A comment springing from deep fears, it seems to me.
I'd say no one can be safe if a group of us take upon the job to declare what is fascism (a term that has moved from its historical roots to strange new worlds) and to censure those who express opinions fitting such definition of fascism.
Wayne is not only a brave man in matters of justice, but indeed he has the courage of true intelligence.
Agreed. It seems that the problem of curbing this obvious growing fascist movement could best be served by the enforcement of existing laws. I mean the vigorous and aggressive enforcement of laws that prevent slander, libel, incitement to violence, harassment, threats, assault, battery, intimidation, abuse, vandalism, etc. Of course, the greater problem lies with the collusion of policing and judicial members refusing to enforce said laws. THAT creates a serious crisis for a civil society. When existing laws are not enforced the "law of the jungle" takes over. Censuring speech, that is not in violation of existing laws, only fuels the agendas of those wanting to falsely claim that they are the victims.
Fascism is often in the eyes of the beholder. Russia and Putin believe Ukraine is a fascist state. Does that justify their invasion? For a similar reason, we have to be careful about saying "fascist ideas" are a grounds for banning speech.
Tolerating fascism means no one is safe 😞
A comment springing from deep fears, it seems to me.
I'd say no one can be safe if a group of us take upon the job to declare what is fascism (a term that has moved from its historical roots to strange new worlds) and to censure those who express opinions fitting such definition of fascism.
Wayne is not only a brave man in matters of justice, but indeed he has the courage of true intelligence.
Agreed. It seems that the problem of curbing this obvious growing fascist movement could best be served by the enforcement of existing laws. I mean the vigorous and aggressive enforcement of laws that prevent slander, libel, incitement to violence, harassment, threats, assault, battery, intimidation, abuse, vandalism, etc. Of course, the greater problem lies with the collusion of policing and judicial members refusing to enforce said laws. THAT creates a serious crisis for a civil society. When existing laws are not enforced the "law of the jungle" takes over. Censuring speech, that is not in violation of existing laws, only fuels the agendas of those wanting to falsely claim that they are the victims.
Very good points all around.
But I'd especially focus on this:
Fascism is often in the eyes of the beholder. Russia and Putin believe Ukraine is a fascist state. Does that justify their invasion? For a similar reason, we have to be careful about saying "fascist ideas" are a grounds for banning speech.
Apologies, my initial comment may have been phrased in an overly broad way.
Tolerating hate speech means no marginalized community is safe. Make nazis unacceptable again