What would you say is Free Speech?
Would you say it's something every one should be entitled to?
Would you say Free Speech is a made up concept?
Or would you say Free Speech is something which should only be allowed only if the authorities agree with?
Some would say there is people who talk about Free Speech and Democracy only when it suits them?
Do you think Free Speech and Democracy is practiced in Tameside?
Do you think you have the same civil rights as a profile person?
Or do you think people with a public profile abuse their status?
Do you think everyone gets treated fairly?
Please discuss!
I will print comments but nothing libelous people!!
3 comments:
Gareth, freedom of speech is the fundamental democratic right of each and every citizen of the land to voice their opinion on whatever matter they wish. Freedom of speech is something to which any citizen of this country is entitled to, regardless of their position in society. Since 1997, the concept of freedom of speech and expression would appear to have become a fabricated concept, but was not before.
Freedom of speech and expression should not be regulated or manipulated by those who hold public office to prevent other members of society from having their say and making their feelings known. Free speech should certainly not be something which is allowed because those in authority agree with what is being said about either themselves or their policies and activities. Some in positions of authority merely talk about freedom of speech and expression to further their own objectives when it suits them.
If this debate has been prompted by recent events in Tameside, then I stand by my belief that neither freedom of speech nor democracy are practised in the borough, and that open debate is stifled by the ruling elite. It would appear that ordinary citizens, especially those who dare to criticise or investigate the activities of the ruling elite have their rights diminished as a result of their activities. Those who dare to voice opinions contrary to those of the ruling elite should not be persecuted for holding those in public office to account.
I would go as far as to say that certain people in public office in Tameside abuse their positions for the sole purposes of career advancement and the suppression of public discussion and free and fair debate.
In conclusion, I do not believe everyone is treated fairly, certainly not in Tameside, and certainly not by the power-crazed politburo which currently presides over the borough. They believe they have the right to do whatever they want, whenever they want without being called to account for their actions. If one dares to oppose these people, one is immediately portrayed as some sort of insane sycophant. If you go above and beyond what they believe you should do in the pursuit of freedom of speech and expression, you may be arrested.
Free speech, is a right which every Englishman is entitled to - but it should not be taken for granted. It is one of those things which is incredibly hard to earn, but incredibly easy to lose.
It is therefore, an Englishman's right to respect it and use it properly. By 'properly' i mean use it for debate and discussion (no matter how controversial the topic), but NOT for small-minded skulduggery.
Free speech is a concept that should be based on factual evidence; not rumour, innuendo and/or gossip.
If you are hounded when you argument is based on fact then you have everything to gain. However, if your argument is based on rumour, innuendo and/or gossip then you have everything to lose.
And remember, sometimes the difference between a libellous statement and free speech is a question mark.
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