In the UK a judge has got into hot water because he spoke out about UK immigration laws, calling them 'lax' and blaming the government's immigration policy for the huge national debt the UK has to bear.
The comments weren't intended to be racist, but they have caused controversy because judges aren't supposed to make political statements in court. The guy in question was summing up after sending down a Jamaican man for two years, and clearly got a little carried away.
I have always respected those musicians who have the strength of character to make use of their status, and sing of social inequality, human rights abuse, power-hungry corporations and the like. The majority of humans on this planet rely on people in the public eye to air these opinions and get people thinking, and, perhaps, acting.
It saddens me when I turn on the news and see stories of arrests or deportations of those who have dared to speak out, irrespective of whether I agree with their views or not. Free speech is valuable, so long as it is peaceful. My mother used to tell me that words cannot hurt me - perhaps some of our leaders should remember this occasionally!
I'd be interested to know what people think is the greatest 'protest' song. Comment back with your views!
No comments:
Post a Comment