“I DISAPPROVE of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” That’s probably the most famous quotation in support of free speech and it’s looking pretty ragged today.
Towering tantrums on Twitter, outrage on Instagram, and seething censure on social media generally mean these days it’s often a case of speak out, then dive for cover.
The scope for public debate has narrowed dramatically. This week more than 150 leading figures signed an open letter passionately defending the need for open, honest discussion. Some of those signatories are themselves recovering from the white heat of blistering criticism for saying what they think, the most obvious being Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
This story is from the July 11, 2020 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 11, 2020 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
VILLA HANG ON TO THE DREAM
They get luck of the draw
Farke feeling on top of the world
BOSS' PRIDE AS LEEDS CLIMB TO THE SUMMIT
Mcllroy's relief over peace talks
HOPES THAT LIV AND TOURS CAN DO DEAL
Tourist contractions
Visits to major attractions still below pre-Covid levels
MP's plea: For democracy's sake end trophy hunting
AN MP has urged colleagues to join together to end trophy hunting \"for the sake of democracy\".
'Children don't have the energy to feel hungry'
FAMINE CRISIS HITS ETHIOPIA
Trump warns of bloodbath if he loses vote
DONALD Trump has claimed there will be a \"bloodbath\" if he is not re-elected in November while saying migrants are \"not people\".
Battle to reopen M25 on time after three-day closure
ROAD engineers were last night in a race against the clock to finish work that closed the M25 for three days.
Police launch new Claudia Lawrence appeal 15 years after she vanished
POLICE have marked the 15th anniversary of the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence with a fresh appeal for information.
Prue: It's trifling but I cheat all the time when I cook
GREAT British Bake Off judge Prue Leith has admitted she cuts corners with her own puddings, even confessing \"I cheat all the way\".