MARCH FOR FREE EXPRESSION
Following on from my last post about Trevor Phillips's recent comments, here's a nice idea from Peter Risdon and Patrick Ridaud - a March for Free Expression.Although they've already managed to enrage many on the hard left and Christian right, their Statement of Principle seems A-OK to me:
The strength and survival of free society and the advance of human knowledge depend on the free exchange of ideas.The organisers hope to attract decent folk of all political and religious flavours to Trafalgar Square on Saturday March 25th between 2.00 and 4.00pm. Both Democratiya on the left and The Freedom Association on the right have pledged their support.
All ideas are capable of giving offence, and some of the most powerful ideas in human history, such as those of Galileo and Darwin, have given profound religious offence in their time. The free exchange of ideas depends on freedom of expression and this includes the right to criticise and mock.
We assert and uphold the right of freedom of expression and call on our elected representatives to do the same. We abhor the fact that people throughout the world live under mortal threat simply for expressing ideas and we call on our elected representatives to protect them from attack and not to give comfort to the forces of intolerance that besiege them.
So is Trafalgar Square going to full of Google-eyed bloggers and obsessive politicos with nothing better to do? Hopefully not:
This is also a celebration of freedom and free expression, so let's enjoy it. Jugglers, clowns, unicyclists will be very welcome. It's a serious event, but let's make it a party too.The response so far has apparently been really good, but don't be afraid to drop them a line to let them know you're intending to come along and show your support.
Watch this space (or their website) for more details, including plans for similar rallies elsewhere around the world.
posted by Dan @ 6:22 pm
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