Robin Wilton's esoterica

       
 
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08 Aug · Mon 2005

Escalating the 'war on terror'


Given what I said on July 8th, there's really only one thing I can say today: I think the UK government's most recent proposals in reaction to the terrorist attacks are headed in the wrong direction. Tony Blair, just before leaving for his summer hols, announced a range of legislative proposals which, although billed as 'a crackdown on extremism', also happen to read a lot like rather divisive measures set to ensure that specific segments of the population are alienated and expelled. That's a strange reaction to a 'war' which does not acknowledge frontiers, and which in this case was apparently prosecuted by 'home grown' activists. Oh, and they are retrospective. Which raises an interesting point. Hypothetically speaking, suppose that in my 8th July post, I had said something along these lines: "I can understand the logic of suicide bombing in a repressed society with no self-determination, a massively-armed and hostile neighbour state, and therefore no democratic way of influencing your future: but to resort to suicide bombing in a democracy such as the UK seems perverse." That is now being cited as the sort of remark which could lead to prosecution. I think. It might depend on whether you think that remark glorifies or incites terrorism. Come to that, it's not clear to me that I will continue to be safe from prosecution having said it now, albeit as a hypothetical example. " The key to the package is the new climate of recent weeks. As Mr Blair conceded, these powers would have met much stiffer resistance just a few weeks ago, before the London bombings." I think the old principle still has to be true: hasty law is bad law. En-Act in haste, repent at leisure.
Posted by racingsnake @ 10:28 PM GMT+00:00 [ Comments [1] ]

Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art (MMK)


This is a building which I like to visit whenever I get the chance, as much for the building itself as the collections it displays. The architect, Hans Hollein, created a set of interior spaces which vary in size and shape, and in places are every bit as visually engaging as the art on display. One photo can't possibly do it justice, but this might perhaps give you an impression: MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst (Frankfurt am Main)
Posted by racingsnake @ 10:07 PM GMT+00:00
 
 
 
 
 
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Such views as I express in this blog are based on my own opinions, experience and judgements. They do not necessarily represent the policy or views of my employer. It is not my intention to offend readers in any way. If you find anything on this blog offensive, please contact me in the first instance.
Robin Wilton
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