Veiled Threat

Myself and Super Lisa watched Dispatches debate on Channel 4 on Monday night.

The question which was being debated was something like "Are Muslims enemies of Freedom of Speech"?

Now, as some of you will know, the one thing in this world which makes my blood boil is racism.

Let me clarify this for a moment.

I don't mean jokes, words or phrases which highlight the physical and cultural differences between our races like us calling the Chinese Slitty eyes (they do have) and the Chinese calling us Round eyes (so do we).

I mean racism in its truest most revolting sense.

Malicious, violent, degrading and often inhuman.

Coming back to the point, it seems that one of the major barriers (although there are many) between Islam and the Western World is Freedom of Speech.

I don't believe many people would disagree that one of the cornerstones of Democracy is the ability to speak out for what you believe in. It is an essential right which promotes debate and increases understanding.

There are many great people , statesmen, academics and philosophers who have made some profound statements over the centuries but to me, nobody comes closer than Voltaire who said something like "I hate what you say, but I die for your right to say it". (Please tell me if I'm wrong coz sometimes I do get stuff mixed up, Thanks).

The problem is, I am of the opininon that the west takes this Freedom of Speech Philosophy far to literally and an inevitable consequence of this quest is the huge offence we regularly cause The Muslims of our British and World Society.

Muslims also believe in freedom of speech (I think) but believe that certain areas are exempt (Such as Mohammed as a suicide bomber) . I'm not Muslim, but even I understand why this would be perceived to be Sacreligious.

The two arguments are almost polar and it is therefore almost impossible to come to a compromise.

Now obviously, by the end of the show, opinion had changed somewhat. I guess that's mainly because Mr Khan the lawyer is so good.

I just can't believe that it all has to be spealt out to us like we are 4 year olds (I love Denzil in that Movie).

Yes, freedom of speech is a fundamental principle of democracy and yes we need to hold onto it.

Muslims aren't against this. They just don't like their firmly held beliefs insulted.

This shouldn't be so difficult to understand as in everyday life we constantly modify our behaviour to suit our surroundings (See the works of Sigmund Freud , I think).

If you didn't, you would just embarass the people around you with the things you wanted to say.

It's something you learned when you were a nipper. Don't embarass your parents!

Life is about compromise but when it comes to "Freedom of Speech" there is little from the West on this issue

So, thats all. Sorry but I just had to get it off my chest.

Goodnight U.K. , wherever you are.

Farewell Paul

As you all probably saw in the news today, Paul Hunter the well known snooker player died at the age of 27 from stomach cancer.

He was a truly great player on his day and added great excitement and charisma to snooker.

From the outset of his diagnosis, it didn't look promising for Paul but despite this he showed tremendous strength of character to play twice in the World champs at the crucible.

I enjoyed watching him play and will miss his prescence.

It is a sad day for snooker.