From: Elizaphanian (elizaphanian@tiscali.co.uk)
Date: Sun Mar 16 2003 - 13:04:42 GMT
Hi Andy, Platt,
Just one comment on an aspect of this debate. Andy said:
> Andy: Well, I don't want to pretend I know a lot about the constitutions
> of all European countries. I don't. But, I would guess the UK,
> Netherlands, Sweden, France and Germany all have better protections. I am
> not knowledgable enough to identify these protections, I am only going by
> my experience in these countries, newspaper articles and conversations
> which have given me a general feel. So, I admit I could be wrong.
With respect to the UK, I think you are mistaken. We have less
constitutional protections than US citizens to begin with (eg no home grown
Bill of Rights), and even such rights as we had (eg habeas corpus, trial by
jury) are now being taken away as part of 'anti-terrorist' measures
(although they have been eroded over a number of years, not just since
9/11). Such hopes as may have been raised by the incorporation of European
protections a few years ago now look as if they will be dashed, because the
government - which introduced the European 'bill of rights' into UK law - is
now looking for ways to repeal that protection.
Our governments - of whatever political complexion - seem to take on the
centralising tendencies of 'Whitehall mind', seeking to control as much as
possible. It's fundamentally neurotic - I view it as the senescence of UK
culture. Hopefully there will be a rebirth somewhere along the line.
So, as I say, with respect to the UK I think your point is mistaken. I think
you may be right about some of the other Northern European countries,
though. Perhaps some of our Dutch colleagues could tell us about their
situation? I view Holland as a pretty enlightened place.
Sam
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