When I read the headline that a Lib Dem MP is backing the rights of a holocaust denier not to be arrested and extradited from the UK to Germany, I was somewhat concerned. But when I read the full details, it is clear Chris Huhne is right.
It is a fact that holocaust denial is not a crime in this country so it cannot be right to to arrest someone in this country for doing something that is not illegal. Imagine if a country made it a criminal offence to be Buddhist. Would we arrest all Buddhists and extradite them to the country that made them illegal ? The craziness of the situation is brought home when you realise that Poland is seeking to extradite Polish citizens from Belgium using European laws because these Poles have had abortions in Belgium, something that is perfectly legal over there, but illegal in Poland.
There is no denying that the words of Dr Gerald Toben are deeply offensive, shows shocking lack of knowledge and highlight him to be truly repugnant and worthy of everyones' contempt. But as an Australian citizen legally expressing his right to free speech, it is not something he should be arrested for.
Showing posts with label Chris Huhne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Huhne. Show all posts
1/21/2008
A reason to be cheerful that Chris Huhne did not win the Lib Dem leadership ?
It was interesting to read that a front page for the Lib Dems main website had been prepared in case Chris Huhne had won the leadership instead of Nick Clegg. Though given what was produced, it should be a blessed relief that he did not win.
After all, did we want a leader called stuttering Huhne ? After all a leader whose welcome includes the classic phrase "I'm proud to lead a a(sic) party" would have hardly made an auspicious start.
10/20/2007
The first thing to put me off Chris Huhne
The news that Charles Kennedy's old team are backing Chris Huhne has been used by some as a rallying cry for other to back Chris Huhne's leadership campaign. However, I am not so sure.
As I understand it from books, articles ,various newpaper reports and having spoken to people with some knowledge of the issue, some in Kennedy's team when he was leader have to share some responsibility for keeping his alcoholism under wraps. But in doing so, there was a deep problem in the Kennedy camp. The reason why many Lib Dem MP's felt it was time to speak out against Charles Kennedy was the deeply secretive nature of his office, the attempts to cover up the extent and impact his alcoholism was having on him and the party and a real failure to get Charles to confront it and make difficult decisions. As a result, there appeared to be a sense that his office and his team were actually not helping Charles or the Party.
I've been really impressed with Chris Huhne so far, and although I remain undecided, I feel Chris has made the best start of the leading two candidates. However, I always say that you can judge someone by the company they keep. I am not sure I would want to see out leader cossetted, protected and isolated from the truth or the realities of a situation as it appears was the case when Charles Kennedy was in power and his team "protected him" at all costs. However admirable their devotion and loyalty, good friends confront problems, and don't shy away from them.
As I understand it from books, articles ,various newpaper reports and having spoken to people with some knowledge of the issue, some in Kennedy's team when he was leader have to share some responsibility for keeping his alcoholism under wraps. But in doing so, there was a deep problem in the Kennedy camp. The reason why many Lib Dem MP's felt it was time to speak out against Charles Kennedy was the deeply secretive nature of his office, the attempts to cover up the extent and impact his alcoholism was having on him and the party and a real failure to get Charles to confront it and make difficult decisions. As a result, there appeared to be a sense that his office and his team were actually not helping Charles or the Party.
I've been really impressed with Chris Huhne so far, and although I remain undecided, I feel Chris has made the best start of the leading two candidates. However, I always say that you can judge someone by the company they keep. I am not sure I would want to see out leader cossetted, protected and isolated from the truth or the realities of a situation as it appears was the case when Charles Kennedy was in power and his team "protected him" at all costs. However admirable their devotion and loyalty, good friends confront problems, and don't shy away from them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)