Plenty of learning to be done
LAST week at Full Council we had a lengthy discussion about the importance of addressing racism and what we, as a council, can do to lead the way.
Members from all parties contributed to the debate, and it was clear that we not only recognise the need to act, but how we wish to work together and involve others as we address these issues and make changes for the better.
This work will start in earnest as soon as possible, with council agreeing to establish a cross-party Task and Finish Group to reach out and engage with Carmarthenshire’s BAME community and take their experiences and opinions on board.
It is right that we take this opportunity to move Carmarthenshire forward, ensuring we are an inclusive, equal and welcoming county with opportunities for all.
It is also the right time for reflection, and this means looking back and recognising where we have failed.
As well as making a clear and unequivocal statement that this authority abhors racism, prejudice and discrimination in any form, we have given public support to the Black Lives Matter movement.
We have also committed to undertaking a review of street names and public monuments, including the one to Thomas Picton in Carmarthen, and considering whether these are still appropriate today.
There is plenty of learning still to be done, and I’m pleased that as a council we have committed to work together across political parties to begin this journey.
FREE speech is great – in theory.
It enables us to say what we like, when we like, unhindered and uncensored.
Such freedom applies to all of us, whether we write for newspapers – stand on stage telling stories that create laughter by touching the audience’s collective funny bone – or just sit around with our friends and family, expressing our honest opinions.
However in a civilised society, free speech should never be used to incite violence – something that was often forgotten during recent demonstrations.
You can never truly win an argument by throwing stones at the person with an opposing view to yours or by shouting them down.
As I’ve said before – one thing I can’t tolerate is intolerance.
Writing for this newspaper I’m in a privileged position, well aware that one comment out of place can get up more people’s noses than a warehouse full of Vic inhalers.
I’m obliged to state that inhalers with names other than Vic are available. ‘Colin’, for example.
There are people out there – not you, obviously - who on seeing something in print they object to, put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard to complain about it.
I’ve done it myself. Usually when the thing I see in print is my tax bill.
I’ve always tried to avoid offending or insulting people, aware we need to be ‘woke’ these days, especially if we’re in the media.
But in the interests of balance, I think it’s only fair that if a group or an individual object to something – whether it’s a comment by JK Rowling (that up and coming writer set for big things in future, you mark my words) or a statue of an historical figure who, in their view, has a lot to answer for – anyone who holds a strong opposing view should have access to the same platforms as the objectors, to present a rational counter argument without being called offensive names.
In other words, if we disagree with what they’re disagreeing with, we should be as free to disagree with their disagreement as they are to disagree with whatever they found disagreeable in the first place.
Now that’s free speech!
You can follow Phil Evans on Twitter @philevanswales or visit www.philevans.co.uk