General Chat

p.s. goodnight. If you want more argument, I'll see you tomorrow. Rob

Hi Fitz, it's good of you to keep this thread going (perhaps we may get the learned Len of the Chilterns to join). However, I think you may be getting a bit confused about British history: Britain was the first country to lose its peasantry; replaced, I suppose, by serfs - whose lot was not as bad as is commonly portrayed. General education was in full swing during the 19th century - it wasn't just the gentry who read Charles Dickens. Shakespeare demonstrated that freedom of speech was rife during the 16th & 17th centuries - the general populace may not have been able to read, but they could enjoy his plays, and certainly pick up on his sub-text. It might be that freedom of speech really came under attack as communications improved: the state could detect dissent early, and nip it in the bud. The British have never been much on oppressive state control; Cromwell tried it, and quickly lost his popularity. Much depends on your definition of 'Freedom Of Speech'; you seem to think of it as some class-oriented thing that only those who can read and write may indulge in. My own definition might be that anyone may utter disagreement or disaffection with any individual or party without fear of oppressive repercussions from the state. This is what is worrying me about Britain - the 'Mother of Parliaments' is passing more and more oppressive laws 'for our good'; in the States, as Felicity has pointed out, it appears that the media is being used more and more to control the opinions of the populace, with much the same intention - if you disagree, you will be wrong.

No apologies for bringing this back its a good thread. Robert, I actually don't think there was freedom of speech in Britain until maybe after WW1 when the class system was queried... before that no way, there were peasants and gentry and even further back only people to write were monks? Where was this 'freedom of speech' ?

It is refreshing to see people making such a meal of a simple question. I sneaked off to bed several pages back, leaving the pot boiling, so to speak. Bryan, I suggest you read my earlier post again - I made no accusation, just a point as to how even an apparently innocuous statement could be misconstrued. Gwynne, your comment regarding shouting 'Fire' makes a good point; when does 'freedom of speech' become rabble-rousing? Only criticism I might have is the comment from Fitz that Britain gained its freedom of speech during WW2. Erm, no, Fitz; Britain has had freedom of speech for centuries; it is probably endemic to the isles. It was enshrined in law in the Magna Carta (1215), and, while there have been many attempts to supress it, it keeps bouncing back.

What an interesting well disciplined thread. It makes a lovely change to read it. I have not added but have read every post thoroughly. Thank you Robert and all contributors. Long may we keep the freedom of speech that we have. Ann Glos

We saw one wreath - in St Stephen's Green, at the foot of a statue to a poet who was killed in WW1. Nothing at the memorial for WW2 naval personnel though. Jay

To a degree yes but you will still be empowered by compliances that go with it,,,,,,,, kay,

Freedom of speech does not mean the right to shout 'FIRE' in a crowded theatre. Our rights to freeedom of speech must not override the rights of others to live in peace and safety. Gwynne

I think we do have freedom of speech,but I also feel we are getting to the stage where were frightened of voicing it.

Good Subject but can be taken many ways really Yes I believe in freedom of speech but only when it doesn't hurt anyone. Take today for example, hubby and I was on the train coming back from the city. This middle aged lady(if you can call her a lady) was using four letter words in virtually every sentence.. She had the loudest voice and everyone was looking at her. I was offended and especially when there was children on the train. I know these words are used more these days but I think if you have to use them there is a time and a place. The train certainly was not the place. Hubby did tell her to watch the language in the end. (His freedom of speech) lol. Freedom of speech I don't have a problem with. As long as you are not degrading or maliciously attacking individuals. Some may not agree with me. It's just my own thoughts on the subject Regards Jackie Regards Jackie

goodnight all.. great thread robert, please add more, but a little earlier please :o) this is my last late night, until next weekend, please respect each other, it makes life on here so enjoyable. bryan.

Nite Jay Get I think, where you're coming from Bryan -- I don't do Pms I only do up front on the board Really must go to eat now lol -- be back later and thanks for a great thread - really enjoyed chatting

hi fitz, to make use of an unwanted product. we were talking about an alternative to oil, i suggested ' natural waste ' ie, bodily functions. i'm trying to keep this great thread clean, so pm me if your still in the dark :o) bryan.

Yes, I too should head to bed. Night everyone - nice to talk to you all and how nice to have been able to have a discussion and exchange views, without any trouble. Jay

Felicity, Jay and Bryan its been a pleasure .. and to Robert .. to come on here for once and have a good debate -- thank you

What a great thread!! I think others could learn a lesson from this in that opinions CAN be expressed and appreciated without nastiness. The thread was about freedom of speech and it spoke for itself! Sleep well all

Running vehicles on hot air? A wonderful idea. For now, we're happy with one of ours running on used vegetable oil. Hi, Bryan, it's good to see you. Thanks, everyone. It's way past a uk bedtime so I expect I'll be on my ownio soon, but thanks for a really interesting discussion! x

Fitz, No offence taken at all LOL!!! Partner is half-Irish, I'm a quarter Irish, we feel a great affinity with the place! It is the North of Ireland that had hostile feelings towards the UK in the 1960's and 70's.I can't bear to go there, for personal reasons, but love Eire and always feel welcome there. Jay

Lost me Bryan? As to recycling? Its been a great thread to answer with no animosity just personal opinions/views I suppose thats the whole point -- yes we have freedom of speech

hi felicity, hope your well matey, to answer your question to fitz, maybe we need to recycle our ' natural waste ' blimey janet, where have you been hiding, been great reading your posts on this thread. bryan.