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A flashback to 2009 today, in light of recent developments in the UK.


Discussion (13)¬

  1. Quine Duhem says:

    A paradox of liberalism: can you tolerate the intolerant? Or, occasionally, the intolerable.

  2. Bvereshagen says:

    If I say something you don’t like I am exercising my right to free speech and must be respected and tolerated. If you say something I don’t like you are engaging in hate speech and must be silenced using the full powers of the state. I think I got that right.

  3. paradoctor says:

    Quine: that’s not a paradox at all. Tolerance is an agreement, not a commandment. It’s a mutually beneficial truce. Break the truce, and the agreement’s off. We should give each other the benefit of the doubt, but beyond that, reason recommends reciprocity.

  4. Rrr says:

    Paradoctor: I can tolerate that opinion, for now.

    I think. It depends.

  5. Son of Glenner says:

    Bvereshagen: You talking to me?

  6. Gargleblaster says:

    Problem is, the intolerant are more likely to win. Tolerant people are more inclined to give in a bit on the demands of the intolerant (“Okay, if I can please them by (not) doing this or that, why not?”).
    Then, the situation, moved a bit more to the side of the intolerant, becomes the new normal and the intolerant start making new demands. Rinse and repeat…

  7. jb says:

    Nassim Nicholas Taleb had some things to say about The Dictatorship of the Small Minority.

  8. James R. Baerg says:

    jb:
    After reading that I almost want to ban kosher halal & non-GMO food.

  9. Dr John the Wipper says:

    James:

    you got the tiger by the tail: “ALMOST” …..

  10. paradoctor says:

    The intolerant, and the unethical in general, always have a tactical advantage. The tolerant and ethical have the strategic advantage. Therefore the issue is decided on logistics, i.e. reason.

  11. Dr John the Wipper says:

    paradoctor:
    I fear you are too optimistic, but I pray you are right.
    Up to you to determine the value of prayer by an atheist….

  12. M27Holts says:

    Freedom of Speech? The only people who seem to be allowed to spout absolute shite, are those projecting their particular religious dogma from the pulpit…how dare you castigate x – thats his religious right and he’s backed up by god you foolish non believer you…..

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