This has moved on a bit since I last read it - To such an extent that I have no idea what direction it is going in now! Surely all the other arguments are secondary. Whether the playright, the theatre or the crowd were right or wrong is all subjective. The only objective, and objectionable, action must be from the 'authorities'. Any state which allows a portion of its populous to blatantly break the law while hitting hard at any other section of the community performing the same illegal acts is discrinatory. Simple as that. To not apply the law purely because the lawbreakers belong to one particular section of the community is a despicable act. Not only have the police and their controling authorities in Birmingham shown themselves to be corruptable by mob rule but they have given ammunition to all the right wing racists who will now be rubbing their hands in glee!

There are many things I object to. In fact most people think me very objectionable;-) But I don't go around threatening violence and destrying the property of the people performing the acts I don't like. Keep a handle on this guys and galls. Don't get so hung up about whether plays are free speach or what constitutes an insult. We will probably never agree. When a real, basic and quantifiable freedom, like the right to not have bricks thrown through your window or to have your very life threatened is not upheld though we can all start to worry:-(

Cheers

DtG