Freedom of speech

Je suis Charlie was the topic under discussion at last week’s Forty Club meeting.

Mark Vesey reminded members about the January 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 17 people including a Muslim policeman and a policewoman. He asked if in the western world we have a right, in our freedom of speech laws, to insult and offend others? The cartoons in the French Charlie Hebdo magazine are quite shocking and if, as is often said, the pen is mightier than the sword, should we not wield our pens a bit more carefully? The knee jerk reaction in France was for everyone to support the ‘Je suis Charlie’ campaign. If you did not you were as bad as a terrorist. This seemed to negate the freedom of speech law that was at the root of the whole issue. World leaders marched together in Paris but did not do the same for the thousands of others killed in attacks in Syria, Yemen, Iraq or Afghanistan! The speaker asked why the media only show the negative stories involving Muslims and never the positive ones? If the Hebdo magazine had printed offensive cartoons about the holocaust would French society have been as quick to jump to their defence?

Tony Blair and the western world have a lot to answer for when it comes to the middleeast situation. The way forward, like with the IRA, is to talk not to drop bombs. Mark’s presentation stirred a lot of debate and Mr Gosling gave the vote of thanks for a speech that drew out a greater understanding of the situation.

Tonight’s meeting is an impromptu with hot topics of the day under discussion. For more information contact Ray on 01723 354813.