it is not too often that i always agree with Steve zara, well actually that's not true, theres really one or two points where i disagree with him.

however, i agree with his early comments reagarding allowing opinions to be voiced within the law etc., for free speech is an extremely important and fundamental basis on which we can have a democracy -whatever that really means-.

Anyway, there is a caveat, with free speech as with power comes responsibility. There is no such thing as true free speech, Germany had made holocaust denial illegal for instance, and we are not allowed to say certain things or "incite" violence etc.

Steve is correct (of course), any opinions voiced must be backed up by some reason (however flawed it may be) and be within the law, it is this which helps promotes discussion, opinion and sometimes an evolution of thought and ideas.