“Shhh...”

“???????????????........Yes........????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“have we got freedom of speech???????????????????????????????????”

“If we really had freedom of speech, there would be no such thing as slander or libel. When you live in a "nanny state" such as ours, you don't get freedom of anything.”

“waynecarr

If I was that sort of person I could now post a long, aggressive rant against you breaking all the site rules (which we all agreed to when we signed up to use the site) including accusing you of being a certain type of criminal with an interest in young children - to test just how much you really want freedom of speech.

But I'm not, so I won't.”

“pray telll ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
or are you just chatting as usual iimagiinn thhaat ?????????”

“i think some of the responses have been interesting "imagine-that", so it is safe to say that opinion is divided.”

“waynecarr

"opinion is divided"

Yes that's the thing about opinion, it usually is. But I don't think that the London Libel Lawyers have to start looking for different jobs anytime soon. Not looking at these postings anyway.”

“We are very, very fortunate in this country to have such a freedom. I don't think many realise how precious it is... ...you only have to glance to various countries around the world and try to understand what a dreadful life some have that have a real belief and conviction and are unable to discuss or promote it.

I believe our laws are just about right at the moment, although 'social networking' is beginning to cost the Police a lot in time and resources....”

“Depends.
I don't agree with freedom to preach hatred which a lot of religious people do.

A certain form of faith seemingly uses freedom of speech to attack others, yet you can't say
a hoot about them or their religion, without everyone coming down on you like a tonne of bricks!”

“yep your right ,,, i have certainly fuelled a healthy debate. phew i'm worn out now.”

“waynecarr

Your healthy debate has attracted 10 comments before this one and the first 2 have added nothing to any debate.”

“with your last comment and this one,,, thats another two,,,, i think i can sleep now , safe in the knowledge that freedom of speech is alive and well and living in my head (at least)”

“Well it depends on whether you're counting the number of comments on here, or the comments relevant to this lively debate you mention.

The last 2 plus this one have nothing to do with the debate about free speech. Looking back I can see 5 whch are actually discussing the topic.

Daves_missus, imagine_that, Gaia69, GideonStrap and at a push, wozza's first comment.”

“well I think free speech is alive and well and living,,,, but I haven't said anything too controversial so I will not be censored. Perhaps I have contradicted my original stance.”

“Why, have you ever been?”

“I totally agree with you all, I don't see how anyone has the right to decide what other people say or do,,,,,,,,,,,,,within reason (sitting on the fence)”