Now here is a very interesting contrast between France and the UK.

The UK seems to be in the grip of an unreasonable fear of upsetting people.

We could take a lesson from the French.

Lib Dems have been worried that a rational examination of migration might upset migrants, they have been worried that an open discussion of the benefits of the UK membership of the EU might upset those who foolishly think that there is any merit in leaving the EU.

The UK media have decided that it would upset people to see the front cover of Charlie Hebdo, of which 3 million copies are to be printed and distributed. This is undemocratic and unreasonable.

The BBC put out a ridiculous news item which discussed the special issue and had Hugh Schofield showing the centre pages of the journal, but missing out the front page. Sky News cut into and stopped a news item because there was a danger that their interviewee would show a copy of the journal to viewers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30808284

This is sad, and worrying.

The cartoon on the front page of the current issue of Charlie Hebdominal is sensitive and makes a very good point. Only a fanatic would say that it is unreasonable to allow people to see the message of the remaining cartoonists. I reject the idea that fanatics should be able to determine what I can see and read.

There is no problem if you can access the French press. Virtually all the papers in France reproduce the image, and show cabinet ministers buying their copies. Here is one of many examples

http://www.liberation.fr/societe/2015/01/12/mahomet-en-une-du-charlie-hebdo-de-mercredi_1179193

It is time that we all, Lib Dems, and the press stopped being afraid of upsetting people, and moved into an era of open discussion, respecting the views of minorities, but never allowing minorities (or even majorities) to tell us what we are allowed to see, read and do.

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