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It was disappointing that Free Speech was entirely in the context the Trans issue-others who had been denied Free speech should have been invited eg those who spoke against masks, school closures, vaccines for children, vaccine passports, medical tyranny and who campaigned for the right to work.

The issue of Free Speech is entirely in the wider context of democratic freedom and human rights/civil liberties--the denial of rights to go to church, school, work, travel, publish,assemble.

The inability to get answers from any politician and/or civil servant has been a stunning revelation to me.

And the pressure to self silence—the stress caused by the speaking against the party line in church, board or other gatherings is enormous. Only this morning I was looked at with horror in church after I said I was not vaccinated nor have I ever worn a mask and when I went on to say it was a disgrace that churches schools and doctors’ surgeries were closed….excommunication followed.

These are the issues I went there to debate. Yet we had 6 speakers all of whom referred to the Trans issue—this issue is an example only of a much much broader issue as above.

He did appear to accept that the people, the finance and the philosophy were still in place and the revolving door for politicians and CEs. He was non committal on the need to hold those responsible to account—the programme Mr Bates v The Post Office and the behaviour of the management epitomizes all that is wrong. Outlast and outspend the little guy and in the end “you” will be ok, because the law appears to be only enforceable on those who run out of money.

In terms of organisaton—the sound was poor, no questions were actually addressed to nor answered by the panel.

Very frustrating. At least we enjoyed the 19th hole.!

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Thanks for that writeup. On reading the article initially, I thought I might have missed something. It seems not. As part of a research thread I've put up my thoughts on a modern version of Plato's Cave. Apologies for the blatant promotion. I'd be up for a Free Speech Event anytime.

https://richarda697.substack.com/p/plato_and_his_cave_updated

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Jan 29Liked by Jeffrey Peel

I didn't attend the evening as I only heard about it last minute and had a course to attend, but by the sounds of your summary and Hugh McCarthy's comments I didn't miss anything enlightening. You and Hugh should organise a real Free Speech Union event. I think it would unite the folk of Norn Iron on many fronts. I for one wouldn't miss it.

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There may be something in that idea.

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Jan 28Liked by Jeffrey Peel

Hmm and there was me considering joining the Free Speech Union. Yet another thing to reconsider.

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Really well put, and just what I have been observing myself for sometime now. The focus of these right leaning progressive elites aligns with ideological themes only and fails to address, never mind challenge, the overall large corrosive and destructive government, bureaucratic and corporate narrative shaping propaganda and censorship . As you rightly outline, the egregious covid authoritarianism, ongoing harms and failure to address jab injuries etc are prime examples of a cherry picking approach to free speech.

Really concerned to hear of your experience and comments from the event and the absolute hypocrisy of Young who like Dodsworth is unable to view the Middle East crisis through a humanitarian lens. As you say they observe through a small slit and that, in itself, is now more visible to me, and perhaps many others more than ever. As a financial supporter I now think my efforts have been misplaced.

Thank you for your insight.

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Many thanks. Much appreciated.

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