tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225056078657116818.post8283778351597393830..comments2023-04-27T13:17:28.693+02:00Comments on TILTING AT WINDMILLS: FREE SPEECH: 10,800 EUROSSANCHOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961367278843285235noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225056078657116818.post-40556801967561733802009-06-02T10:58:15.433+02:002009-06-02T10:58:15.433+02:00Freedeom of speech is a right we in the democratic...Freedeom of speech is a right we in the democratic world tend to take for granted.It is also something which is widely abused, particularly in the media.David Beckham recently said,after being accused of having an affair again, that 90% of what appears in the media about him is false,and if he took the time to deny every allegation he would never have time for anything else.How often do we see newspapers in court being sued for a story which was untrue.Freedom of speech allows any journalist to make any allegation about anyone.If you are not wealthy enough to sue for slander or defemation,then you have little or no comeback.Sr. Barroso has every right to declare himself a republican and state his anti royal opinions.However accusing the King of corruption is a serious issue.If Sr.Barroso decided he didn't like you and at a public meeting said he thought you were a criminal or a paedophile, would you be so tolerant of his right to say so.Would it be fair that you would have to endure a court case and the huge expense that goes with it,to seek redress?Tony Murphynoreply@blogger.com