Fantastic piece Andrew, couldn’t agree more. I’m afraid I feel more than just frustration at what is happening to this wonderful country with its rich history, its tolerant people and its ability to fight for what’s right. I hope you’re right and that it’s not too late to rescue it. The British people are slow to anger but we need some anger now.
I completely agree but I worry. Everything's wrong. It perplexed me during lockdown why all the mothers on Mumsnet didn't take to the streets peaceably demanding the schools re-open. Johnson would have caved to such bad optics. If there had been any turbulence left in England then the Southport after-effects seem to have crushed it. I try to talk to people around me but they're either fearful of saying what they feel or completely unengaged as the country changes beyond recognition. Doubtless like yourself, I write, I e-mail, I post and sign the petitions but feel it's all too little, too late. People are here. The wonderful Konstantin Kisin and Matt Goodwin were on GB News tonight giving me hope but that fades when you confront the facts. Sorry to be so down but I keep hearing Andy Partridge of XTC singing, "Books are burning/in the main square/Watch us turn 'round/and cast our glances elsewhere."
I agree, it’s very hard to stay positive when there is so much going wrong. I think we are reaching the point where tolerance has run out and a political earthquake will result in things changing. 🤞
I have to say if no one else would, even if it is horrible, - did you think of joining or starting a political party, because this is exactly what needs to go into policy…
Yes it would ruin you, but it would help us who don’t feel like being ruined…
One to keep Andrew for the facts alone, as well as the arguments.
I have aired this publicly before; I lead a quiet life currently, but nevertheless personally experience this creeping need to dismiss views and ppl that are not liked.
My kids have called me a bigot over trans issues, and recently a friend has told me to shut up about my views on where we live....I'm moving after living there for over 30 years!
I think all this goes hand in hand with not listening, maybe as well as we used to. Also there seems to have been a dumbing down of the ability of us humans to understand and digest complex ideas.
"So long as ..... they are not engaging in harassment, blackmail, defamation or violence ***(WHICH ARE ALREADY COVERED BY OTHER LAWS)**** they should be free to spout their bile."
I would be interested to learn what was the religious persuasion of the judge or judges who effectively found Mr Kosgun guilty of blasphemy, a deed, as we know deserving of a fatwa from the supreme leader. I do in fact have some knowledge of said religious persuasions but I will not get myself into trouble by going into any further detail. After all, it is not as if we have free speech in this country!
Excellent article, thank you. I liked the reference to Titania McGrath. She does have an uncanny ability to predict the insanities of our time. Interesting what you say about the Brandenburg test. As you say, if we had an equivalent test it should have stopped the prosecution of Lucy Connolly. But would it have prevented the prosecution of Mr Coskun? We have a group in society who react violently to certain things which makes people wary of allowing those things to happen. Personally I think that is wrong but it can be a difficult argument to win.
Brilliant, Andrew, but what can individuals do except wait to vote? People are trying to protect their way of life and can only protest, safely, through a secret ballot. I support anyone who writes about this, donate and sign every petition going . I admire their courage (and yours). Keep saying it like it is and persuade those going for election to take up your suggestions. Eventually they’ll get the message if they want to be elected.
Honestly? I don't think that any of this would make much difference, and in the case of a copy and paste of the first amendment, could make things a lot worse. Entrenched constitutions tend to contribute to political polarization - why bother trying to persuade your fellow citizens if you can just persuade half a dozen judges?
The unfortunate reality is that our most difficult problems are primarily cultural rather than legal. Law has a role to play (and I would support repeal/reform of incitement offences) but if the culture of the police/CPS/courts is broken then it doesn't matter how good the law looks on paper.
Well said ,Andrew. I feel an enormous amount of "hatred" for all those ,past and present ,whose actions have placed our country in the danger we now face, from every direction. These " elites " and" globalists" will hopefully get their comeuppance some day and I pray I will live long enough to see it. Thanks ,Andrew x
Leaving aside whether or not Mr Cosgun's actions were legal (I accept Judge McGarva's 15-page judgement of the law), and whether the law should be changed to protect non-violent expression further, Mr Cosgun was violently attacked on the day (twice) for his non-violent action. This was cited by judge as evidence that his actions were disorderly. So if I provocatively don't wash the dishes for my violent husband and he beats me, does that mean my non-washing constitutes a Public Order offence?
Fantastic piece Andrew, couldn’t agree more. I’m afraid I feel more than just frustration at what is happening to this wonderful country with its rich history, its tolerant people and its ability to fight for what’s right. I hope you’re right and that it’s not too late to rescue it. The British people are slow to anger but we need some anger now.
