Hi AC,

"Maybe many here yourself included just don't see and understand the world in the same way that I've come to understand that it is.
It's a shock to the system and a very hard thing to get ones head around that the world just isn't what we all think it to be."

I agree with you there and think it a good argument for free speech, and as I said before, I think that the sharing of differing opinions are fundamental to the development of knowledge and civilisation. But comment like this

"We could find out what such views, feelings, emotions and positions of these individuals are and remove such people from the system by putting in place an audit - now part of this debate."

goes beyond free speech and into the realm of free thought. The nurses were suspended as a public protection, but as the justice system is about actions rather than thoughts, they might argue their case in court based upon their record of service. That said, their public comments may be found to be a criminal act in their own right, and as convicted criminals they may no longer satisfy the good character requirement for professional registration.

Having free speech is essential in a democracy. We have that freedom with the knowledge that exercising it in the public sphere may constitute a criminal act, but treating one's thoughts in the same manner would be the foundation of an Orwellian Hell. Our private thoughts are our own business. We do not need Nathan's Gestapo.

Well Fester there was a video news clip of a policeman in the UK saying
to a women outside an abortion clinic that she was praying silently to
herself and that he will arrest her for making a silent protest.
I had read of that offense previously but did not believe it.
Kafka is well and truly alive.

Hi NathanJ

In an October forum on banning Nazi symbols, you posted:

“.. people need to be responsible for what they put out, and no we shouldn't have to put up with people who put out lies, misinformation and utter rubbish under some sort of free speech guise …”

And

“I really have no problem with banning nazi acts and symbols. It doesn't all have to be by the Government, but can include people speaking out for example and calling out their appalling behaviour. If some of it is though from government - so be it”

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=10487&page=0#365114

So, have you changed your mind on freedom of expression, or do you think different rules should apply in this case – and if so, why?

Hi Bazz,

There is lots of silly stuff that goes on, like the fellow at King Charles' coronation arrested for shouting "Who voted for him?" or the barrister arrested for holding a blank piece of paper on the basis that he might write something inciteful on it. The only sense I can make of those instances is from the perspective of them being interactions. And don't forget AVOs: Getting too close to a monkey can be a grave risk.

Hi Fester,

"We could find out what such views, feelings, emotions and positions of these individuals are and remove such people from the system by putting in place an audit - now part of this debate."

- Yes I agree, I don't think we need a Gestapo in Australia.
Things are bad enough already, and once you start down that path, where will it end?

I don't mean to be disagreeable to NathanJ.
I think I've come as close as one can get to having some understanding and consideration for the Sydney nurses and their potential frustration with the war in Gaza and their view of things as Muslims, but they said the wrong things, even if it was only said in the heat of the moment.

I hope they aren't punished too harshly if charged, it just gives Muslims more reason to have animosity towards us.
So long as no real harm was done, I think that should be the end of it - or if they are charged, a minimal sentence and a stern warning.
As I said earlier the loss of their careers is fairly tough punishment as it is, but they really left us with no other choice.

Hi Bezza,
I heard about a different story about the same issue.

Praying man breached abortion clinic safe zone
http://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g9kp7r00vo

"Poole Magistrates' Court heard the former serviceman had his head bowed and hands clasped outside the British Pregnancy Advisory Service in Ophir Road.
The court was told he had been praying for his unborn son, who he said died from abortion 22 years ago."

From what I'm told if you live in a house that is within this safe zone, you may be risking being charged even if praying within your own home.

The UK is heading towards economic collapse.
Things could get really ugly there in the near future, if things weren't bad enough there already.

I wonder if Netanyahu will bomb Nasrallahs funeral tomorrow, just to get the war fired up again.