Freedom of speech

We recently saw the sentencing to imprisonment for seven years of Abu Hamza by a British court for various charges, but mostly for "soliciting to murder". As I understand it, this wasn't about conspiracy to murder, but rather about his preaching. The charges generally read like this:

On a day before May 27 2004 at a public meeting, did
solicit or encourage persons unknown to murder another person or
persons, namely a person or persons who did not believe in the Islamic
faith.

So in other words, he stood up in public and spouted off about whatever bee infested his bonnet (or turban) that day. Should he be in prison for that? I don't think so. Britain has a proud tradition of protecting freedom of speech, and the other freedoms that go to make up a democratic society. We pride ourselves that we'd never have allowed a Hitler or a Stalin to rise to power here. We label as "totalitarian" states that suppress free speech. Now we very publicly imprison a cleric for seven years for standing up in public and making speeches.

The essence of democracy is that you can say what you think. If you cross the line and actually engage in violence and murder, you take the consequences of your actions. Hey - guess what - it's tough to deal with suicide bombers. That's how it is; it's tough. The price of freedom is that you don't sacrifice freedom as soon as someone threatens you.

We've seen all sorts of people getting their knickers in a twist over the demonstrations outside the Danish embassy over the cartoons. People apparently want to see arrests over the waving of a few placards along the lines of "Behead the infidels!". Oh please!

Today - the British parliament has passed a bill which outlaws the glorification of terrorism. Pundits have predicted that when Taoiseach Bertie Ahern visits Britain later this year, he will have to be arrested for having celebrated the Easter Rising.

I just want to get right out and say it. Guy Fawkes was cool. He had the right idea - blowing up parliament. And with gunpowder man! Jeesh! Can anyone remember who exactly he was trying to blow up? See - forget politics, they forget you overnight, but the terrorists, man - they get the glory all right! Go out and blow up a politician right now. Better still - behead the cartoonists. You'll be remembered for all time.

Now who else was there? Bonnie Prince Charlie? Does royalty count?

Let's not forget Bomber Harris. Sound chap there - stiff upper lip - what ho! Good egg.

And here's a shout out to Ronald Reagan and all the brave USAF guys that were involved in dropping bombs on a peaceful city back in 1986. All young people should aspire to such heights.

OK - I'm all glorified-out. Come and get me. Oh shit - I'm not in the UK right now, and neither is this web-site. Will that be a difficulty, or will I just be arrested next time I visit the UK?

Oh - and Bertie! This one's for you:

But the bravest fell, and the requiem bell - Rang mournfully and clear
For those who died that Eastertide - In the springing of the year
And the world did gaze, with deep amaze, At those fearless men and true
Who bore the fight that freedom's light - Might shine through the Foggy Dew.