From: "Jim FRANKLIN", [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[.....]
Regardless of the perceived bias or otherwise of "IG" and Mitch 's points of
view, I think the list would be much the poorer without them. Although email
gives a certain anonimity, it still takes a reasonable strength of character
to defend your opinion at the risk of having it shot at by dozens of very
angry people. Many of their opinions are bound to be coloured by the dregs
of humanity with whom they come into contact daily, so like any group of
"common purpose" there is going to be a feeling of "us and them", just like
all us paranoid shooters have...<g>
[.....]
" I don't like what you say, but I'll die for your right to say it" -
Voltaire.
Whilst many of us would take issue with a lot of what is
said in Cybershooters and any other forum, everyone has a
right to spout his two-pennyworth.
However I draw the line at Crown Servants using their
position to express views on the Law, Policy and further,
making provocative statements to the effect that the general
population abuse their hard won freedom, cannot be
trusted, should be disarmed and controlled "for their
own good".
I would not die in a ditch for the right of any member
of "the Executive", Government, Judiciary, Police, Military
or any appointed or elected person to be able to express
those views. They are not there for that purpose. They
are there as our representives or appointed to positions
of authority in order to execute policies that benefit us.
As a consequence of their position, they relinquish some
of the rights to free expression enjoyed by Joe Public. They
do not have a remit to speak publicly about anything at all,
apart from reporting on day to day matters.
These restrictions should go even further, they should not
even be allowed to discuss or air their opinions within
their own groups, or even hold these opinions. They hold
their positions at our pleasure, and as such are
answerable to every single one of us.
Jim Franklin
Orpington
KENT. UK
PGP key on request
--
I think everyone is entitled to a personal opinion, however
that personal opinion should be kept seperate from a duty
to implement the law as intended by Parliament.
Steve.
Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org
List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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