It's something millions have died or been incarcerated and ostracised for while
trying to preserve our rights to speak it.
Our friend Leunig seems to sum up the situation with an apt play on words from this version of Voltaire's famous quote, I don't care what you say or how you say it but I'll defend to the death your right to say it...
Thank you Leunig, you are always a joy. And thank you, Keith, for posting this. Why are some so scared of what others have to say? What a blessing freedom of speech is, how hard fought for and how fragile a right it is. And what may seem an unobtainable marvel in some areas of the planet, appears to others an unquestionable right. Let's hope it stays that way for us more fortunate ones.
ReplyDeleteI think Leunig has it right.
ReplyDeleteI don't. And I defend to the death my right to say that....Jennybee
DeleteI appreciate Lueng's satyrical twist on Voltaire's famous quote, but prefer the original.
ReplyDeleteThis is because the Lueng version could be perceived to be the words of a dictator.
Idiots could agree, and gleefully lop the head off the free speaker.
You see freedom of speech really is a contentious issue, as you say, Keith.....Jennybee
The invasion of Gallipoli was NZ,s first large war to fight for our freedoms . Ataturk was a battle commander fighting NZ and our allies .
ReplyDeleteHe eventually became the head of Turkey and wrote these lovely words.
Gallipoli - Memorial at Anzac Cove by Ataturk.
"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives…
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours…
You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace, after having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."
Ataturk, 1934
I wish there were a few more leaders like him .
Thankyou Glovebug. See tomorrow's post...
DeleteLeunig is as beautiful as ever there.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the pedant in me has to point out that the quote oft attributed to Voltaire actually came from his biographer.