Freedom of Speech

Yesterday, an 82-yr-old was arrested (under anti-terrorism powers!) for heckling our Dear Leader.

I feel he deserved it. What does he think this country is, a democracy? W e can’t have people criticising our beloved Prime Minister…

Anyway, I found a discussion on the BBC’s t’internet site, which included the following opinions, which I’ve quoted in full:

It was totally right for Wolfgang to be ejected. He is typical of the old lefty image New Labour want to get rid of. He has no place in a modern party like ours and I only wish the stewards had chucked out the rest of them. Better still, we should send them off to Iraq to see how they would solve the situation. Jeff Graves, Bromley, England

For once I'm struggling to work out whether this is sarcasm or not... How about this one:

Anti-terrorist legislation was rushed in on the back of massive public support. A majority of people are in favour of ID cards. After the London bombings, a majority thought the government had been too lenient on 'Preachers of Hate'. Attacks on liberty are popular (and therefore democratic). Unless people realize what they are advocating, the mistreatment of Walter Wolfgang will seem like small fry. Mike H, London, U.K.

or this:

No, it is not acceptable for people to heckle. What happens if 20, 50, 200 people heckle? No one can hear anyone else and those who want to hear the speaker could not hear him. Regardless of age Mr Wolfgang should've remained quiet during the speech then he is free to voice his displeasure. Jon, Manchester

This guy makes a good point:

Throwing him out for a harmless heckle is bad enough - but using the Prevention of Terrorism Act to stop him getting back in is far more alarming. If we say "well done Walter" will we be had up for glorifying terrorism? Good grief - we really are on the slippery slope. The last possibility of me ever voting for this Labour Party went out the door with Mr Wolfgang. Frank, Bristol, UK