What distinguishes Reform from other parties, however, is its refusal to believe that words have consequences. Inextricably wedded to unfettered free speech online, its answer isn’t to regulate platforms that algorithmically amplify and normalise hate but simply to build ever higher walls around the targets of that hate
Free speech is important, yes. So, the claim is that only Reform are for free speech….
Not because free speech has no problems but because no politician can be trusted with the tools of censorship. Strange that the MSM is on that side too, evidently they see government protecting their monopoly if they promise to behave.
“Comment is free.”
But fettered.
Why has “algorithmic” become the adjective of choice all of a sudden? And do they know what it means?
“She posed happily for press photographs inside her retirement bungalow, including one available to anyone casually Googling that included the house’s distinctive name: Widdecombe’s Rest. She would have been so easy to find, had anyone gone looking.”
So easy a man described as having ‘learning difficulties’ by his neighbours had no trouble?
How come he has a driving licence if he has learning difficulties, unless that only applies to his excuse for his blue badge?
Good to see you sticking up for the free expression of the bloke at Aberdeen University (Herbert or something) with the sick online opinions about Ann Widdecombe.
The left created this morass, they need to feel the consequences.
At least we know more about Bertie than we did before he opened his rancid gob…
Yep, he gets to voice his sick opinions and we get to refer to him.
It’s far better than the alternatives.
“What distinguishes Reform from other parties, however, is its refusal to believe that words have consequences.”
A belief shared by Aberdeen Universities’ ‘Heather Herbert’ (or whatever his real name is, and isn’t it utterly delicious that he’s the first to fall foul of the SMP’s hate speech legislation?
The left have spent the last 50 odd years calling everyone on the right Fascists, Nazi’s, racists and bigots and indulging in actual violence against them and are suddenly concerned about speech on ‘social media’? Don’t make me laugh.
But the left get a pass because “reasons…”.
She was asking for it, obviously, the filthy free-speech loving tart.
Seems a strange line to take, to declare that Reform is uniquely ignorant of words having consequences, and then to write a bylined article blaming an elderly lady and her colleagues for inciting the violence to which she fell victim.
Doesn’t Gaby Hinsliff realise her words have consequences? Such as exposing her as a vile cunt.
Yes, words have consequences.
Which is why we don’t need the State to interfere with free speech.
A shop owner with a sign outside saying “No Jews” will get less (or more) business as a result. His words have consequences.
Banning him from installing such a sign would allow him to hold those views WITHOUT consequences. Only by expressing them can consequences be forthcoming.
Ironically, over the years there’s been numerous establishments have had ‘no whites’ policies. I was refused entrance to the Mangrove in All Saints Road. Amusing because I was with a black girl & had known the owner & been using it for years. But that was the policy on the door. And there’s been clubs, one in Hackney & the Forum the other side of the river were two.
I remember when words had consequences for Gary Lineker, and the f*cking hypocrites had a conniption fit.
The Graun is just a bunch of silly tarts wittering, isn’t it?
And on a related note, what strikes me most about the Murrell expenditure was just how tawdry it was. An unused motorhome, FFS. What the hell was it supposed to be for? Cottaging? And parked up next to that hideous bungalow. I’m sure David Davis is absolutely right.
Mony a Murrell maks a muckle.
its (Reform’s) refusal to believe that words have consequences.
I refer you to my comment on another thread. The words the left use encourage & legitamise violence. Violence & the left are inseparable..
algorithmically amplify and normalise hate
Keywords?
Labour.
Climate change.
Fossil fuel.
“words have consequences”
.Doesn’t everything have consequences. In fact, isn’t it the consideration of consequences the sign of being grown up, that state which some never reach?
Between the frantic lying of the police and the desperate eructions of squid ink by our lying press, it seems there’s more to Ann’s murderer than WHITE BRITISH WHITE BRITISH WHITE.
No doubt the authorities will have been trying to scrub his internet history, but I think we’ll find this was a person radicalised by left-wing shitbags such as Guardian columnists calling Reform nazis.
Rational assertion from the Guardian ?!?!
Allow MP’s to have guns. They can protect themselves.
Just kidding. EVERYONE should have guns so they can protect themselves, their family, their friends, their community, their state (though I don’t think their state has earned it).