persist, but that too should be made known to all. It is a delicate area because sometimes restrictive regulation (even of hate and extreme predjudice) fans the flames of its growth. It is a difficult one which I suspect the only real antedote for is education...good luck with that.

A worthy thought and piece of writing which if not new requires repetition frequently.

David

Comment is about A Different Kind of View (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage