BNP Members list leaked on the internet

[Xenophon]

Well that's tricky isn't it, the line is often wide and grey even where it appears to be black and white (no racist pun intended).

i.e. if you outlaw X then perhaps you should outlaw X + 0.01 ? And so on until you outlaw all views

So perhaps the principle of "everyone is entitled to their views" is the best position, regardless of how distasteful others may find those views ?

It is tricky.

I gladly admit that I feel so strongly about this that I lose sight of the "everyone is entitled to their views" stance. That is of course the appropriate, modern-day, democratic view to take.

[Xenophon]

You'd be better off in North Korea. No pesky democratic process there.

I pity your faith in the law and democracy.

[Incognito]

So what? Sinn Fain: bomb-tastic! Now cuddly and wearing suits and ties and everything.

Terrorist Scum

[Xenophon]

BNP has no chance of winning in fair election in this country, their small membership only supports this view - if whoever was near their members list actually found that 5 mln people were in it, and then danger of them winning would be high, then yes maybe, but their list is small, they poll bugger all - talking of Algeria example or any other country is totally unapplicable to this case.

What if they did get in? What would happen to you, AtW?

[Bagpuss]

People are entitled to their views, but from andecdotal and solid evidence there is a disconnect between the party line and what it's supporters belive in. It may not be a racist party but it's a party of racists. Let Mr Griffin spout as much "freedom of speech" as he likes, that doesn't give members carte blanche to intimidate and assault others based on the colour of their skin.

[AtW]

I gladly admit that I feel so strongly about this that I lose sight of the "everyone is entitled to their views" stance.

I find some Labour political views totally unacceptable. Should I be asking people to declare their political membership or whether they even vote for some parties as condition of their employment?

There are courts to decide legal/not legal things. There were lots of attempts to use feelings as means to serve justice and history has shown that this path leads into lots and lots of big problems.

[tay]

This isnt a debate between supporting the BNP and not supporting them.

This is a debate between those who believe in free speech and those who do not.

[AtW]

What if they did get in? What would happen to you, AtW?

Are you serious? They have very little support and no chance to get in, the best they can do is get a few councillors in some places, and even that is for good - if they do anything stupid they can be jailed.

[Platypus]

It is tricky.

I gladly admit that I feel so strongly about this that I lose sight of the "everyone is entitled to their views" stance. That is of course the appropriate, modern-day, democratic view to take.

Of course there are many many thousands of closet racists who get stirred up by "immigrant in 6 bedroom council house with silk curtains" headlines.

What do we do about them? Note their names when such conversation is overheard and publish them too?

[Xenophon]

Are you serious? They have very little support and no chance to get in, the best they can do is get a few councillors in some places, and even that is for good - if they do anything stupid they can be jailed.

You didn't answer.