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From: S.R. Rasheed
Category: Reviews of worldwidereview
Date: 04 June 2001
I have been following this debate for some time and with much interest. This attempt at sarcasm although amusing ignores, deliberately I suspect, the validity of Mr Massey's original argument (as I see it). The success of any notion of 'social freedom' in a democracy is, somewhat paradoxically, dependant upon the sacrificing of certain liberties in given circumstances - providing , of course, that this decision is democratically arrived at. This is the whole point of a democracy, surely?- as opposed to totalitarianism. If 'freedom' is not actively maintained/modified in a democracy according to the wishes of the status quo you are left with 'complete freedom' - commonly known as anarchy. And, as the millions of inhabitants of former Eastern Bloc countries will no doubt testify, 'freedom' under any system of government other than a democracy is a pretty laughable idea. I am currently studying part-time at Goldsmith's College London for an MA in Political Science and have found both sides of this ongoing discussion fascinating; it is a credit to an already entertaining website which I stumbled across whilst looking for 'world wildlife fund'! I personally thought the police tactics on Mayday were intelligent and reasonable. i am the first to confess that as a Special Constable in the Surrey Constabulary for over 10 years I am not necessarily the most objective of contributors but must note that the reference to 'foreigners'in the last contribution, although no doubt intended to be a humorous dig at a right wing racist police stereotype, betrays a real ignorance of the caibre of officers that currently serve in the police. The contributor, conspicuosly anonymous, is addressing an issue he clearly does not have any experience of. I myself am of Indian descent and have experienced no such ignorance/hostility from any police officer on account of my ethnicity - as the contributor is suggesting we 'foreigners' should be anticipating. Anyway, congratulations again on a great website!!
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