Who is this Peter Steele GuyGlen Steele? Garie Boardriders life member Steele joined the club in 1982 and is one of the rare breed of surfers who...
# The trouble with "sedition" is that it can be interpreted to cover almost any opinion on any political or religious topic. It is a curb on "free speech", which authoritarian governments can use to stifle viewpoints at variance with their own. Every religion, for example, by its very existence, differentiates the populace into two groups - us, and them. That is, we are the Chosen Race, the One True Faith, or the Faithful of Allah; while you are the Gentiles, the Pagans, or the Infidel. Of course, this aspect can be minimised, or emphasised, depending on circumstances. Politically, and in an Age of Terrorism, viewpoints can vary from real or seeming support for "persons", to complete opposition. "Anti-communism" in the past had similar range of opinion - and the current movie "Good Night, and Good Luck" illustrates the dangers involved. The Law generally, takes action when deeds are committed, rather than when opinion is expressed. This is a prudent measure, as the opposite can result in mob rule and lynch law. However, pre-emption can be needed if there are people plotting dangerous acts, and this was the case historically with the Gunpowder Plot, where the blowing up of the British Parliament was forestalled. Even the current case of "race riots" in Cronulla, have a basis in religion and race, exacerbated by views and opinion. While it is one thing to suppress future acts and views, it is another to examine the causes - and this is where rational discussion and viewpoints are needed. Clamping down on public opinion might seem a good solution, and maybe is insofar as inflammatory comment is concerned, but it is a short sighted atbreastude, as free speech can ultimately solve a problem, while suppression only puts a lid on a boiling pot. Sedition is a useful tool of governments, for their own suspect motives; it makes for conformity, obedience, and "the govt knows best" (which is not always the case). In the case of Singapore, where past racial-religious tensions led to mbuttacre, concern is legitimate; but the Singapore govt also doesn't like dissent, as its treatment of Opposition figures indicates.
