We should resolve our differences with debate

Out on our daily exercise walk after 4pm when finished working from home. Plenty kids just playing out, no doubt from different households. Folk just nipping into the local shop for ‘bits’. For me, shut down these pointless journeys.

TO ban or to debate?

Poor Trevor Phillips! Suspended from the Labour Party for Islamaphobia, on the basis of two remarks, both of which were at least mainly factually correct, and neither of which was expressed in a violent or insulting manner.

There is an increasing tendency today for people to take offence. Various groups complain loudly that they are subject to discrimination. Student bodies “no-platform” those with whom they do not agree. Legal steps may soon be taken against dissenters. We seem only a few steps away from George Orwell’s ‘Thought Police.’

Jesus debated with religious leaders of his day, but he never suggested they should be banned. He constantly challenged their ideas. He showed that they were against the greed Scriptures. He mocked their inconsistencies but he never suggested that they should be removed from office or beaten in synangogues.

At it’s best, Christiantity has allowed free debate. The proper way was to combat ideas we may find false is by argument, and by argument I mean rational discussion, not the sort of vile and mindless abuse used by the usually anonymous internet trolls.

Even factually wrong ideas should be put in their place by public rebuttal. And this without any attempt to physically or psychologically oppress.

We should determinedly resist all attempts to stop free debate. I will gladly debate my ideas with anyone, with argument and not violence. And where there is unresolvable disagreement, I would quote the atheist Voltaire “I detest your opinions, but I will defent to the death your right to hold them”!

Use common sense to help beat virus

PANIC galore as Coronavirus is all over the gogglebox and in the tabloids every day.

People are stealing hand wash from hospitals. Yes, wash your hands regularly but what about cleaning your home and buildings?

Hospitals, GP surgeries and dental practices will be cleaned regularly and door knobs sanitised but are we doing the same in our own homes?

It’s no good keeping ourselves clean when our homes and buildings are being neglected.

Coronavirus is simply like flu to most of us but, like flu, it can be fatal.

Common sense and hygiene will mean we can beat this virus and it will disappear. Treat your home like Buckingham Palace and give it a daily clean!