I completely agree but I worry. Everything's wrong. It perplexed me during lockdown why all the mothers on Mumsnet didn't take to the streets peaceably demanding the schools re-open. Johnson would have caved to such bad optics. If there had been any turbulence left in England then the Southport after-effects seem to have crushed it. I try to talk to people around me but they're either fearful of saying what they feel or completely unengaged as the country changes beyond recognition. Doubtless like yourself, I write, I e-mail, I post and sign the petitions but feel it's all too little, too late. People are here. The wonderful Konstantin Kisin and Matt Goodwin were on GB News tonight giving me hope but that fades when you confront the facts. Sorry to be so down but I keep hearing Andy Partridge of XTC singing, "Books are burning/in the main square/Watch us turn 'round/and cast our glances elsewhere."
I agree, it’s very hard to stay positive when there is so much going wrong. I think we are reaching the point where tolerance has run out and a political earthquake will result in things changing. 🤞
I have to say if no one else would, even if it is horrible, - did you think of joining or starting a political party, because this is exactly what needs to go into policy…
Yes it would ruin you, but it would help us who don’t feel like being ruined…
I am wondering how it lines up with the Party of Women? Need some time to do a proper "compare and contrast".
https://www.partyofwomen.org/about-us
I like these, a lot! Practical suggestions are what’s needed. We need the Doyle Charter!
I should just be emperor, really.
Don't take up the fiddle though 😂
Ah well, fiddles didn’t exist in Ancient Rome. Nero may have been playing the lyre!
Oh dear - 'lyring while Rome burns'!! Doesn't work so well.
Maybe the drums?
How to destroy your own argument in just six words! Excellent parody!
I think you should be PM.
Andrew,
You have caused me annoyance, inconvenience and needless anxiety.
I am currently standing outside your house burning a copy of "The End Of Woke".
Half a dozen police saw me steal it from Waterstones but did nothing about it because they were too busy doing the Macarena during this holy month.
It’s a very problematic book, that’s for sure.
One to keep Andrew for the facts alone, as well as the arguments.
I have aired this publicly before; I lead a quiet life currently, but nevertheless personally experience this creeping need to dismiss views and ppl that are not liked.
My kids have called me a bigot over trans issues, and recently a friend has told me to shut up about my views on where we live....I'm moving after living there for over 30 years!
I think all this goes hand in hand with not listening, maybe as well as we used to. Also there seems to have been a dumbing down of the ability of us humans to understand and digest complex ideas.
It does feel very depressing and concerning.
A letter to my MPp will happen....
Fabulously well considered and written important piece about liberty, loss and the erosion of intellectual debate. A must read!!!
"So long as ..... they are not engaging in harassment, blackmail, defamation or violence ***(WHICH ARE ALREADY COVERED BY OTHER LAWS)**** they should be free to spout their bile."
This.
I would be interested to learn what was the religious persuasion of the judge or judges who effectively found Mr Kosgun guilty of blasphemy, a deed, as we know deserving of a fatwa from the supreme leader. I do in fact have some knowledge of said religious persuasions but I will not get myself into trouble by going into any further detail. After all, it is not as if we have free speech in this country!
He belonged to the Holy Sanctimonious Church of the Blessedly Virtuous Guardian Readers.
That's all you need to know.
Excellent article, thank you. I liked the reference to Titania McGrath. She does have an uncanny ability to predict the insanities of our time. Interesting what you say about the Brandenburg test. As you say, if we had an equivalent test it should have stopped the prosecution of Lucy Connolly. But would it have prevented the prosecution of Mr Coskun? We have a group in society who react violently to certain things which makes people wary of allowing those things to happen. Personally I think that is wrong but it can be a difficult argument to win.
How on earth could you energise people out of complacency?
I hope it’s not too late for us.
Thank you, Andrew 🙏
Brilliant, Andrew, but what can individuals do except wait to vote? People are trying to protect their way of life and can only protest, safely, through a secret ballot. I support anyone who writes about this, donate and sign every petition going . I admire their courage (and yours). Keep saying it like it is and persuade those going for election to take up your suggestions. Eventually they’ll get the message if they want to be elected.
Honestly? I don't think that any of this would make much difference, and in the case of a copy and paste of the first amendment, could make things a lot worse. Entrenched constitutions tend to contribute to political polarization - why bother trying to persuade your fellow citizens if you can just persuade half a dozen judges?
The unfortunate reality is that our most difficult problems are primarily cultural rather than legal. Law has a role to play (and I would support repeal/reform of incitement offences) but if the culture of the police/CPS/courts is broken then it doesn't matter how good the law looks on paper.
Well said ,Andrew. I feel an enormous amount of "hatred" for all those ,past and present ,whose actions have placed our country in the danger we now face, from every direction. These " elites " and" globalists" will hopefully get their comeuppance some day and I pray I will live long enough to see it. Thanks ,Andrew x
You should run for prime minister! What an excellent piece!!! Thank you!!
Leaving aside whether or not Mr Cosgun's actions were legal (I accept Judge McGarva's 15-page judgement of the law), and whether the law should be changed to protect non-violent expression further, Mr Cosgun was violently attacked on the day (twice) for his non-violent action. This was cited by judge as evidence that his actions were disorderly. So if I provocatively don't wash the dishes for my violent husband and he beats me, does that mean my non-washing constitutes a Public Order offence?