Elements of these protests are not about water but are designed to undermine democracy. The last time that happened was when people were persuaded that those elected democratically were of little value between the wars. (They may be flawed but they are the choice of the majority in a free election). That undermining of democracy gave rise to fascism and the ultimate denial of rights for everyone. The power was vested in those who could throw the missiles. To see young, especially LGBT people, celebrate the assault on Joan Burton TD and others, and then moan about homophobic attacks, is living proof of the deliberate effect of the true purpose of this form of protest. You pick out a category of person who it is ok to assault or harm, and once this is made acceptable, then more and more categories get included. In Ireland, we are free to debate, disagree and vote but never to assault people in the streets and to prevent their safe passage. The posting of the celebration of assault on democratically elected politicians is a disgrace and is one step away to more people (including LGBT) as the next category to be prevented going about their daily lives peaceably. Smugness, complacency and ignorance cost so many human rights in the 20th century - it is time not to be smug and stand up for democratic values based on respect whether you agree with them or not.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 17:50:48 +0000
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