THE POTENTIAL purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk so that it will improve free speech is a noble intention but is free speech that easy to protect? There have been many concerns with the use or misuse of twitter by ex-president Trump and others and the banning of Trump does stop the problem but is in itself a breach of free speech.
Social media in its various forms provides a great opportunity for people to express their views but the concern is that some of the views arenāt fit for publication and the question is who gets to decide, or should anyone decide? There are some materials that should be removed from the Internet and generally that falls into the hands of legal authorities.
The quote āI disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.ā from Evelyn Beatrice Hallās biography of Voltaire, is from a time long before social media became so all encompassing. Would so many now be willing to die for something they oppose?
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Enough already
The bombing, and destruction, of a hospital, especially a maternity one is horrendous and without doubt a war crime. None can justify this.
The lack of concern from Putin shows his character and how wrong his actions are.
Someone has to stop Putin, by economics, pressure, isolation, condemnation but not by violence as there has already been too much violence.
Support and pray for Ukraine but don’t fight, let Peace win.
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A marching song
Protests have always been a part of our lives and a keystone of any democracy and so many social issues although of late they have been used by the anti-vaccination groups and a number of fringe groups to cause confusion and havoc.
The authorities have often moved to disperse these protests although as Canada is finding it can be quite difficult to achieve. In Wellington, New Zealand, they have tried a completely new approach, using Barry Manilow songs instead of sending in a riot squad.
The use of music in any conflict is normally to inspire the troops as with the bagpipes although they can scare as well. Rather than using the whole song catalogue perhaps there are a few specific tunes to consider.
“Who let the dogs out?” could be used as a warning for what is coming next or the finale of the “1918 overture” could be the prelude to the arrival of water cannons. A careless choice such as “Eye of the tiger” or “La Marseillaise” could however raise their spirits and cause more resistance.
Perhaps soon the song will be “The sounds of Silence”. (dfitzger@melbpc.org.au)/PN
