Direct action

Deckard · #1 03-12-2009, 08:16 AM

So the Iraqi journalist hailed as a hero in the Arab world for throwing his shoes at Bush has been jailed for three years.

Here in the UK just a few days ago, police arrested environmental campaigner Leila Deen after an incident in which green custard was thrown at our 'beloved' Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, prompting many Brits to proclaim it as the best thing that's happened all year.

Well...

While I know there's probably no condoning these incidents as such, I find it very hard to condemn them. Sure, if the Iraqi journalist had hurled a brick at Bush, or if Leila Deen had thrown acid on Mandy, we'd be in different territory. But when the intent and outcome is humiliation rather than bodily harm, I have to say, I find it hard to suppress a certain Hah-ha!

That might say as much about me as it does the democratic process, but anyway...

Just curious though - how far do you think direct action is justified - if ever - when democratic means don't seem to get you anywhere?

Strangelet · #2 03-12-2009, 08:18 AM

not only do I not condemn, I condone

nay. applaud.

bryantm3 · #3 03-12-2009, 08:45 AM

the main thing is the lack of reaction from the secret service; if that guy had thrown something harmful, president bush could've been hurt or dead. they should've been on top of that guy and on top of bush the minute after he threw the first shoe.
i'm not sure if i agree with three years in jail, maybe three months.

Rog · #4 03-12-2009, 09:08 AM

for throwing a shoe at someone there's no way you should go to prison at all!!!whoever it is! A chuck out from the meeting and a few stern words would have been more proportional......and wouldn't have caused mass protests later calling the iraqi government american puppets.....which they probably are......

Strangelet · #5 03-12-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantm3

i'm not sure if i agree with three years in jail, maybe three months.

meh. a slap on the wrists.

then a medal.

Sean · #6 03-12-2009, 01:00 PM

Prison time for either case is ridiculous. Maybe some kind of slap on the wrist because the shoe could've caused minor injuries had someone been hit, but really - all these prison sentences do is make the claim of freedom through democracy look bogus.

And of course that's on top of the shameful beating of the shoe thrower while he was initially imprisoned.

dubman · #7 03-12-2009, 03:01 PM

i'm surprised he isnt bloodied senseless, embarassing the prime minister like that.
but then people might actually protest.
dude's gonna be applauded whether he goes to jail or gets set free, but yeah, it's basically stupid to punish the guy.

as far as the custard goes, what was the charge? "illicit pudding projectile"? to hell with them, people get what's coming.

IsiliRunite · #8 03-12-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean

but really - all these prison sentences do is make the claim of freedom through democracy look bogus.

or that expressing your political views by harming someone else is not very democratic?

Juanita Rodriguez · #9 03-12-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IsiliRunite

or that expressing your political views by harming someone else is not very democratic?

I kinda agree with this, but THREE years?

Wonder how release on "good behaviour" works over there?

What about over here too?

Sean · #10 03-13-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IsiliRunite

or that expressing your political views by harming someone else is not very democratic?

Eh - no one was harmed. Except for the guy who threw his shoe that is.