US Politics

[Stirlingsays]

Sadly western democracies are becoming more polarised, with less and less acceptance that there is any validity at all for an opposing viewpoint. Indeed in the UK the famous quote that "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" appears to have morphed into "I disapprove of what you say and I will try to destroy your life if you say it". I suspect part of the reason for Trump's victory is that many people are utterly fed up with being vilified for opinions which in any way value tradition, heritage, and the wisdom of previous generations. There is value both in progress and in the wisdom we have inherited, and even more value in courteous discussion about issues, and in listening to people whose views do not accord with your own. For clarity, naturally I would be right of centre but I don't think I could have voted for Trump.

In America they still have that first amendment. It's also true that now it's only really the Republicans who actually defend the first amendment whereas the Democrats are often attacking it.

To relate it to Britain I'd respect what you are saying....but this kind of sensible middle of the road 'classical liberal' stuff lost a long time ago. Your appeals to common sense mean nothing when it comes to will to power.

We haven't had free speech like it should be since Blair changed laws on speech back in the 90s and continued changing civil liberties as he went on. The Conservatives after initially opposing it only ended up expanding it. What you are saying here is relevant to the 90s.....Now it just sounds like a delayed reaction, the train has long since left that station.

You sound like you don't agree with the direction of travel, well on that I think plenty of us can agree with you. However where we are now is built upon the foundations of Blair and the inaction of the Conservative party....who quite frankly fell in love with Blairism rather than pursue Conservative principles which included the civil liberties to which you refer.