Jaycee asked the question about the Nazi marchers in yesterday's post.
"Are such things legal in your country?"
Sadly, yes they are.
This little gem was from 9 years ago.
Even longer ago than that, when I lived in Midland Michigan, the Klan held a rally on the court house steps. I floated the idea of having a counter rally. In the end, the idea was taken over by some church leaders, and the church that was kind of catty corner from the courthouse set up a prayer service to coincide with that rally. In the end, the church was packed. The Klan Rally wound up being less than a dozen fine fellows who rode into town in the bed of a pickup truck, waving their flags and trying to make a lot of noise.
It was even kind of funny in a very unfunny way.
So yes, Jaycee. Perfectly legal. The question begs an answer though. Does freedom of speech cover people who are trying to marginalize and vilify others? To me, the answer would be a simple 'no'. But there are lawyers who will muddy common sense and turn it into a First Amendment issue.
Ironic.
You see, there's this orange man...
Be good people.
Do good things.
Stick together.
I lived in Sarnia, and there was a kind of friendly sporting venture between us and Midland. So I have been there along with my daughter’s softball team.
ReplyDeleteOh hold on. There is probably another Midland that is not in Michigan. 🤓
DeleteI admit to being hazy about the legality of such things here too, although I am sure that incitement of hatred and violence is illegal in the UK, and possible in Europe too. It seems that, sadly, there are all too many neo-Nazi rallies all over.
ReplyDeleteMy question always becomes, who gets to determine where the line is drawn that determines what is vilification or marginalization of others? What rules can be created to determine how much is acceptable and how much isn't for those who want to protest against anybody else? I haven't seen any real good answers to those questions and so I tend to side with protecting those sorts of things under free speech, even if I personally find them repugnant. I think having someone to play the sousaphone/tuba is a good way to equalize the playing field of having to allow such things under freedom of speech.
ReplyDeleteI just remember the PSB America series about 1930s USA Nazis....it is as if nothing has changed in nearly 100 years
ReplyDeleteIn Ireland we have eejits. I think this is a good description of silly people Debby.
ReplyDeleteI guess hate didn't die it just went into hiding until the Frump made it seem great again.
ReplyDelete