The Bully State: another viewWednesday March 3, 2010Suzy Dean welcomes The Bully State (“an uncompromising stance on liberty of lifestyle and a rich resource of examples on how government regulation has crept into our private lives”) but wonders whether Brian Monteith’s book is a missed opportunity. The Bully State is published by The Free Society, price £5.99 |
Rules, regulations and old hatThursday February 25, 2010Rules may play a much smaller role than we suppose in health and safety, says Phil Whiteley. So do we really need so many regulations in all areas of our lives? |
Internet censorship is the ultimate curtain call for freedomTuesday February 23, 2010The current drive towards internet censorship, emanating from governments across the world, must be resisted if we are truly to be classed as ‘free’, argues Martin Cullip |
In defence of the cigarette breakTuesday February 16, 2010Increasing proscription around smoking seems to reflect a materialistic attitude towards human life, as though physical health is the only dimension of health, says (non-smoker) Phil Whiteley |
Thirdhand smoke fever - another example of prejudice and propagandaFriday February 12, 2010Chris Snowdon, author of Velvet Glove Iron Fist: A History of Anti-Smoking, explains the “science” behind the latest anti-smoking scaremongering |
Killing thinking: how political correctness taught us what NOT to sayThursday February 11, 2010Dennis Hayes offers a guide to the arguments that academics, including students, use to kill open debate and critical thought |
The blurred distinction between public and privateTuesday February 9, 2010The distinction, if any, between a private and a public space is about to be tested in a Canadian court, reports Martin Cullip, and the outcome will be interesting |
Free speech and the court of public opinion: let the people decideThursday February 4, 2010John Terry’s “crime” was not cheating on his wife, says Suzy Dean, but trying to gag the press using a “super-injunction” |
Reflections on a free society - think about itWednesday February 3, 2010The exhortation “Think!” is not just patronising, says Simon Hills, it’s all to do with bossing us around |
Is banning the burqa compatible with freedom and democracy?Monday February 1, 2010We may not be comfortable with the choices people make, says Karen McTigue, but we must protect their right to make them |