Politics: Freedom of speech

Politics

"Why of course the people don't want war... That is understood. But after all it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship ...Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger."
Hermann Goering



I thought that I should say something about the nature of dissent in a free society. Indeed, no society can be "free" without free and open debate, which includes the right, or even the obligation, of dissent.

It is not a crime, nor should it be, in a free society to hold and voice opinions that are different or in opposition to the those of the majority or the governing body. In fact, it is the duty of every citizen in a free society to voice such opinions.

"Any man more right than his neighbors constitutes a majority of one already." -- Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau was involved in the anti-slavery movement in the 19th century. He spent time in jail for his opinions and activities, which were contrary to the opinions and actions of the majority of his contemporaries, including the government of the day. This is a cornerstone of democracy.

Are people afraid, given the erosion of civil rights and the increased covert surveillance of citizens by the "authorities", to actively voice their misgivings and doubts about the actions taken by the corporate lackeys that currently inhabit the corridors of power?

And where is the media in all of this? Several times the present governments, on both sides of the Atlantic, have been caught out in blatant lies and obvious deceptions, while taking us to war. Vast amounts of tax monies have been wasted on unnecessary military adventurism and diverted into the coffers of corrupt corporations, while the media whispers and whimpers about, or worse, ignores it's duty to inform the public of the truth.

Indeed some elements of the media are actively engaged in a propaganda exercise to promote the war, and divert or oppress dissent.



"Once the war against Saddam begins, we expect every American to support our military, and if they can't do that, to shut Up."
Bill O'Reilly, Fox News