Wednesday, March 29, 2006
FREE EXPRESSION
I happen to believe that as an American who is residing here (and even though a strong supporter of this government and Britain in the War on Terror) I am indeed a guest of this country, and that means knowing when to draw a line. And that means actually putting into practice the notion of actually behaving like a guest. Therefore, offering opinions on politics and life in general here is to me one thing, but one line I do not cross is that of participating in any sort of public political protest.
Others will have different takes on that "line" of course, but I just feel personally that that realm of expression here best belongs rightfully and exclusively to British and EU citizens. I believe as well that a good part of our problem nowadays is that for some the whole concept of the nation-state is questionable, so it is hardly surprising that the granting of any sort of allegiance to the state of their citizenship or even so much as offering reasonable due deference to a Britain where they were graciously permitted "leave to remain" are both apparently, shall I say, "alien" concepts. So, aside from the fact that I've never been the placard-waving type, even had I not been elsewhere I still would not have joined in the March For Free Expression back on Saturday.
However, I do believe that I am fully entitled to say it is excellent that many British and EU citizens did take part. There is a lot of good coverage of the gathering at Pub Philosopher (and at his links at the bottom of that post). And there are also photos at Free Thoughts. (In the latter, in a separate part of the overall post, there, most of us -- I believe -- get the added extra of hearing Stefania for the first time, when she took part in two interviews.)
I think it is safe to say as well that they are probably destined to find themselves somewhat "blog-famous":
And Americans in particular should be pleased. An observation from someone with whom we are all familiar made an appearance:
¶ by Robert, Wednesday, March 29, 2006
I happen to believe that as an American who is residing here (and even though a strong supporter of this government and Britain in the War on Terror) I am indeed a guest of this country, and that means knowing when to draw a line. And that means actually putting into practice the notion of actually behaving like a guest. Therefore, offering opinions on politics and life in general here is to me one thing, but one line I do not cross is that of participating in any sort of public political protest.
Others will have different takes on that "line" of course, but I just feel personally that that realm of expression here best belongs rightfully and exclusively to British and EU citizens. I believe as well that a good part of our problem nowadays is that for some the whole concept of the nation-state is questionable, so it is hardly surprising that the granting of any sort of allegiance to the state of their citizenship or even so much as offering reasonable due deference to a Britain where they were graciously permitted "leave to remain" are both apparently, shall I say, "alien" concepts. So, aside from the fact that I've never been the placard-waving type, even had I not been elsewhere I still would not have joined in the March For Free Expression back on Saturday.
However, I do believe that I am fully entitled to say it is excellent that many British and EU citizens did take part. There is a lot of good coverage of the gathering at Pub Philosopher (and at his links at the bottom of that post). And there are also photos at Free Thoughts. (In the latter, in a separate part of the overall post, there, most of us -- I believe -- get the added extra of hearing Stefania for the first time, when she took part in two interviews.)
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I think it is safe to say as well that they are probably destined to find themselves somewhat "blog-famous":
MARCH FOR FREE EXPRESSION
Trafalgar Square, London, 25 March 2006
These fine young ladies from South London were all too happy to support freedom of expression. And we were happy about that too.
Trafalgar Square, London, 25 March 2006
These fine young ladies from South London were all too happy to support freedom of expression. And we were happy about that too.And Americans in particular should be pleased. An observation from someone with whom we are all familiar made an appearance:
