I WAS glad to read that Joanna Cherry’s Fringe show has been re-instated by The Stand – we need freedom of speech and freedom to debate controversial decisions.
Joanna’s issue with the Gender Recognition Reform Bill is that she believes it should contain more safeguards. She also advocates citizens’ assemblies to debate such controversial issues.
Do social media echo chambers mean we are losing our abilities for reasoned thought and debate? The attitude is – it’s my way or the highway ... no explanation required.
READ MORE: Starmer’s plans won’t help Sarwar’s hopes of recruiting SNP voters
The European Enlightenment in the late 1700s was about the importance of reasoned thought over blind superstitions and ignorant bigotry. Much more should
be taught on this and on philosophy, the arts and history in schools.
Enlightened debate and education are crucial to our future. Lazy thought is not an excuse. Freedom of speech is crucial and central to any democracy.
P Keightley
Glasgow
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel