Comments on: Wootton Bassett

By: Kathryn Duncan

Kathryn Duncan — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:04:00 +0000

I've pasted a link to a review for a book i think everyone should read. I think a proper understanding of the terrorist threat is lacking in this and many other countries. Rob i think you would like to read it if you haven't already.http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/10/books/review/Walker.t.html

By: Kathryn Duncan

Kathryn Duncan — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

By: Robert Sharp

Robert Sharp — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:01:00 +0000

Hmm, I think you might be confusing several issues here. Who on earth is saying that we cannot celebrate Christmas?! In the UK, the War on Christmas is a complete myth: See Oliver Burkeman's dismantling here:www.guardian.co.uk/christmas2006/story/0,,1967367,00.htmlIn Malaysia, a Muslim Country, they may well be attacking the celebration of a Christian festival. But its totally erroneous thinking to say that because something has been attacked in one country, that we should engage in some sort of tit-for-tat in the UK or other secular democracies like South Africa. The 'Us vs. Them' battle is not Muslims vs Christians, but Fundamentalists vs. secular democracy. This is why the protection of free expression, however odious, is something worth fighting for.

By: Joan Bond

Joan Bond — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:15:00 +0000

And now Malaysia … !

By: Robert Sharp

Robert Sharp — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

By: Joan Bond

Joan Bond — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:53:00 +0000

Be that as it may, if we WANT to celebrate Christmas, we should not be told we can't. Also, what annoys me, is that in every airport, there is a sign "to prayer room". Where is the sign – "to the chapel" or "to the synagogue". What's good for the goose, etc" . No one took any notice of Hitler when he wrote Mein Kamph and literally spelled out what he planned to do – and then DID it. Now we are all cow-towing when in 20 year's time (hopefully not sooner!) we'll all be saying – why the hell didn't we take note of what was happening then!!! In the end, the only thing that will work – is plain and simple – live and let live! The very best is what the Ozzie PM said – if you don't like it, leave!!!

By: Robert Sharp

Robert Sharp — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:18:00 +0000

It might be, if the worry about Christmas decorations had any basis in fact. Which it doesn't.

By: Joan Bond

Joan Bond — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:02:00 +0000

So we allow them what THEY want, but we can't have Xmas decorations etc? Sounds rather unfair to me!

By: Robert

Robert — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:17:38 +0000

Ellie, your conception of free speech is very dangerous. Free expression us a right, not a “privilege” as you put it. We simply cannot place rules on who can protest, and where they can protest, based on what other people find offensive. As soon as you introduce such a subjective judgement then it is an easy slide into an extremely censorious system of politics. ‘Offence’ is an unpleasant part of living in a democracy.

Public order, you say? Oh ye of little faith! Have you so little esteem or the people of Wootton Bassett and the United Kingdom, that faced with an unpleasant set of opinions, they can do nothing but riot?! As I say above, a peaceful demonstration of tolerance will be so muhore eloquent than a knee-jerk ban based on hypotheticals and fear.

By: Ellie Johnson

Ellie Johnson — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:04:35 +0000

Rob, forgive me, but you are an idiot. Wootton Bassett is the setting for a respectful and solemn return of the war dead, often attended by the families of those who have died. These young people sent to die went to try to make a difference. It is NOT the place for angry protests and demonstration. Would the Stop the War Coalition have suggested similar activity in Wootton Bassett? no, they would have shown respect. The tradition of free speech is one of the greatest achievements of this country, but it should be viewed as a privilege not be be abused. They can march in central London should they choose. Permission to march in Wootton Bassett MUST be denied on public order grounds.