The Alethiometer

The Alethiometer arises phoenix-like from the flames of my first ever blog, which I had to close following some rather over the top comments being added by others. Not regarding myself (sticks and stones... and all that), but about other people and I did not want to be associated with those words. For the time being I will mediate the comments facility carefully...

Often, when looking something up on the Internet, a chance link can take you in a completely different direction. I wanted to use a particular quotation regarding free speech in this entry since it was somehow appropriate, given that I had to close my blog down for a while:

"I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it. "

It is attributed to a French Enlightenment writer, who used the pen name (or nom de plume I suppose) of Voltaire. It is worth having a look at some of the other quotes attributed to him as many of them still have tremendous relevance.

Alas, despite being so 'enlightened' Voltaire also chose to voice profoundly racist views, probably in order to justify his own investments in slave-trading. So while I look forward to reading more about him, I'll have that fact at the back of my mind too. Having said that, I was still looking to close this entry with another Voltaire quotation:

"A witty saying proves nothing."

However, I wanted to take these musings on free speech a step further. Speaking our minds directly or broadcasting our thoughts via the multitude of media channels is of course something we take for granted. But as I read of the brutal police attack upon the Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai following a political rally at the weekend, I was reminded how privileged we are to say pretty much what we want, when we want to. Tsvangirai exhibited tremendous bravery as he challenged the Mugabe regime in person, and was no doubt prepared for consequences. Which makes the last comments added to the blog all the more dismaying, as they served no moral purpose and were simply personal, spiteful and anonymous. We all like to gossip, but once words are recorded - especially on the Internet - they take on quite different properties. I found that out myself recently when my own name was googled by others.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, created in 1966 has the following to say on free speech:

"The exercise of the rights [of freedom of expression] ...carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
(a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others;
(b) For the protection of national security or of public order , or of public health or morals."

Both clauses are ones that the press continually choose to ignore by invading the lives of hapless celebrities and offering up their foibles to the world for ridicule (and for their profitability). More significantly, the second clause is brushed aside in the name of 'free speech' despite the inevitable consequences. Consider the repercussions of publishing the cartoons of Mohammad.

So my closing thought is this: The privilege we have to the right to freedom of expression and of speech should be something we value, exercise with care, and never squander.

Eat your heart out Jerry Springer...