Views of Wales
It’s our duty to refuse humiliating demands
ON visiting the Civil Justice Centre in Caravella House, Swansea, I was shocked to see, first, two “security” men requiring all visitors to empty their pockets and, second, that the elderly couple in front of me were complying.
It was airport-style “security”, imposed blindly in a different and inappropriate situation. I refused and had to leave without the form I needed.
Refusal was a duty. If we wish to live in a society of free, participating citizens, one of the requirements is that we are alert and willing to stand against those who would destroy freedom in society, whether they are Norman barons, over-mighty capitalists or bureaucrats – and just now our enemies are the latter – a main reason why we voted for Brexit. Ever since World War Two we have suffered under those who have a perverse delight in controlling others, intruding ever further into our personal lives. They are never short of a high-sounding excuse – health and safety, crime prevention, fighting terrorism, child protection or whatever – good causes hi-jacked and corrupted.
What good could the goings-on in Caravella House possibly do?
What rational terrorist would make that a target? Swansea is a most unlikely place to choose but, even there, any church, chapel or synagogue possibly, the tax office, perhaps, or a night club would be possible choices, but never an obscure place like Caravella. Protecting the least likely target and ignoring the likelier ones? Or picking on the most vulnerable people to make a show and justify someone’s salary?
If some eccentric terrorist did decide to attack the Civil Justice Centre, how easier to start than by killing the two security men? Pretty simple, from my brief glance, and bound to create all the fuss and publicity that is what those people really want.
Meanwhile, I would suggest it is a citizen’s duty to protect his dignity and that of others by refusing to comply with such disgraceful and humiliating demands (yes, even if it costs some inconvenience) and to make his or her indignation heard in Parliament. It’s the old question – what sort of society do you want to live in and what are you doing about it ? DC Sage Penclawdd, Swansea