Protests against prorogation of Parliament

[Ban-jani]

Different sections of the media choose different subjects. That is why I put up that video, its from Press TV and they wanted to highlight the moron element in the EDL, just as say Fox news would want to highlight the moron element in ANTIFA.

They are all selective and they all follow their particular political agenda, it is easier to sensationalise a grouping by having an interview with a moron.

And what about when it happens on C4, ITV, BBC rather than Fox News or the Mirror for example?

It’s quite often they interview several individuals or groups and the amount of morons they interview makes me think the bias of trying to find an idiot isn’t sufficient enough. I’ve also walked past certain protests before and felt like there wasn’t much of an actual idea.

For example in the week following the Brexit vote, there was a left wing event in Albert Square. The woman on stage said “we’re here to protest against Donald Trump and Brexit”, the crowd naturally cheered. Well as much as I maybe against those things, what they’re effectively doing is protesting democratic votes.

 

[bluethrunthru]

And what about when it happens on C4, ITV, BBC rather than Fox News or the Mirror for example?

It’s quite often they interview several individuals or groups and the amount of morons they interview makes me think the bias of trying to find an idiot isn’t sufficient enough. I’ve also walked past certain protests before and felt like there wasn’t much of an actual idea.

For example in the week following the Brexit vote, there was a left wing event in Albert Square. The woman on stage said “we’re here to protest against Donald Trump and Brexit”, the crowd naturally cheered. Well as much as I maybe against those things, what they’re effectively doing is protesting democratic votes.

However there is no harm done in protesting democratic votes. You could argue the referendum was won in the face of a democratic vote to remain in the EEC following a 40 year campaign against that vote. If you shut down protests against democratic votes where do you end up.........?

 

[Rascal]

. Well as much as I maybe against those things, what they’re effectively doing is protesting democratic votes.

I see nothing wrong with that at all. The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. Meek acceptance is what you would expect in a totalitarian state. The Poll Tax riots proved Government policy can be changed by direct action, whether you support that or not, it is our right to protest.

 

[crazyg]

However there is no harm done in protesting democratic votes. You could argue the referendum was won in the face of a democratic vote to remain in the EEC following a 40 year campaign against that vote. If you shut down protests against democratic votes where do you end up.........?

The Peterloo Massacre?

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

I see nothing wrong with that at all. The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. Meek acceptance is what you would expect in a totalitarian state. The Poll Tax riots proved Government policy can be changed by direct action, whether you support that or not, it is our right to protest.

Very well said, Rasc. Democracy isn't just about votes and ballot boxes. It's also about (inter alia) freedom of assembly, an independent judiciary and the (qualified) right to express oneself.

 

[Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese]

Very well said, Rasc. Democracy isn't just about votes and ballot boxes. It's also about (inter alia) freedom of assembly, an independent judiciary and the (qualified) right to express oneself.

Barm

 

[Ban-jani]

I see nothing wrong with that at all. The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. Meek acceptance is what you would expect in a totalitarian state. The Poll Tax riots proved Government policy can be changed by direct action, whether you support that or not, it is our right to protest.

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it in terms of their right to do so.

I’ve even argued in favour of the neo Nazi march in Manchester, again in terms of their right to do so. We must give free speech and the right to protest and march to those we disagree with the most.

That said, I can still openly criticise them for deciding to march and what they have to say.

I obviously wasn’t alive at the time, was poll tax in Thatcher’s manifesto? Because if it wasn’t then it’s protesting something people didn’t necessarily knowingly vote for.

 

[Rascal]

Very well said, Rasc. Democracy isn't just about votes and ballot boxes. It's also about (inter alia) freedom of assembly, an independent judiciary and the (qualified) right to express oneself.

Indeed mate, I really do think it is time politics was taught in school and people became aware that democracy does not end with a vote.

Separation of powers has served us well for centuries and that is why I am so against what Johnson is doing in nullifying the legislature. The legislature has to be able to hold the executive to account because if it does not then we are entering the realms of dictatorship and the treasured freedoms we hold that you expressed will be worthless. There has already been attacks on the judiciary when they were called traitors and that is fucking scary as we have a great tradition of independent judiciary. I don't think people realise at all how dangerous these times are, it seems that some want BREXIT at any cost.

I really do hope and pray we can reign in the nutters who don't seem to appreciate what is at stake here, by all means leave the EU but for fucks sake not at the expense of our own democracy. If we don't, we will not be taking back control, we will be handing control on a plate to a wannabe demagogue whose only reason for existence is power.

 

[Rascal]

I obviously wasn’t alive at the time, was poll tax in Thatcher’s manifesto? Because if it wasn’t then it’s protesting something people didn’t necessarily knowingly vote for.

Whether it is in a manifesto or not does not affect the right to protest. I am not sure whether the poll tax was or wasnt to be honest, but it makes no difference.

 

[Ban-jani]

Whether it is in a manifesto or not does not affect the right to protest. I am not sure whether the poll tax was or wasnt to be honest, but it makes no difference.

Have I said anywhere about the right to protest? If you go through and read what I’ve written I’ve always said my argument isn’t the right to protest.

It’s the motivation and decision to go out and do it for particular reasons is where my argument lies.

In that case, whether poll tax was on the manifesto, it’s very important.