Oxford Union Debate

[naomi24]

Should these speakers have been invited?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/educa tion/article2948623.ece

[flip_flop]

Well as the topic of the debate is free speech I would say yes, they should have been invited.

[kwicky]

Yes, free speech is sacred. The debate will allow others to disagree with them. Every person has a right to express their views without violence. Just because we may not agree with their views they have a right to say it otherwise we could be in the situation where that school teacher cannot even put a name to a teddy without being locked up.

[whiffey]

Yes yes and many times more yes.

Why NOT ????

[Gromit]

Now I'm scared. For the first time, I agree with the above posters.

It'll probably be as futile has our debates on here though.

[Lonnie]

Hi naomi,
I agree, in the interests of free speech, there's nothing to stop them being invited to speak, however,
given the history of David Irving, and Nick Griffin (BNP), i'd be just a little worried that they've been invited together, and would question the reason.

[naomi24]

Gromit, I agree, and not only with the above posters - with you too! Aarrgh!!

[naomi24]

Sorry Lonnie, our posts crossed there.

[WaldoMcFroog]

There was no obligation to ask Irving and Griffin to speak at an event merely because they happen to know something about free speech. Irving and Griffen weren't clamouring at the door to speak, they were invited. Free speech does not mean any group is *obliged* to invite *anyone*.

Equally however, having invited these two gentlemen, they must be allowed to speak, otherwise freedom of speech means nothing.

[sp1814]

It's a brilliant idea.

I mean that seriously. Griffin and the rest of the white supremacist mime-readers will be challenged by the brightest minds in the country.

They never have a real chance to have their views challenged in a civilized debate, and this would give them an opportunity to be 'hoisted by their own petards'.

Next, they should invite some radical Muslim clerics and give them the same treatment.

I'd buy tickets to both events.

I might even bring my own popcorn.

[Gromit]

sp1814

I'd take me knitting to both.

Is it true you have no friends sp1814?

[persianlady]

Absolutely! I hope someone films it, and we all get to see it. It may not be pleasant to most people to hear what they have to say, but it would be interesting to hear the debate. I do not know much at all about Irving. But I have heard a lot of the statements that Griffin has made. I have never seen him in a debate though, were people can question or refute his statements on the spot. if we want to keep the the privelige of freedom of speech in this country then we must allow everyone the right to say whatever they like no matter how unpleasant it is. But the PC brigade are in the process of destroying this right.

[Dassie]

Yes and why not? They're obviously not afraid of challenging those so called "brightest minds in the Country" as sp put it. Maybe, however, it's those Oxford experts that might just come off second best in the debate.

[Gromit]

Apparently it has been postponed.

Angry Mob 1, Free Speech 0

[Loosehead]

Of course they should, free speech is not only for people we agree with. A debate is perfect ground for challenging their views.

[Oneeyedvic]

might as well add to the Yes vote

[naomi24]

Gromit, has it been postponed? That's a great pity.

[sp1814]

The only way you can challenge someone's views is allow them to make them, and for intelligent people to argue against them.

I've never seen BNP leaders interviewed extensively on television because TV execs are terrified of a public backlash (cf. Shilpa Sheppy).

It would be brilliant if a debate could be set up between the Jewish anti defamation league, the Anti Nazi League and the BNP.

Remember how ridiculous the Tories made themselves look when they banned the Sinn Fein?

I say let the BNP voice their policies. Let them be scrutinized. I'd wager that the majority of people with even the most basic analytical skills will see exactly what the BNP are. It would be the biggest PR own goal since Gerald Ratner made that comment.

[China Doll]

Guess I'll go with the yes vote and join the love in.

[Gromit]

China Doll,

I'm not ignoring you, can't get the PM to work. Grrrr!

[naomi24]

SP, absolutely right. I'm all for freedom of speech whatever that may involve. Legislation may prevent people from speaking, but it doesn't stop them thinking.