New crime of blasphemous libel proposed for Defamation Bill - goodbye free speech ?

[jimmyjames]

Talk about a non-sequitor. Why, are you proposing the burn the Irish flag in protest if this bill doesn't get approved?

I think you'll find the issue of flag-burning, while it preoccupies our American brethren, doesn't cause any excitement here. So you'll need another childish analogy to cause some mock outrage.

P.

Ok. If you're willing to prove your hypothesis go out into a public place get some bbq lighter fluid, set fire to the tricolour and see what happens.

[Cato]

Ok. If you're willing to prove your hypothesis go out into a public place get some bbq lighter fluid, set fire to the tricolour and see what happens.

Jimmy, as an issue it rarely comes up. It should not be illegal. However, I would never advise someone to actually attempt to do it in a public place as the may get a little roughed up. And, yes, those who would react to a flag burning with violence should be locked up.

[femmefatale]

Jimmy, as an issue it rarely comes up. It should not be illegal. However, I would never advise someone to actually attempt to do it in a public place as the may get a little roughed up. And, yes, those who would react to a flag burning with violence should be locked up.

But isn't it an act of violence (or violent provocation) in and of itself?

[jimmyjames]

Jimmy, as an issue it rarely comes up. It should not be illegal. However, I would never advise someone to actually attempt to do it in a public place as the may get a little roughed up. And, yes, those who would react to a flag burning with violence should be locked up.

I believe, I could be wrong, it is actually illegal to fly the tricolour after sunset. So where does that leave flag burning?

[Cato]

But isn't it an act of violence (or violent provocation) in and of itself?

Ah Femme, it's hardly an act of violence now is it? Violent provocation? No, I would think not. I am mindful, though, of your comments earlier on this thread about giving succor to those who would abuse Catholics, or in this case nationalists.

I'm not going to rush into an answer on this but the gut says no. I'm back to the whole stoic thing again - why let it bother you? The act says more about the person doing it then I does of you or indeed the state whose flag they are burning.

[jimmyjames]

oceanclub, you are the one stating that there wouldn't be much reaction here if a person burned the national flag in a public place. All I'm asking is that you prove your previous statement with action. Otherwise you should keep your opinion to yourself.

[Cato]

I believe, I could be wrong, it is actually illegal to fly the tricolour after sunset. So where does that leave flag burning?

It's not actually illegal, just against the etiquette, detail of which can be found on the Department of the Taoseach's (sic!) website.

The standard of treatment of the flag is pretty poor in this country. I have, in board moments, written to hotels to point out their lapses in this regard.

[jimmyjames]

It's not actually illegal, just against the etiquette, detail of which can be found on the Department of the Taoseach's (sic!) website.

The standard of treatment of the flag is pretty poor in this country. I have, in board moments, written to hotels to point out their lapses in this regard.

Sorry, got it wrong. Just remembered when on flag duty in secondary school they used to scare us with all sorts of retribution if we left the flag flying after sunset.

[Cato]

You are the one stating that there wouldn't be much reaction here if a person burned the national flag in a public place. All I'm asking is that you prove your previous statement with action. Otherwise you should keep your opinion to yourself.

eh... that was oceanclub, not femme.

[jimmyjames]

eh... that was oceanclub, not femme.

Oops. Thanks for pointing that out.