Control free speech

Re: “Don’t gag free speech”, Post-Bag July 7. Kuldeep Nagi asserts that “Free speech cannot be regulated, rationed or controlled”. That is incorrect and a simplistic view.

The fact is that in any country which does not enjoy democratic governance, free speech is not permitted. Totalitarian states do not allow any freedom of expression.

Even in Thailand, freedom of speech is controlled by lese majeste.

This is just one reason why Thailand is not a democracy. Democracy must first be established as the form of government before the rights allowed by democracy can be enjoyed.

In the UK Islamic preachers have been drumming up support for the Jihadist movement and luring young people into joining groups like Islamic State.

They were encouraging people not to vote in the last general election and calling for an end to democracy.

This had to be curbed.

The point is, it is democracy which allowed these enemies of democracy the freedom to speak in the first place.

Allowing freedom of expression to destroy the very system of government which allows freedom of expression has to be stopped.

If democracy is replaced by Islam due to freedom of expression, this freedom will not exist.

Try speaking in Saudi Arabia about democracy and Christianity.

The internet is a tool exploited by antidemocracy groups such as Islam, and it is under surveillance, as are those abusing this medium.

When rights are abused, there must be control. With rights go responsibilities.

Yes, it is quite right to say, “Having opinions is not illegal”, but having the right to express them can be controlled and must be.

Concentrate on establishing democracy as the form of government in Thailand as the first step. Then all its freedoms will arrive but they must not be abused.

J C WILCOX