This first appeared as a series of messages on Twitter, and that’s probably where it is best seen. But for those who asked (thank you!) here are my thoughts on Article 10:
A lot of what is going on this week, Aung San Suu Kyi, #twitterjoketrial, @baskers, all comes down to one thing. Freedom of speech.
Now we have members of the London Assembly saying they will suspend the right to protest because they can’t afford to police it.
So I just wanted to say this. My name is David Wales. That doesn’t mean a thing to any one of you.
My name is Gaijin-san. I have a right to freedom of speech. It is not a gift you may revoke if you find it inconvenient or costly.
It is my right and it is guaranteed to me by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. It therefore supersedes your authority.
I will not use disclaimers. Article 10 does not require that I use disclaimers.
I will not tell you when I am making a joke. Article 10 does not require that I tell you when I am making a joke.
I will not moderate my language. FUCK THAT SHIT. Article 10 does not require that I moderate my language.
I will not be intimidated out of my rights by poor application of the law. Article 10 protects me from poor application of the law.
I will not allow you to propagate bullshit about terrorism to keep me scared. I will use my Article 10 rights to inform myself and others.
Freedom of expression is my right, guaranteed to me by Article 10. If you want it you can take it from my cold dead hands.
But if you try, remember #IAmSpartacus. Because my name is Legion, and I am many.
Gaijin-San
Fantastic, really glad you posted this! I was loath to retweet all of them again; much handier this way.
Very well done.
Comment by noodlemaz — November 14, 2010 @ 2:26 pm |
A moving and most honourable declaration. Beutuffuly lucid. Thank you.
Comment by Scotch — November 14, 2010 @ 2:30 pm |
Today we are celebrating those who fought (and died) for our freedoms. We need to keep fighting. Compton was (probably) offensive – but quite amusing. Chambers was (in hindsight) a bit foolish – but very amusing. Voltaire was right. #iamspartacus
Comment by Janice Haigh — November 14, 2010 @ 2:53 pm |
This is amazing. Thank you x
Comment by Crazycolours — November 14, 2010 @ 3:24 pm |
‘scuse me, Gaijinsan, but you may be confusing Article 10 with the First Amendment. Article 10 makes expression a qualified right. Apparantly, I *don’t* have the right to be offensive.
The First Amendment has no such qualification.
I am endowed by my Creator with certain inalienable rights.
You, evidently, are not.
Shame.
Comment by kris — November 14, 2010 @ 3:27 pm |
[...] you can say “Freedom of expression is my right, guaranteed to me by Article 10. If you want it you can tak…< Awesome blog post from [...]
Pingback by Twittersphere Fear… « Mshumphreycushion's Blog — November 14, 2010 @ 5:04 pm |
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Especially the bits about not using disclaimers, or qualifying a joke.
Can we get you along to Westminster Skeptics at some point? I’d like to buy you a beer.
Comment by David J Mudkips — November 15, 2010 @ 2:38 am |
[...] By Charlie Brooker in The Guardian, the ‘Free Speech Manifesto’ by David Wales [...]
Pingback by Cosmodaddy » Blog Archive » Free Speech on Twitter Please! — November 15, 2010 @ 11:26 am |
I whole-heartedly agree with you. Speech is either free or not, and curtailing it only precedes the thick end of the wedge….I am concerned of how our civil liberties will continue to be curtailed. And my moniker is ironic – just to clarify.
Comment by stalinetta — November 15, 2010 @ 11:46 am |
Yea!
Comment by GimpHag — April 15, 2011 @ 8:35 pm |