Are You Ever Surprised

[lankeela]

when people with strong political beliefs get threatened, harmed or worse? Two items on the news tonight, the man on the plane and the woman from South London made me wonder why some seem shocked when things like this happen. I'm all for free speech but sometimes you have to know when to keep it shut.

[Bazile]

Why should you keep it shut , if free speech is a right - providing you are not breaking any laws ,?

[lankeela]

I'm not saying you should but if you don't then don't be surprised if those you are campaigning against take action.

[emmie]

the guy on the flight thought he was safe, the plane was hijacked and diverted, he couldn't have foreseen that surely. He is an opponent of the regime in Belarus. This is a disaster for the poor man, he will undoubtedly be harmed, even killed. Are you suggesting that people shouldn't speak out when things are wrong? This has repercussions around the world. As to the young woman, going on the latest news she may have not been the intended victim -
i am not going to speculate on that, but suffice to say she is fighting for her life...

[lankeela]

The fact that he is an outspoken critic of the regime means he would be aware that his actions may have consequences, indeed that is why he left Belarus, but my point is that we/he should not be surprised if they do take action. If you put your head above the parapet you are likely to get shot at.

[ladybirder]

They don't shut up because they are brave and if it wasn't for such people nothing would change.

[davebro]

"I'm all for free speech but sometimes you have to know when to keep it shut."

Isn't that in part what led to the rise of fascism and antisemitism in 30s Germany?

[Chinajan]

// They don't shut up because they are brave and if it wasn't for such people nothing would change. //

Well said ladybirder

[ladybirder]

Thank you Jan.

[Mamyalynne]

Exactly LB, what totalitarian regimes want is a subservient population to do their bidding and damn well keep quiet.