General Chat

Oxford Union protestors are soooooooooooooo wrong.

I've not seen the story Errol What's happening?

BNP were, after much discussion, allowed to speak at Oxford Union debate. Protestors have stopped them. Freedom of speech and the whole meaning of debate seem to have been forgotten. In order to form an informed opinion one needs every side of the argument. Some people criticise groups such as BNP for being narrow minded etc - surely not allowing them to speak is narrow minded!

what's the story?

Totally agree Errol.xx

I agree they should be allowed to speak and have there say after all according to them thats what their party is all about.. I wouldn't of stayed and listen to the crap they spout but thats me..

David Irving was also supposed to be speaking - hey give the guy a platform!

mmm, tricky one this....freedom of speech is vital but it does come with a responsibility not to encite hatred.

in theory I agree that one should be aware of all sides before reaching an informed opinion....but do understand the protestors ....would I have had to listen to Hitler's viewpoint in person before deciding he was wrong? (sorry I know that is a cliched example but can't think of a better one at the minute)

Rosex

Freedom of speech as long as it falls into line?

From the sounds of it they were INVITED to speak?. It doesn't sound like they attempted to foist their opinions on anyone or incite anything if they were invited surely?. If I am correct they were just going to tell people what they were all about? xx

Anyone should be allowed to speak as long as it doesn't encourage violence / terrorism etc.........

My understanding also Muffy. We cannot dumb down or bar people from talking because of their views. The people who sat outside and prevented the debate/discussion from taking place are the bigots because they are afraid of any opinion that is not their own! (Sound familiar?)

I have edited this post Errol as you have answered my question ...ta x

I've edited this because it answered your previous post which you have now edited. Hope I don't have to edit again lol 'cos it will get complicated.

no that isn't what i meant!

not putting it well......I would defend the right to freedom of speech to the hilt...

I respect that other people will have different views to me and that they are not necessarily 'wrong' because they differ from mine......

you are probably right that the BNP should have been allowed to speak...my answer was a 'gut reaction' to their views...not considered argument....but because it IS my gut reaction I can understand the protestors also...

rosex

From what I understand Nick Griffin was inside the Oxford Union by 7 pm this evening and had already given interviews to the local press and the BBC World Service by that time.

Sam x

I have edited this as too really confused Errol :))))))

Good night all ....by the way Errol are you going to voted on personality 2007......mwahhhhhhhhhxxxx

Tough call....... Having lived many years in Welling where they used to have the HO I can say hand on heart I wouldnt want to be within 10 miles of a speach by the BNP.

I remember a riot so bad once that Welling High Street was full of police on Horseback and I had to close my shop with customers in it and put the metal grills down as it was not safe to go outside due to the riots incited by the BNP against what were and had been for several hours peaceful protesters.

I also understand that to have a debate you need to hear both sides .......

But I havent seen a leopard change its spots and I cannot imagine this would be a peaceful debate....

Just look how these very boards can turn nasty if a debate is opened on a sensative subject and out of maybe 20 or 30 reasonable posters a couple of people dont agree with each other.

Respect for each other goes out the window and the quality of communication deteriorates to personal attacks and a nasty atmosphere for all else.

Now put that into the hot bed of Politics with young adults is a receipe for disaster and you can be sure that riotors for the sake or Rioting would have kicked off.

I don't agree with their views at all Rose, but in order to form an opinion one has to listen first hand rather than form opinions based on hearsay and newspaper reports.

They are entitled to their say like everyone else. As Maddie says, as long as it doesn't encourage violence and terrorism.

vic xx