"If you take some of the comments in here seriously, then Hitler's beliefs would still be all around us, because his followers would have the 'right' to kill the Jews"

Ummmm...no. The right to free speech and the right to free action are two different things. One is a fundamental principle of democracy, the other is not.

"or stand on street corners spewing out their hatred."

But they do. Google Casuals United. Or pop over to Codnor next summer.

I think this protest is misguided and in bad taste, but it has every right to go ahead. I do not think it will advance the cause of racial harmony or integration in the UK, so I think it will be unfortunate if it does take place, but that is no reason to stop it.

Freedom of speech is exactly that - it isn't just about defending the stuff you agree with, or your own right to say whatever you like.


"If you don't like this country and it's laws, way of life, and religious beliefs, then find a country you do like and bugger off over there."

Interestingly, that's pretty much how the BNP and groups like Casuals United feel. So how does this attitude sit alongside the concept of free speech? You've proudly announced in the past that you've got Billy Bragg's Progressive patriot on your bookshelf - it would be much more impressive if you'd actually read it, because then you might understand the alternative history of your own county - its history of dissent. Go and see Tony Benn and Roy Bailey's The Writing on the Wall to learn even more about your own proud heritage of dissent, and to find out why these Muslim protestors, while they may not be saying things you like, are continuing a long and deep-rooted British tradition.

You are the most glorious mass of contradictions, Lizzie. On the one hand, you screech and rant at the most insignificant little perceived injustices, and it's all phoning the press and storming the barracades and taking action over inflated water bills in the spirit of Tolpuddle and the like; on the other hand, anyone who doesn't like the way things work in this country should bugger off out of it.

Well, you can't have it both ways. Either you respect the right of others to express their dissent through peaceful protest, or you put a sock in it yourself the next time you get up a head of indignant steam.

Which is it to be?